If you’re shopping for a compact SUV, you’ve likely noticed the 2022 Kia Sportage and 2022 Honda CR-V. Both are excellent options in the segment and provide advantages over one another. Which of the two is the better option for you? We’ll break down everything including performance, price, fuel economy, features, and more in this Kia Sportage vs. Honda CR-V comparison.

2022 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 Honda CR-V

Which compact SUV is better? In our comparison, we’ll look at critical factors like performance, features and technology, fuel economy, price, and more. These two vehicles are close competitors, but one has an advantage.

Sportage vs. CR-V: Performance

The 2022 Kia Sportage compact SUV has a 2.4-liter engine making 181 horsepower. Additionally, an available turbo engine revs up the horsepower to 240, which is much better for those who want a little more pep. Either engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive.

The 2022 Honda CR-V uses a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine making 190 horsepower. It does not have another engine option, which puts it at a slight disadvantage to the Sportage. However, a hybrid variant puts it back in the lead for most buyers. The hybrid model comes with standard all-wheel drive and 212 horsepower using a 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

Sportage vs. CR-V: Fuel economy comparison

Each Sportage with the standard engine gets 23 city and 30 highway miles per gallon. Opting for the turbo engine lowers it to 20 city and 28 highway. While these numbers aren’t terrible, the lack of a hybrid option hurt Kia’s SUV. It’s hard to be more fuel economical when your opponent uses a hybrid powertrain.

The Honda CR-V gets 30 mpg combined with FWD and 29 mpg combined with AWD. However, choosing the hybrid model raises it to 38 mpg. KBB even noted that the hybrid powertrain allows a smoother and more refined drive.

Sportage vs. CR-V: Features and technology

Which of the two compact SUVs comes with more features and technology? The Sportage cabin is high-quality, with an 8-inch infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay/Android Auto for all trims. Additionally, safety features like forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist come with the LX trim and higher. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come on the S model and above, while the EX gets heated seats and a power liftgate.

As for its competitor, the CR-V comes with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on all but the base trim. Every model, however, includes a Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assist features. These include forward-collision warning with automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are unavailable for the base LX model.

Sportage vs. CR-V: Price comparison

Although both models have many options, the Honda CR-V has many more trim levels. Only four different trims are available for the 2022 Kia Sportage, while Honda offers seven choices, including the hybrid variants. With destination fees, the 2022 Honda CR-V starts at $27,625 for the LX base model. Kia’s base model of the same name starts at $25,305, making it just a little cheaper than its opponent.

Which compact SUV is right for you?

In conclusion, both of these excellent compact SUVs have advantages over the other. Advantages for the 2022 Kia Sportage include the optional turbo engine with more power, lower starting price, and decent fuel economy for a non-hybrid. Advantages for the 2022 Honda CR-V are fuel economy and hybrid options, an affordable price even in its highest trims, features and technology, and Honda’s reputation for reliability.