Comparing the 2017 Toyota RAV4 to the 2017 Kia Sportage.

If you're in the market for a compact sport utility vehicle, you may find yourself slightly overwhelmed with all the seemingly similar models on the market today. There certainly is no shortage of options in the segment, but while the offerings may seem similar, there are certain aspects of the 2017 Toyota RAV4 that elevate it above the competition. One of the models commonly compared to the RAV4 is the Kia Sportage. Keep reading to see a few reasons why the RAV4 comes out ahead.

• Fuel Economy: SUVs, even compact ones, are generally bigger than your average sedan. And with more weight to haul around, fuel economy tends to take a hit, so an efficient engine is important. While advances in fuel efficiency have been made across the segment, the 2017 RAV4 is still a step ahead of the Sportage. With its EPA-estimated efficiency ratings of 24 city and 31 highway, compared to Sportage's 22 and 29, the Toyota RAV4 allows you to go farther.
• Cargo Room: One of the advantages of owning an SUV is that, in general, you have more room for both people and their cargo needs. Whether you're headed to the mountains, band practice, the grocery store, or downtown, the 2017 RAV4 has more space for your daily adventures. Its 101.9 cubic feet of passenger volume is greater than the Sportage's offering of 98.6 cubic feet. When it comes to cargo area, the RAV4 handily wins that matchup as well, boasting 73.4 cubic feet to the 60.1 cubic feet of the Sportage.
• Hybrid Availability: This is pretty self-explanatory. The 2017 RAV4 is available as a hybrid that boasts a fuel economy rating of 34 mpg. The Sportage has no such option.