Kia Sportage vs Honda CR-V

The Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V are two of the best-selling compact SUVs on the market. The short answer: the Sportage starts lower, adds a plug-in hybrid to its gas and hybrid lineup, tows more, and carries a longer 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, while the CR-V leans on Honda’s benchmark reputation for refinement and reliability. Here is how they compare.

Kia Sportage vs Honda CR-V: the numbers side by side

Specs compared

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)

By the numbers

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.

Price and value

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.

Powertrains and efficiency

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.

Towing and capability

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.

Warranty and reliability

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.

The bottom line for Union City shoppers

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.

Back to all Kia Sportage comparisons

Kia Sportage vs Honda CR-V: your questions answered

Is the Kia Sportage or Honda CR-V better?
It depends on your priorities. The Sportage starts lower, offers a plug-in hybrid, tows more (up to 3,500 pounds versus about 1,500), and has a longer 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The CR-V counters with Honda’s benchmark reputation for refinement and reliability. Both seat five and offer a hybrid.
What is the difference between the Sportage and the CR-V?
The Sportage adds a plug-in hybrid to its gas and hybrid lineup, tows up to 3,500 pounds, starts lower, and carries a longer warranty. The CR-V offers gas and hybrid models, tows about 1,500 pounds, and is known for its refinement and resale. Both are compact SUVs that seat five.
Is the Kia Sportage or Honda CR-V cheaper?
The Sportage is more affordable to start, at about $28,000 versus about $30,920 for the CR-V, before taxes and fees.
Does the Kia Sportage or Honda CR-V come in a plug-in hybrid?
The Sportage does; the CR-V does not. The Sportage offers a gas model, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid, while the CR-V is offered as a gas model or a hybrid but not a mainstream plug-in.
Does the Kia Sportage or Honda CR-V have a better warranty?
The Sportage has the longer warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles basic and 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain, versus the CR-V’s 3 years / 36,000 miles basic and 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain.
Which can tow more, the Sportage or the CR-V?
The Sportage tows more, rated up to 3,500 pounds properly equipped, while the CR-V tops out around 1,500 pounds.

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