| Specification | Kia Sportage | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | About $28,000 | About $30,920 |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Powertrains | Gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid | Gas and hybrid (no plug-in hybrid) |
| Base engine | 2.5L I4 (187 hp) | 1.5L turbo I4 (190 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard, AWD available | FWD standard, AWD available |
| Max towing | Up to 3,500 lbs | Up to 1,500 lbs |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | 10 yr / 100,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Assembly | West Point, Georgia (gas) | East Liberty, Ohio (USA) |
| Specification | Kia Sportage | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. News value (2026) | Best Compact Hybrid and Plug-in for the Money | Not a class winner |
| Plug-in hybrid | Yes | No |
| Max towing | Up to 3,500 lbs | Up to 1,500 lbs |
Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.
The Sportage starts lower, around $28,000 versus about $30,920 for the CR-V. At ALM Kia South, a new Sportage also adds ALM VIP Club benefits and, on qualifying new vehicles, our Included Lifetime Warranty, which adds value beyond the sticker.
Both offer a gas model and a fuel-efficient hybrid, with the CR-V Hybrid rated up to about 40 mpg combined and the Sportage Hybrid up to about 42. The difference is at the top of the lineup: the Sportage also offers a plug-in hybrid with electric-only driving, while the CR-V does not offer a mainstream plug-in. If you want the option to plug in, the Sportage has it.
The Sportage tows more, rated up to 3,500 pounds properly equipped versus about 1,500 pounds for the CR-V. For a small trailer, watercraft, or lightweight camper, that gap can be the deciding factor.
The CR-V is a benchmark for refinement and long-term reliability, which is a big part of its appeal. The Sportage rates well too and adds the longer warranty: 5-year / 60,000-mile basic and 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain, versus the CR-V’s 3-year / 36,000-mile basic and 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain.
Choose the CR-V for Honda’s reputation and polished feel. Choose the Sportage for the lower starting price, a plug-in hybrid option, more towing, the longer warranty, and the ownership perks at ALM Kia South. Browse our Sportage inventory or contact our team to compare them in person.
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