Compare the2026 Toyota Rav4VS 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Rav4 has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Rav4 and the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

The Rav4’s 5 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid runs out after 100,000 miles.

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Rav4 for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

There are over 55 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Kia dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Rav4’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 34 more problems per 100 vehicles, Kia is ranked 11th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota third in overall reliability. Kia is ranked 9th.

The Rav4’s optional 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 63 more horsepower (324 vs. 261) than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the Rav4 running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid running its gasoline engine:

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid SE/XSE can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 52 miles. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has to start its internal combustion engine after only 30 miles.

Regenerative brakes improve the Rav4’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The Rav4 has 2.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (14.5 vs. 12.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Rav4 has a standard locking fuel door and a locking charge port and which locks and unlocks with the power locks, respectively. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t have a locking charge port. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank and a locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

The Rav4 has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid are solid, not vented.

The Rav4 XSE’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Rav4 XSE has standard 20-inch wheels. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

For better maneuverability, the Rav4’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s (36.9 feet vs. 37.9 feet). The Rav4 GR Sport’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s (37.3 feet vs. 37.9 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Rav4 GR Sport has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (7.5 vs. 6.9 inches), allowing the Rav4 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Rav4 Woodland’s minimum ground clearance is 1.6 inches higher than on the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (8.5 vs. 6.9 inches).

The Toyota Rav4 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 to 1000 pounds less than the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

The Rav4 is 8.6 inches shorter than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, making the Rav4 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Rav4 has a much larger cargo volume than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid with its rear seat up (37.8 vs. 12.6 cubic feet).

Maximum trailer towing in the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is limited to 2000 pounds. The Rav4 offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Rav4 uses the Vehicle Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Rav4 Limited/XSE Plug-In Hybrid offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Rav4’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Rav4 the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Toyota Rav4 stands out above the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid by offering not one, but two Qi-compatible phone chargers. This convenience helps travelers with multiple devices to keep powered up on-the-go. Wireless charging eliminates lost or cluttered charging cables and one of them provide more flexibility.

The Rav4 (except LE/SE/XLE)’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Rav4 is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The Toyota Rav4 outsold the Kia Sorento by over five to one during 2024.