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The 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Honda CR-V are both solid choices for the compact crossover SUV segment, especially with their redesigns for the new model year. However, the Sportage has some strengths that give it an edge. Here are four advantages of the 2023 Sportage over the 2023 CR-V.

2023 Kia Sportage has better warranty coverage than the 2023 Honda CR-V

Front angle view of white 2023 Kia Sportage crossover SUV
2023 Kia Sportage | Kia

The first advantage of the 2023 Kia Sportage over the 2023 Honda CR-V is the Sportage has better warranty coverage than the CR-V. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, for the CR-V, you’ll only get a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

Along with Hyundai, Kia offers one of the most generous types of warranty coverage in the automotive industry. With its lengthy warranty coverage, the Sportage provides peace of mind if the crossover SUV has mechanical difficulties. Repairs can be a significant cost of vehicle ownership, so the generous warranties for the Sportage can result in considerable savings over the long haul.

2023 Sportage can tow more than the 2023 CR-V

Front angle view of Obsidian Blue Pearl 2023 Honda CR-V crossover SUV
2023 Honda CR-V | Honda

The second advantage of the 2023 Kia Sportage over the 2023 Honda CR-V is the Sportage can tow more. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 pounds, compared to just 1,500 pounds for the CR-V. With a 2,500-pound towing capacity, the Sportage can tow a variety of things. This includes a small teardrop trailer, a utility trailer, a fishing boat, jet skis, snowmobiles, a small A-frame camper, and kayaks. 

Kia Sportage is better for off-road use than the Honda CR-V

Dashboard and front seats in 2023 Kia Sportage crossover SUV
2023 Kia Sportage | Kia

The third advantage of the 2023 Sportage over the 2023 CR-V is the Sportage is better for off-road use. For one, the Sportage has slightly higher ground clearance than the CR-V for driving over challenging terrain (up to 8.3 vs. 8.2 inches). 

Also, with the rugged X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims, the Sportage has off-road focused models — unlike the CR-V. Notable features for the Sportage X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims include off-road wheels, all-terrain tires, and multi-terrain drive modes with settings for Snow, Sport, Smart, and Normal.

Unlike the 2023 CR-V, the 2023 Sportage has a plug-in hybrid model

The fourth advantage of the 2023 Sportage over the 2023 CR-V is, unlike the CR-V, the Sportage has a plug-in hybrid model. The Sportage Plug-In Hybrid has a few benefits. The first is performance, with a total system output of 261 horsepower. In comparison, the strongest powertrain that the CR-V offers is a traditional hybrid setup, which generates only 204 horsepower.

Another benefit of the plug-in hybrid system in the Sportage is the ability to drive with electric-only power, with an estimated electric driving range of 34 miles. Also, the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is very efficient, with an estimated fuel economy of up to 84 MPGe in electric-only mode and 35 combined mpg in hybrid mode. In comparison, the CR-V Hybrid has an estimated gas mileage of up to 40 combined mpg.

The 2023 Kia Sportage has advantages over the 2023 Honda CR-V for warranty coverage, towing, off-road capabilities, and a plug-in hybrid model. When choosing between the two compact crossover SUVs, these are key advantages to keep in mind. 

For more details about the 2023 Sportage, continue reading below.

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