Kia Sportage vs Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4
The Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are three of the most shopped compact SUVs, and all three are sold in Victorville. This guide compares the Sportage and CR-V against the current RAV4 using each manufacturer’s published information, and explains where each one tends to fit a High Desert driver.
About This Comparison
Toyota has not published specifications for a 2027 RAV4, so we compare the Sportage and CR-V with the 2026 RAV4, which is the current model. Figures may change if Toyota announces differences for 2027. Sportage figures come from Kia, CR-V figures from Honda, and RAV4 figures from Toyota’s 2026 information as published by our sister store and Toyota dealers. Fuel economy is shown as listed and is for comparison only.
The Sportage, CR-V and RAV4 at a Glance
| Category | 2027 Kia Sportage | 2027 Honda CR-V | 2026 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrains | 2.5L gas, 1.6L turbo hybrid, plug-in hybrid | 1.5L turbo gas, 2.0L two-motor hybrid | 2.5L hybrid, plug-in hybrid |
| Hybrid power | 232 hp, 271 lb-ft | 204 hp total system | 226 hp FWD, 236 hp AWD |
| Plug-in hybrid | 268 hp, 34 mi electric range (preliminary), AWD standard | Not offered | Up to 52 mi electric range, per Toyota |
| Hybrid combined mpg, FWD | 41 | 40 | 43 |
| Hybrid combined mpg, AWD | 35 | 37 (TrailSport 35) | 38 to 42, by trim |
| Gas model | Yes, FWD or AWD | Yes, 190 hp | No, hybrid only |
| Cargo behind the second row | 34.5 to 39.5 cu ft, by floor position | 39.3 (gas), 36.3 (hybrid) cu ft | 37.8 cu ft, per a published review |
| Ground clearance | 8.3 in (Hybrid, most trims) | 7.8 in FWD, 8.2 in AWD | Not listed for the standard model |
| Towing | Ask us; not listed for hybrid or plug-in | 1,500 lbs (gas), 1,000 lbs (hybrid) | 3,500 lbs AWD, 1,750 lbs FWD |
Fuel economy figures are EPA or manufacturer estimates for comparison purposes only, and your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle. Towing varies by configuration; see the Owner’s Manual. Specifications are as listed by each manufacturer and may change.
Powertrains and Choice
The Sportage is the only one of the three with a gas model, a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid all on offer. The CR-V offers a gas model and a hybrid. The RAV4 is hybrid only, with a plug-in hybrid also available. If you want a plug-in, the Sportage and RAV4 are the two to compare; Toyota estimates up to 52 miles of electric range, and Kia’s preliminary estimate for the Sportage Plug-in is 34 miles. A plug-in’s electric range goes unused if you cannot charge at home or work.
Fuel Economy
As listed, the RAV4 Hybrid has the highest combined ratings of the three in both drive types, and the Sportage Hybrid with front-wheel drive is rated one mpg higher than the CR-V Hybrid at 41 against 40. With all-wheel drive, the CR-V Hybrid is rated at 37 and the Sportage Hybrid at 35. Highway ratings differ from the combined number, so for long runs on the 15, look at the highway column for the exact trim before you decide.
Space, Clearance and Towing
- Cargo: Kia lists 34.5 to 39.5 cubic feet behind the Sportage Hybrid’s second row, depending on floor position, and 65.4 to 73.7 behind the first row. Honda lists 39.3 and 76.5 on the gas CR-V and 36.3 and 71.8 on the hybrid. A published review of the 2026 RAV4 reports 37.8 behind the rear seats; confirm with Toyota.
- Ground clearance: Kia lists 8.3 inches on most Sportage Hybrid trims and 7.1 on the LX. Honda lists 7.8 inches with front-wheel drive and 8.2 with all-wheel drive.
- Towing: The RAV4 is listed at 3,500 lbs with all-wheel drive. Honda lists 1,500 lbs for the gas CR-V and 1,000 lbs for the hybrid. Kia’s figure for the Sportage Hybrid and Plug-in is not in the information we used, so ask us for the number on the trim you want.
Which One Fits Your Drive?
The Sportage may fit if you want a choice of gas, hybrid or plug-in, a standard all-wheel-drive plug-in, or an AWD Terrain Mode. The CR-V may fit if you want a gas turbo or hybrid with Honda Sensing on every trim. The RAV4 may fit if hybrid fuel economy and towing matter most.
All three can be a good fit, and the best way to decide is to drive them. Valley Hi Kia, Valley Hi Honda and Valley Hi Toyota are sister stores in Victorville. See our Sportage guide, our RAV4 guide, and the Honda CR-V inventory.
What else do High Desert shoppers ask about the Sportage, CR-V and RAV4?
Does the Kia Sportage come as a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?
Yes. Kia offers the Sportage as a gas model, a Hybrid with 232 hp and a Plug-in Hybrid with 268 hp. Valley Hi Kia has 2027 and 2026 Sportage models on the lot, and availability varies by trim and powertrain, so call ahead to ask what is in stock.
Which gets better gas mileage, the Sportage, CR-V or RAV4?
As listed, the RAV4 Hybrid has the highest combined ratings of the three, at 43 mpg with front-wheel drive. The Sportage Hybrid is listed at 41 and the CR-V Hybrid at 40 with front-wheel drive. Ratings are for comparison only.
Which has a plug-in hybrid?
The Sportage and RAV4 both offer a plug-in hybrid. Kia’s preliminary estimate for the Sportage Plug-in is 34 miles of electric range, and Toyota estimates up to 52 miles for the RAV4 Plug-in. The CR-V does not offer a plug-in hybrid.
Which has the most ground clearance?
Kia lists 8.3 inches on most Sportage Hybrid trims, and Honda lists 8.2 inches on the all-wheel-drive CR-V. We did not find a figure for the standard RAV4.
Can I test drive them in Victorville?
Yes. Valley Hi Kia, Valley Hi Honda and Valley Hi Toyota are all in Victorville. Call Valley Hi Kia at (760) 955-0046 to ask about availability, and call ahead to confirm the models you want to see.
More from the Valley Hi Kia blog: model guides, comparisons, hybrid and EV tips and High Desert driving advice.
See the Sportage in Person
Valley Hi Kia has 2027 and 2026 Sportage models on the lot, and this guide covers the 2027. Ask us how a 2026 differs. Visit Valley Hi Kia at 14644 Valley Center Dr, Victorville or call (760) 955-0046 to ask which trims and powertrains are available.
Fuel economy figures are EPA or manufacturer estimates for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage varies. Plug-in electric range is a preliminary estimate and varies with conditions. Driver assistance features do not replace attentive driving. Specifications are as listed by Kia, Honda and Toyota and may change.
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