A quick look under the hoods of the Kia Sorento and the Toyota RAV4 reveals a powerful engine, a caged beast ready to dominate whatever road you take. A 2.5L configuration comes standard with both models, giving you a healthy dose of thrills.

It’s the optional configuration of the Sorento that truly shines. This 2.5L turbocharged option delivers up to 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Sorento provides an exciting commute with seamless gear changes.

The RAV4 also comes with a second engine option; however, the secondary configuration is a 2.5L hybrid engine that underdelivers with just 219 combined horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.

Are you the type of driver who loves to get out and explore? Then you’ll love that both the Sorento and the RAV4 offer a trim level that’s specially designed to help you kick up some dirt. The Sorento X-Line and the RAV4 TRD Off-Road are both outfitted with all-terrain features and capabilities, including:

• Enhanced ground clearance
• High-utility roof rails
• Torque Vectoring all-wheel drive
• Unique exterior designs
• Black exterior accents

While these are found with each model, only with the Sorento will you have access to 20-inch alloy wheels for added height as you traverse the great unknown.

Think about how many times a week you need to access the trunk of your SUV. From grocery hauls and sports practice to road trips and treating yourself to new furniture, you spend a lot of time opening and closing the liftgate.

Thanks to an available Smart Power Liftgate™ that automatically opens when you approach with your key fob, you no longer have to put bags on the ground to access the area. Although this feature is found with both SUVs, you’ll have far more room for your gear inside the Sorento thanks to its 75.5 cubic-foot maximum cargo capacity.

The RAV4, in comparison, only offers a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cubic feet.

Another convenient feature offered by both SUVs is smartphone connective services. Using your phone, you can perform several vehicle actions, including:

• Remote-start your vehicle
• Pre-set the temperature
• Lock and unlock doors
• And more

The Kia Sorento takes these features to the next level with its ability to locate your vehicle. Plus, with the available Surround View Monitor, you can display your vehicle’s surroundings so you can easily find it in a parking garage.

It’s easy to queue your favorite playlist thanks to standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capabilities. With an available wireless phone charger found inside each vehicle, you can keep the good times rolling and keep your phone fully charged.

While you’ll find many similarities between the entertainment features of these models, only with the Sorento can you upgrade to the optional Bose® premium audio system. With this system, you gain access to 12 high-quality speakers that work to create an immersive audio experience.

The RAV4 comes with an optional JBL® Premium Audio system, but it offers fewer speakers. You may find you’ll need to turn the music up louder to experience the same immersive quality you’ll get with the Sorento.

To help you get from Point A to Point B as safely as possible, the Kia Sorento and the Toyota RAV4 come standard with several driver-assist technologies. Cameras and sensors monitor your surroundings and alert you to potential hazards you may have missed.

When certain conditions are met, mild-autonomous capabilities may provide gentle braking and/or steering support.

Some of the safety features that come standard with the Sorento and the RAV4 include:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist

While already impressive, the Sorento provides even more confidence thanks to Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. While standard with the Kia, these features are optional with the Toyota.