2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid: Which Hybrid SUV Offers Better Value?
The 2023 Honda CR-V and 2023 Kia Sportage are compact SUVs offered in regular and hybrid formats. The greatest benefit to these hybrid SUVs is the interior space remains the same as in the gas-only models. Which of these two hybrid compact SUVs should you drive?
Redesigns bring us new 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid and 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid models
Both of these compact hybrid SUVs receive redesigns for 2023 to offer bold new looks, improved technology, and better hybrid powertrains. The hybrid powertrain is new for the Kia Sportage, while the Honda CR-V hybrid powertrain is an improved system.
Which compact hybrid SUV offers better fuel mileage?
When we look at the FWD versions of the hybrid Honda SUV and Kia SUV, we see the greatest difference in fuel economy numbers. The Sportage Hybrid reaches 43 mpg combined, which is 44 city/42 hwy mpg. The FWD CR-V Hybrid delivers 40 mpg combined, which is 43 city/36 hwy mpg.
The AWD models offer a closer comparison with the Sportage achieving 38 mpg combined and the CR-V hitting 37 mpg combined.
Does the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid have more power than the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid?
The Honda SUV uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a hybrid electric motor to deliver 204 horsepower to the wheels. The Kia SUV gives us a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain that provides 227 horsepower, putting the Sportage in the lead.
Neither of these compact Hybrid SUVs is equipped to win drag races, but the Sportage reaches 60 mph in 7.7 seconds compared to 8.0 seconds for the hybrid version of the CR-V.
Which hybrid compact SUV offers larger infotainment screens?
Kia gives the Sportage Hybrid an 8-inch touchscreen for the base models, while all other trims deliver a larger screen that measures 12.3 inches. The Kia Sportage Hybrid also has a large, standard, fully digital instrument panel.
When we look at what Honda offers in the CR-V Hybrid, we see a 7-inch screen for the base model and a 9-inch unit for higher trims. The Honda SUV also includes a small digital screen and an analog speedometer, which puts it behind the Kia.
Does the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offer more cargo room than the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid?
Cargo room for these compact hybrid SUVs is equal at 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This gives them some of the largest cargo areas in the compact SUV class. In addition to plenty of cargo room, these hybrid SUVs offer ample space for five passengers.
Is the Kia SUV more comfortable than the Honda SUV?
The Honda CR-V offers a composed ride around turns, and the CVT provides smoother acceleration than the 6-speed automatic of the Kia Sportage. Although the CR-V Hybrid’s ride is impressive, the Sportage Hybrid is quieter and offers a smoother ride, thanks to an impressive suspension system.
Which hybrid SUV offers a lower starting price?
The final nail in the coffin is the lower starting price of the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid compared to the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The hybrid Sportage begins at $28,815, while the base price for the CR-V is $34,235.
It’s clear the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is the better choice when compared to the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid.
