If you’re in the market for a compact crossover, both the 2021 Kia Niro and 2021 Toyota Rav 4 are vehicles worth considering. Choosing which one to pick may depend on the amount of cargo space you’re looking for or whether you want a hybrid car, a fully electric vehicle, or a gas-powered SUV. To help you make your choice, we’ve compared the most important features of both vehicles for you.
Engine and Performance
Image via Flickr by Janitors
The 2021 Kia Niro offers you two powertrain options depending on whether you opt for its hybrid or fully electric version. In its hybrid setup, the Niro features a 1.6-liter V-4 engine and an electric motor that can put out 139 horsepower combined. The Niro manages its power with a six-speed automatic transmission. In the fully electric Niro, you get 201 horsepower from its electric motor, which is paired with a single-speed transmission.
In terms of gas mileage, the Niro hybrid manages 51 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway, which are among the best numbers in the class. The fully electric Niro has a driving range of 239 miles.
The 2021 Toyota Rav 4 features a 2.5-liter V-4 engine that puts out 203 horsepower. If you opt for the Rav 4 hybrid, its 2.5-liter engine joins two electric motors to put out a combined 219 horsepower.
The Rav 4 hybrid makes 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The Rav 4 Prime, which is a plug-in hybrid vehicle, has an all-electric range of 42 miles.
Seating and Cargo Storage
The Rav 4’s cabin offers roomy accommodation for up to five people. There’s plenty of legroom in both rows for adult passengers, and the rear row has the equipment necessary for you to install child seating.
Behind the rear row, you’ll find over 37 cubic feet of cargo storage. If you need to carry larger items, you can fold down the second row of seating to access 69.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Like the Rav 4, the 2021 Niro’s two rows of seating offer ample space for adult passengers. In the rear row, you’ll find two complete sets of LATCH connectors on the outward seats for installing child seating.
Behind the Niro’s second row, you’ll have about 19 cubic feet of cargo storage, which is a considerable amount for the subcompact SUV class. The Niro also features great safety features to protect your loved ones.
Infotainment and Technology
Kia’s UVO infotainment system comes standard with an 8-inch screen and six-speaker stereo in the Niro. Other standard entertainment technology includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB ports.
If you want to upgrade to a larger infotainment screen, Kia offers a 10.25-inch unit. You can also add wireless device charging and a navigation system.
The 2021 Rav 4’s standard infotainment screen is slightly smaller, measuring 7 inches. The standard setup also features a wireless hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. You can upgrade to an 8-inch screen, 11-speaker stereo, and wireless device charging. The technology features of the Kia Niro makes everyday driving easier.
Both the Niro and Rav 4 have a wide range of driver assistance technology. For example, you can opt for forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection in the Niro. The Rav 4 has these features as standard. For additional protection, you can upgrade to a driver drowsiness monitoring system in the Niro, which will warn you when it’s time to take a break on longer journeys. Meanwhile, the Rav 4 has the option of a surround-view parking camera to make the job of maneuvering in and out of tight spots that bit easier.
Trims
Toyota sells the Rav 4 in six trims: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. There’s a slightly different trim lineup for the Rav 4 hybrid, with five trims to choose from.
The Rav 4’s XLE trim adds alloy wheels, fog lights, and a push-button start. Inside the cabin, you also get a power-adjustable driver’s seat and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Adventure and TRD trims are the best choice for off-roading fans. They feature a dynamic all-wheel-drive system and multi-terrain driving options. The TRD trim also has an improved front suspension system and a skid plate. The range-topping Limited includes heated front seats and an 11-speaker audio system.
The Niro is sold in six trims for 2021: LX, LXS, Touring, Touring Special Edition, EX, and EX Premium. Not all of the trims are available with each powertrain, so you’ll need to decide first whether you want a hybrid or fully electric Niro before considering your trim options.
The LXS trim adds push-button start and remote start for more convenience. You can also choose from a wider range of driver assistance features than in the base trim, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Step up to the Touring trim and you can enjoy a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a sunroof, and cloth and leather upholstery. The Touring Special Edition adds some more luxury to the cabin with leather upholstery. You also get access to the larger infotainment screen and HD radio.
If you want a fully electric Niro, you’ll need to choose between the EX and EX Premium trims. The EX trim features heated front seats and wireless device charging. In the EX Premium, you get synthetic leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats.
We hope that our comparison of the 2021 Kia Niro and Toyota Rav 4 has helped you in your search for a new SUV. The Niro would be the right choice for you if you’re looking for more fuel efficiency, a larger infotainment screen, and a more compact body. By contrast, the Rav 4 offers some more space behind the rear row of seating and extra off-roading features.
If you have any questions about the Kia Niro or any of its features, don’t hesitate to contact us. Here at Huffines Kia McKinney, we’d be delighted to arrange a test drive for you or help you to get the buying process started.