As the battle for supremacy in the 2025 compact SUV segment heats up, the Kia Sportage and the Toyota RAV4 are emerging as two top contenders. While both models boast eye-catching looks and engines with similar displacement, each has unique features that might appeal more to certain drivers.

Passenger Comfort

While the 2025 Toyota RAV4 and the 2025 Kia Sportage both offer refined cabins, the latter has an edge in passenger comfort. The Sportage offers a headroom of 39.6 inches in the front row and 39.4 inches in the rear. Meanwhile, the RAV4 has a headroom of 37.7 inches in the front row, which makes it a bit more cramped compared to the Kia. However, to its credit, its rear row feels a lot more spacious than its front, with 39.5 inches of headroom.

Legroom is another plus on the Kia. You get 41.4 inches of legroom in the Kia's front row, while the rear row offers 41.3 inches. By contrast, Toyota's RAV4 only gives you 41 inches of legroom in the front row and a meager 37.8 inches in the rear.

Cargo Capacity

The 2025 Kia Sportage also trumps this year's RAV4 in cargo space. When all the seats are in place, the Sportage offers a maximum of 39.6 cubic feet of trunk space, while lowering the rear seats expands it to 74.1 cubic feet. The RAV4, in contrast, offers an impressive 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, increasing to 69.8 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. A fair showing from Toyota, but the Sportage pulls ahead with its increased room for all of your luggage.

While the 2025 Kia Sportage and the RAV 4 are excellent off-roaders, the Kia edges out the RAV4 with its roomier cabin and generous trunk space. Families looking for a more affordable compact SUV will definitely want to stick to the Sportage to better hold their belongings. If you're interested in learning more about this model, why not continue by reading our 2025 Kia Sportage Model Research?