Plug It In: Toyota RAV4 Prime vs Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Drivers in New York City need to find the right car for the area. This means that it has to be able to stand up to our roads and traffic while giving drivers the fuel economy they need to save a few dollars every time they fill up the tank. This is why a plug-in hybrid model makes so much sense for drivers who call this city home. These models help you stretch a gallon of gasoline like no other. Two of the leading options are the Toyota RAV4 Prime and the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, both of which are built on the compact SUV models from these two automakers. While both models have much to offer, when comparing the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs 2024 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, the Toyota comes out ahead for local drivers.

If you are looking for a Toyota RAV4 Prime for sale in New York City, Toyota of Manhattan is the place to go. We have an unrivaled selection of new and used Toyota models to choose from. Also, as a dealership located right here in Manhattan, we know exactly what New York City drivers need in their vehicles.

Why a Plug-in Hybrid?

For those who aren’t familiar with the term, a hybrid powertrain combines a conventional gasoline engine with electric motors powered by a battery pack. In traditional hybrids, the vehicle only runs on the electric motors at very low speeds. When driving at higher speeds, the vehicle is powered primarily by the gasoline engine. The excellent fuel economy is the result of the electric power reducing the need for gasoline to run the vehicle. The battery is partially recharged by brake recapture. This is where a portion of the kinetic energy lost every time you step on the brakes is used to charge the battery pack. With the stop-and-go rush hour traffic in New York City, this will help keep the battery in your hybrid vehicle charged.

A plug-in hybrid goes a step further. This type of vehicle allows you to recharge the battery by plugging it into a power source, either at your home or on the road at a public charging station. This allows the vehicle to get exceptional fuel economy numbers, especially when driving at slower speeds. For New York City drivers on their way to see the Knicks at Madison Square Garden or a show on Broadway, this savings in fuel can be extremely beneficial.

Powertrain Comparison

Both the Toyota RAV4 Prime and the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid take the same approach to their models. The two models are all-wheel drive and provide New York City drivers with the durability you need to stand up to our local weather. However, the RAV4 Prime provides a stronger hybrid powertrain than the one on the Sportage.

Toyota has equipped the 2024 RAV4 Prime with a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force I-4 gas engine combined with a pair of electric motors. The electric motors are powered by an 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This gives the RAV4 Prime a combined output of 302 hp. The RAV4 Prime also has an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT).

This is much more powerful than the 2024 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid. Kia has given this model a 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 gas engine with electric motors powered by a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery. The Kia features a six-speed automatic transmission. This gives the Kia a combined output of 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is less than the RAV4 Prime.

Acceleration and Handling

Sometimes, you will need a little bit of speed when driving around New York City. With all of the other vehicles and pedestrians, having instant acceleration can be the difference when trying to avoid a collision. The 2024 RAV4 Prime will get you from zero to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. This will help you steer around the things that make Manhattan sometimes feel like an obstacle course. The Kia is not going to feel as quick on its feet. The Sportage Plug-In Hybrid will take you 6.9 seconds to get to 60 mph. That can often be a crucial problem with New York City’s traffic patterns.

Fuel Economy Comparison

Probably the biggest reason a New York City driver will want to buy a plug-in hybrid is to enjoy the exceptional fuel economy offered by these vehicles. The use of electric power helps to reduce the reliance on gasoline. While both of these models provide great fuel economy, the 2024 RAV4 Prime will give you better fuel economy than the Kia across the board.

The 2024 RAV4 Prime gets an EPA-estimated 38 MPG combined fuel economy, significantly more than the 35 MPG combined in the Kia. Similarly, when you are driving on electric power, the Toyota will get 94 MPGe and offer a range of 42 miles, an incredible amount that shows you can go further using just electric power in your RAV4 Prime. The Kia gets a solid 84 MPGe and has an electric range of 34 miles, which is also a good number but nowhere near the efficiency of the Toyota. When you decide to take the Westside Highway up to Yankee Stadium, your RAV4 Prime is going to outdo the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

Passenger Space and Room for Cargo

These two models have fairly comparable passenger space, giving you the room you need for up to five passengers. This is why the RAV4 Prime and Sportage Plug-In Hybrid are ideal for commuters, family drivers, and even retirees who call New York City home. For example, you will get 39.5 inches of headroom in the rear seat of the Toyota, while the Kia provides 38 inches of headroom.

Nevertheless, there is one key difference when looking at the interior space of these two models. The 2024 RAV4 Prime will give you more overall cargo space than the 2024 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid. The Toyota’s liftgate opens to 33.5 cu.ft. of space inside of its trunk, just slightly less than the 34.5 cu.ft. inside of the Kia’s trunk. However, when you fold down the rear row of seats, you will get an expansive 69.8 cu.ft. of space for cargo inside the Toyota, substantially more than the total of 65.5 cu.ft. of space inside the Kia. This will come in handy when you are making grocery trips to the Upper West Side or heading over to pick up something for your home at a gallery in SoHo.

You Are Going to Rave About the 2024 RAV4 Prime

Choosing the right model for New York City comes down to the details. This is certainly the case when comparing the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime and the 2024 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid. The Toyota is going to give you better acceleration and fuel economy than the Kia. This is crucial when you are driving through the crowded streets of New York City. In addition, the extra cargo space in the RAV4 Prime will help you when you need to move things for your home or work. This is why we think that you will join many of your neighbors here in New York City when you start to rave about your 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime! Contact us at Toyota of Manhattan to schedule a test drive today!