2016 Kia Sportage vs. 2016 Toyota RAV4

Crossover vehicles (also known as small SUVs) like the 2016 Kia Sportage and the 2016 Toyota RAV4 are proof that a lot has been put into this class of vehicle. And with great power comes great responsibility; thankfully, these vehicles don't disappoint. The 2016 Kia Sportage is a fantastic blend of power, drivability and value, and here's a few benefits right off the bat: A fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway in base FWD models and a curb-to-curb turning circle of 34.8 feet, which matches what most sedans can do.

The 2016 Kia Sportage also can tow up to a ton - or 2,000 pounds - and churns out a fine amount of power, with 182 horsepower in base models and a maximum of 260 HP in top-of-the-line SX models. Simply put, the 2016 Sportage will make it easier for getting on the highway and making a quick getaway when city lights turn green, and it can tow a nice amount of weight for a small SUV.

These are all nice numbers for a crossover vehicle, but for your consideration we'd like to present our Friendly Kia VIP Price for the 2016 Kia Sportage, which begins at $18,025 for base models. Compare that with the 2016 Toyota RAV4's cost of $24,525 at the competition and you're saving around 33 percent with a Sportage, a vehicle which not only is more affordable but filled with significantly more value and power.

The Sportage is superior to the 2016 RAV4 in towing and sheer power, as the 2016 RAV4 can only tow up to 1,500 pounds and achieves a peak HP of 176 in all three model options. So whether you like to hear the roar of the engine or the ability to move heavy items, the 2016 Sportage is the clear winner. The 2016 Sportage can also fit a large chunk of cargo, with 54.6 cubic feet of room in back. The 2016 Toyota RAV4 gets a close win in fuel economy, with 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway in base FWD models, and it has the same 34.8-foot turning radius as the 2016 Sportage, but the Sportage has a clear edge in towing, power and overall quality and still notches 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway. Just ask the experts and other drivers about the 2016 Kia Sportage's merits; it was named "Highest Ranked Small SUV in Initial Quality" by J.D. Power in its 2016 Initial Quality Study*.

*Disclaimer: The Kia Sportage received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among small SUVs in the J.D. Power 2016 Initial Quality Study, based on 80,157 total responses, evaluating 245 models, and measures the opinions of new 2016 vehicle owners after 90 days of ownership, surveyed in February-May 2016. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com