Does the Cheaper 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Have the Edge Over the 2023 Honda CR-V and 2023 Mazda CX-50?
A redesigned 2023 Honda CR-V makes for interesting conversation. That discussion sparkles more when you toss in a couple of other favorites in the market. Because the CR-V comes in both regular and hybrid versions, two comparisons are required. For this, we put the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid and 2023 Mazda CX-50 up against the venerable Honda CR-V.
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-50: What are the stats?
| 2023 Honda CR-V | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid | 2023 Mazda CX-50 | |
| Price Range | $31,110-$38,600 | $27,290-$38,005 | $26,800-$40,000 | |
| Engine | 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson Cycle + 2 electric motors | 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder + 2 electric motors | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder/2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | e-CVT Automatic | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 190 horsepower | 204 horsepower | 226 horsepower | 187 horsepower/227 horsepower |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft/310 lb-ft |
| MPG | 28 city/34 hwy (FWD), 27 city/33 hwy (AWD) | 43 city/36 hwy (FWD), 40 city/34 hwy (AWD) | 42 city/44 hwy (FWD), 38 city/38 hwy (AWD) | 24/30 mpg/23/29 |
| Cargo Room | 39.3 cubic feet | 39.5 cubic feet | 31.4 cubic feet |
Is the 2023 Honda CR-V more practical than the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid?
If the desire is to find a good crossover to carry a small family, the Honda CR-V has consistently reached the top of the list. This compact Honda crossover SUV scores well with most experts when considering comfort value and cargo space.
Not surprisingly, the Kia Sportage Hybrid also reaches top marks for some of these characteristics. When compared, the Sportage has a better ride quality and a quieter cabin than the CR-V. The Sportage also has more cargo room, better overall fuel mileage, and a lower starting price than the CR-V.
Does the CR-V win any points with consumers considering the 2023 Mazda CX-50?
The Mazda CX-50 is a stylish, sporty, and dynamic compact crossover SUV. Yes, it’s good for small families, but it’s also considered a great vehicle for drivers looking for a fun SUV to enjoy when the road twists and turns.
The Mazda CX-50 offers a premium on style, personality, and driving fun, which it has in spades compared to the Honda CR-V. By comparison, the CX-50 has a stiffer ride, less cargo room, and a higher price tag at higher trim levels than the CR-V and Sportage Hybrid. That said, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 is an extremely attractive SUV.
Of these three, which compact crossover SUV should you choose?
If you’re looking for a small SUV that hits the right notes for small, growing families on relatively tight budgets, the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is the right choice. The 2023 Honda CR-V is excellent, but the Sportage is simply better.
Those looking for more spice in their drive will want the 2023 Mazda CX-50, but this SUV requires some compromises in terms of cargo room, ride quality, and price.
If you want to learn more about these three compact crossover SUVs, check out the video comparison from Edmunds below:
