Kia Sportage Hybrid Vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Opinions wanted please.

I can't comment on the Sportage Hybrid because I've never driven one but have owned 3 diesel Sportages - all excellent machines. I think they use a Dual Clutch set up on the Hybrids which I've never been a fan of in general - jerky gearchanges, slow to respond etc. The driving experience of the Rav4 will be much smoother and more refined in comparison. It's a 2.5 petrol and hybrid CVT carried over from Lexus and is super to drive.

Best advice I can give you is get into both cars and take them for extended test drives, ideally for a day and compare them then.

Yeah would broadly agree with sumo12's advice. Would disagree on the dual clutch auto. Have owned and driven cars with this auto and find them fine. Certainly no worse than the VAG DSG set up and probably better. The Toyota CVT is great once you can get over what sounds like excessive reving of the engine on acceleration. This is deliberately set up this way for efficiency purposes but can take a little getting used to.

Also, back to your own post. True that Toyota have more experience in hybrid tech and have pioneered it. However, Kia/Hyundai aren't new to the game. They have had it in Ioniqs, Konas, Niros now for quite a while. In terms of reliability, you also have a much longer warranty with Kia.

Would happily own either and probably comes down to personal choice and the deal you are getting.

The rear seat belt issue in the Sportage, is a non issue for me. You can also switch on your rear view camera while driving if you need extra visibility with three passengers in the back.

That is weird! Never seen that before.

Mitsubishi Outlander had the same set up for the middle seat.

Have seen it before myself but can't remember in what car. How did you find it in the Outlander?

I personally can't see this is a thing that would influence my purchase. It is one of those items that carwow have to highlight in their five things we like/don't like. Reflects well on the car if it is one that is highlighted as a dislike.

OP are you getting a normal hybrid? or a phev? the RAV4 phev is 10 k more, not really worth it IMO, the KIA difference is less between hybrid and phev, 3000 euro between them, for the K3, the k4 its 5500 euro, but now your nearly up to rav4 phev territory, with Toyota you have a 10 year battery warranty,

Have you checked out the Hyundai Tucson?

The Tucson Hybrid engine and hybrid system is the same one used in the Sportage.

Hi MM,

Congrats on your RAV4!

What's the wait time for a brand new one?

I just received mine here in Australia. I was waiting 18 months.

I'm curious if this is just an Australian or global shortage.