2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs. 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid
- The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid has more than 500 miles of driving range
- The 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid comes with standard all-wheel drive
- The 2023 Kia Sportage has best-in-class rear legroom and cargo space
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is all-new for the next generation of the model. For the first time, the brand’s longest-lasting nameplate will have a hybrid powertrain. That’s nothing new to the 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid, which has existed since 2020. Each of the two compact SUV models has pros and cons, so deciding which is right for you can be difficult.
| Specification | 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid | 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid |
| Price Range | $26,000-$38,000 (estimated) | $26,975-$37,975 |
| Engine Options | 1.6-liter turbo GDI | 2.0-liter four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 226 | 212 |
| Driving Range | 500+ miles | 560 city / 490 highway |
| Transmission | six-speed automatic | electronically continuously variable transmission |
| MPG Rating | 39 (FWD) | 38 (AWD) |
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs. 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid
In this battle of compact SUVs, both have clear advantages over their opponent. The completely redesigned Kia Sportage looks so different from its predecessor, it’s almost unrecognizable. Its impressive exterior appearance is backed up with an extensive driving range, but the CR-V stays competitive. Not to mention, the Sportage is pretty affordable for what it offers.
As far as the Honda CR-V goes, it hasn’t received a whole lot of new features for 2022. The next generation is rumored to be coming for the 2023 model year, so we expect those changes next year. The CR-V’s hybrid model maintains impressive fuel economy and driving range while staying affordable as well. It’s one of the most popular SUVs in this segment for a good reason.
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is all-new
For the new model year, basically, everything about the Sportage is new from top to bottom. This includes the hybrid model, which didn’t exist in the previous model year. It also gained the off-road-focused X-Pro model, but that’s neither here nor there. If you’re looking for a sleek and stylish compact SUV that’s as modernized as they come, this might be the one.
The 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid certainly isn’t outdated, but it could use some updates. That’s why the redesign is coming next year. For that reason, it might be a good idea to hold off on this model until the fresh one is released in 2023.
The 2022 Honda CR-V has standard all-wheel drive
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid comes standard with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option, but you’re going to have to pay extra if you want it. One would think the FWD drivetrain would improve fuel economy, but it isn’t any better than the AWD Honda CR-V Hybrid.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid comes standard with AWD and maintains excellent fuel economy. It comes in just a single mpg under the FWD Sportage, which is fantastic. Combined with an average driving range of 560 on the highway and you’ve got an excellent fuel-efficient compact SUV.
Which hybrid compact SUV is right for you?
The two of these hybrid compact SUVs are both excellent options in their own right. The Kia Sportage Hybrid is fresh-faced and bushy-tailed for the new model year. Both are well-priced, even if you opt for the highest trim in the lineup. As for fuel economy, one of the most critical things in hybrid models, the Honda CR-V, nearly matches the Kia Sportage. The CR-V’s AWD makes it more attractive, but the incoming redesign tells us to hold off.
