Compare the Kia Sportage to The Competition - Madison Heights, MI

Kia Sportage vs. the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and Chevy Equinox: Compare Compact Crossovers in Madison Heights

First debuted in the mid-90s, the Kia Sportage helped pioneer the compact crossover segment. Three decades on, the Sportage is one of the most compelling and well-rounded models in the industry's most competitive class, offering spacious accommodations, versatile cargo capacity, and a plethora of amenities and tech. With a bold redesign for its fifth generation, the new Kia Sportage models at our Madison Heights dealership deliver a complete package that's tough to top. Here's a quick look at how it compares in a few key areas to three prominent competitors, the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and Chevy Equinox.

Kia Sportage vs. Toyota RAV4

  • You and your passengers will enjoy more personal space inside the Kia Sportage, which offers more headroom and legroom than the Toyota RAV4. Rear-seat occupants, in particular, will appreciate the Sportage for its extra 3.5 inches of legroom.
  • Extra cargo-carrying capability is one of the primary benefits of choosing a crossover, and the Kia Sportage certainly delivers. It has one of the segment's roomiest storage areas, with 39.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 74.1 cubes with the rear seats folded. The Toyota RAV4's cargo area measures 37.6-69.8 cubic feet.
  • While both models come standard with 8-inch infotainment screens, stepping up to any Sportage trim above the base model gets you a large 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and Kia Connect. The RAV4's largest touchscreen is a 10.5-inch display, and it's only available on the higher trim levels.

Kia Sportage vs. Ford Escape

  • While both models are impressively roomy compact crossovers, the Kia Sportage holds the edge in rear legroom, with 41.3 inches to the Ford Escape's 40.7 inches.
  • The Sportage and Escape have similar base performance numbers, with the Sportage making 187 horsepower to the Escape's 180. Both models also offer a plug-in hybrid variant, the Sportage PHEV with 34 miles of electric range and the Escape with 37. However, the Sportage PHEV's 261 horsepower far outguns the Escape PHEV. And while the Sportage PHEV comes standard with all-wheel drive, the Escape PHEV doesn't offer it at all.
  • The Kia Sportage makes many appealing amenities more accessible than the Ford Escape. Features like heated seats, a hands-free liftgate, a larger infotainment touchscreen, and a fully digital gauge cluster are all available at lower price points in the Sportage. The Sportage also offers features you won't find anywhere in the Escape lineup. Examples include ventilated front seats, a Blind-Spot View Monitor camera system, and Highway Driving Assist.

Kia Sportage vs. Chevy Equinox

  • While the Chevy Equinox offers a roomy rear seat, its 39.9 inches of rear legroom still falls short of the Sportage's 41.3. The Sportage also has the advantage in front legroom, front and rear hip room, and front and rear shoulder room.
  • The Kia Sportage's 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space dwarves the Chevy Equinox's 29.8 cubic feet. The difference is even more pronounced with the rear seats folded, as the Sportage boasts 74.1 cubic feet to the Equinox's 63.9.
  • The Kia Sportage is available in three engine variants. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 187 horsepower, while the Sportage Hybrid has a battery-assisted 1.6-liter turbo-four making 227 horsepower. You can also get a plug-in hybrid with a stout 261 horsepower and an estimated 34 miles of electric-only range. The Chevy Equinox has only one engine option: a 1.5-liter turbo-four rated at 175 horsepower.

Visit Our Madison Heights Kia Dealership Today

If you're considering any of the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, or Chevy Equinox SUVs for your Michigan drives, make the trip to Kia Golling and check out what the new Kia Sportage has to offer instead. With more tech, interior space, and luxury features available than its closest competitors, the Sportage is a compelling choice for your adventurous Michigan lifestyle. Plus, with a range of new Kia specials available, our in-house financing team can get you behind the wheel of a new Kia model at a price you'll feel great about.

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  1. Golling Kia of Madison Heights

    700 E. 14 Mile Road
    Madison Heights, MI 48071

    • Sales: 248-951-1900
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  • Contact our Sales Department at: 248-951-1900
  • Monday9:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Tuesday9:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Wednesday9:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Thursday9:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Friday9:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Saturday10:00AM - 3:00PM
  • SundayClosed