Toyota 4Runner vs. Kia Sportage
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota 4Runner and Kia Sportage contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Toyota 4Runner and the Kia Sportage.
When we compare the Toyota 4Runner's and the Kia Sportage's specifications and ratings, the Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Kia Sportage has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Toyota 4Runner's and the Kia Sportage's specifications and ratings, the Toyota 4Runner is a better car than the Kia Sportage.
Pricing: A used 2024 Toyota 4Runner ranges from $44,999 to $59,806 while a used 2024 Kia Sportage is priced between $28,546 to $38,671. For a new model, the Toyota 4Runner's price is between $44,699 and $58,164, with the Kia Sportage priced between $29,294 and $39,594.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota 4Runner loses 29.1 percent of its value and the Kia Sportage loses 42.2 percent of its value. This means the Toyota 4Runner retains 13.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Sportage.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota 4Runner is 8.7 out of 10 while the Kia Sportage's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Toyota 4Runner being ranked 6 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Kia Sportage being ranked 9 out of 19 Best Small SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota 4Runner is 9.4 out of 10. For the Kia Sportage the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Toyota 4Runner an advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sportage.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Toyota 4Runner’s base engine makes 270 horsepower, and the Kia Sportage base engine makes 187 horsepower. The 4Runner is rated to deliver an average of 17 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 437 miles. The Sportage is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 472 miles. This gives the Kia Sportage the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Toyota 4Runner. Both models use regular unleaded.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Kia Sportage has higher safety ratings than the Toyota 4Runner, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Kia Sportage has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$44,699 - $58,164
Starting MSRP:
$40,705
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$29,294 - $39,594
Starting MSRP:
$27,190
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$27,871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,860 - $30,300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$51,048
Price Range:
$44,999 - $59,806
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,164
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
20,145
# Good or Great Deals:
98
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$33,304
Price Range:
$28,546 - $38,671
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$33,244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,649 - $36,546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,042
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
13,566
# Good or Great Deals:
130
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$12,137
Depreciation %:
29.8%
Resale Value $:
$28,568
Residual Value %:
70.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$11,717
Depreciation %:
43.1%
Resale Value $:
$15,473
Residual Value %:
56.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
42%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29.1% - 47.3%
Toyota 4Runner Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
9.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Kia Sportage Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota 4Runner
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
92.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Sportage
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
8.7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
Toyota 4Runner Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 28Ranking
23 out of / 39Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
31 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 32Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
37 out of / 39Kia Sportage Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 20Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 59Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 67Summary Review
Toyota doesn't have just one popular SUV in this segment, but two. The Toyota 4Runner is the Highlander’s more-rugged sibling.
Summary Review
The Kia Sportage is a compact sport utility vehicle and a mainstay of Kia’s model line, going through several generations prior to the current Sportage, which debuted in 2017. The Sportage is known for its sharp looks, feature-packed interior, and low cost of entry, with new models costing an average of $28,105 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,380.
Pros and Cons
- Rugged off-road capability
- Great for towing when properly equipped
- Outstanding value retention (low depreciation)
- Aging design
- Interior space is limited by comparison to other midsize SUV / crossovers
- Fuel economy literally half that of a Highlander Hybrid
Pros and Cons
- Smooth ride quality with a quiet interior
- Spacious seating front and rear
- Smart instrumentation and control layout
- Smaller cargo capacity than many rivals
- Acceleration can be sluggish
- Fuel economy adequate at best
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels
TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, TRD Sport, Limited, SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road
Kia Sportage Trim Levels
SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, X-Pro, X-Pro Prestige, EX, LX
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
270 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
278 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4, AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 19 / 17
Range (city/hwy):
368 / 437 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 33 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 472 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
32.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Cargo Space:
47.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
89.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
144.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
39.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4400 lbs
Width:
75.8 inches
Height:
71.5 inches
Length:
190.2 inches
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3396 lbs
Width:
73.4 inches
Height:
65.4 inches
Length:
183.5 inches
Wheelbase:
108.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P265/70R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Nautical Blue Metallic
Gray
Underground
Red
Barcelona Red Metallic
Silver
Classic Silver Metallic
White
Ice Cap
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black / Fusion Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Gravity Gray / Steel Gray
Red
Not available
Silver
Everlasting Silver
White
Glacial White Pearl / Snow White Pearl
Interior Colors
Beige
Sand Beige
Black
Black/Graphite
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
