Are you considering buying either the 2023 Kia Sportage or the 2023 Honda CR-V? Are you trying to figure out which compact crossover SUV model to get? Take a look at this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Honda CR-V comparison. With its abundance of advantages, the Sportage beats the CR-V.

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Honda CR-V

In this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Honda CR-V crossover comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

Sportage vs. CR-V: Performance and gas mileage

On the performance front, the 2023 Honda CR-V has a slightly higher base engine output, but the 2023 Kia Sportage has a significantly higher maximum horsepower output. The CR-V offers two engine options: a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (190 hp) and a hybrid (204 hp). In comparison, the Sportage offers three engine choices: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 hp), a hybrid (226 hp), and a plug-in hybrid (261 hp). 

For efficiency, the fully gas-powered Sportage has an estimated fuel economy of up to 28 combined mpg, while the Sportage Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 43 combined mpg. Also, the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 84 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 35 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

The efficiency figures are not yet available for the 2023 CR-V. However, for the 2022 model year, the fully gas-powered CR-V has a fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the CR-V Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 38 combined mpg. With its all-new hybrid engine, the CR-V Hybrid could be more efficient, but it won’t come close to matching the high gas mileage of the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid. 

Sportage vs. CR-V: Towing

On the towing front, the Sportage has the advantage. It can tow up to 2,500 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the CR-V.

Sportage vs. CR-V: Off-road capabilities

If you want to head off-road, then the 2023 Sportage is the better choice for you. While both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, unlike the 2023 CR-V, the 2023 Sportage has off-road models. This includes the Sportage X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims.

Sportage vs. CR-V: Safety

The Sportage and CR-V offer a similar roster of safety and driving assistance features. This includes electronic stability control, brake assist, a blind-spot monitoring system, cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist.

Sportage vs. CR-V: Passenger and cargo space

The Sportage and CR-V can both seat up to five passengers — and offer a similar amount of passenger space. The Sportage has 41.4/41.3 inches of front/rear legroom, compared to 41.3/41.0 inches for the CR-V.

For storage space, the CR-V has a slight edge. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 76.5 cu-ft, compared to 74.1 cu-ft for the Sportage. 

Sportage vs. CR-V: Warranty coverage

The Sportage has more generous warranty coverage, with the backing of a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the CR-V has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Sportage vs. CR-V: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 Sportage or the 2023 CR-V? The starting price of the 2023 Sportage ranges from $25,990 MSRP for the LX trim up to $42,990 MSRP for the Plug-In Hybrid X-Line Prestige trim. 

For the 2023 CR-V, the price information is not yet available. However, the crossover SUV will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 CR-V. The starting price of the 2022 CR-V ranges from $26,800 MSRP for the LX trim up to $37,800 MSRP for the CR-V Hybrid Touring trim.

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Honda CR-V: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Honda CR-V comparison, the 2023 Sportage has most of the advantages. This includes advantages for maximum horsepower, hybrid gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, and warranty coverage. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 CR-V includes base engine horsepower, gas engine fuel economy, and cargo space.