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The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is considered one of the best SUVs on the market. It deserves this title of excellence, but several other vehicles rival it. The 2023 Kia Sorento is one of those comparable vehicles with similar performance and interior. The 2023 RAV4 may be a compact SUV while the Kia Sorento is small mid-size, but these vehicles are rivals in three significant ways. 

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offers similar performance to the Kia Sorento

2023 Toyota RAV4 is one of the best compact SUVs
2023 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offers pretty good performance for the compact SUV section of the car world. Comparatively, the 2023 Kia Sorento is similar, partly because it’s a smaller mid-size SUV than many of its competitors. According to Car and Driver, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a maximum output of 203 hp. It can either be front or all-wheel drive. Of course, there is also a well-regarded RAV4 Hybrid.

The Kia Sorento also packs a good punch with its engine. It comes equipped with a 191 hp 2.5-liter inline-four engine. However, the automaker also offers a turbocharged version that makes 281 horsepower. The 2023 Kia Sorento uses an eight-speed automatic transmission. This small, mid-size SUV also has a hybrid option, which uses a six-speed automatic transmission.

The two SUVs also rival each other in speed. The Kia Sorento is the faster of these two small SUVs, with an acceleration time of a little over 7 seconds for 0 to 60 miles per hour. However, the turbocharged version does it in about 6.7 seconds. It takes a little over 8 seconds for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 to reach 60 mph.

The 2023 Kia Sorento has a bigger but overall similar interior

2023 Kia Sorento interior. One of the best small mid size SUVs
2023 Kia Sorento | Kia

The real difference between the 2023 Toyota RAV4 and the Kia Sorento shows up when it comes to their respective interiors. Despite being so similar in size, the 2023 Kia Sorento has three rows and offers more space. It’s like the perfect blend of compact and mid-size SUVs. It seats up to seven passengers, whereas the compact RAV4 seats five. The Kia Sorento also has an arguably more attractive interior.

Despite the difference in interior size, the two SUVs rival each other regarding their use of technology. The 2023 Sorento has a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen that can be upgraded to a 10.3-inch. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 comes with the same standard size, but advanced trims have a 10.5-inch screen. Both SUVs have pretty great add-ons.

Simular reliability scores

2023 Kia Sorento from passenger side. Small SUV
2023 Kia Sorento | Kia

The latest Sorento and the 2023 RAV4 from Toyota also rival each other because of their respective predicted reliability scores. The Sorento beats the RAV4 a little bit with its J.D. Power assigned 83 out of 100 rating. The RAV4 has a similar 81 out of 100 for overall reliability. These are both respectable numbers if they hold. In general, both SUVs are expected to last about 200,000 miles without serious issues.

The Kia Sorento has the ability to serve different needs with its additional seating. However, it’s a small enough SUV that it’s more similar to the 2023 Toyota RAV4 than most would assume. These two vehicles are also relatively similarly priced.

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