2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid: Compact SUV Comparison
When it comes to finding a reliable hybrid SUV, the options can be limited. The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid and the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid are compact sport utility vehicles with all of the features modern cars might have.
What the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid SUV gets right
When Kelley Blue Book compared the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid and the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, the CR-V had plenty to offer. A sportier style makes the hybrid stand out against the gasoline version, and starting at $32,950 isn’t a big jump for the added fuel economy. The 2023 CR-V Hybrid gets black exterior accents, glossy black wheels, and orange stitching inside.
The Sport Touring trim has all-wheel drive, a power liftgate, leather seats, and even gets wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Those who opt for the base trim still get plenty of features not included on the Sportage Hybrid, like blind-spot monitoring, a power sunroof, roof rails, and heated front seats.
Kia’s Sportage Hybrid beats the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid in a few areas
The 2023 Kia Sportage was redesigned this year, and the hybrid is a new addition to the lineup. Starting at $27,490, the 2023 Sportage Hybrid has a pleasant new interior and good fuel economy. Kia also has the industry-leading five-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Honda’s coverage is three years, 36,000 miles for the basic and five years, 60,000 miles for the powertrain. However, the hybrid components get eight years or 100,000 miles.
Another benefit is that the Sportage Hybrid is around $5,000 less, so the top-of-the-line SX Prestige trim on the Kia is still less than the CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring. Kia’s SUV also gets better fuel economy, getting 43 mpg with front-wheel drive and 38 mpg with all-wheel drive. The Honda gets 40 mpg with front-wheel drive and 37 mpg with all-wheel.
Both compact SUVs have more positives than negatives
To compare these compact sport utility vehicles more directly, the chart below lists specs for the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid and the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. Breaking it down by accolades, the CR-V is Kelley Blue Book’s best compact SUV for this year and also a Best Buy Award winner.
| 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid | |
| Price | $32,950 | $27,490 |
| Engine | 2.0L hybrid four-cylinder | 1.6L turbocharged hybrid four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 204 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 247 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | 43 city mpg/36 highway mpg | 42 city mpg/44 highway mpg |
| Basic Warranty | Three years/36,000 miles | Five years/60,000 miles |
| Hybrid Components Warranty | Eight years/100,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 39.3/76.5 cubic feet | 39.5/73.7 cubic feet |
| Overall Length | 184.8 inches | 183.5 inches |
| Width | 73.5 inches | 73.4 inches |
| Height | 66.2 inches | 65.4 inches |
Kia’s more affordable hybrid powertrain, better fuel economy numbers, and industry-leading warranty give the Sportage an advantage. Honda has a long history of reliability following the CR-V, and the hybrid comes with plenty of standard features to justify the extra cost.
If budget is the most critical factor, the Kia and its warranty will be the better option. Those with a little more wiggle room in the budget might be happier with the CR-V and the extra features Honda included.
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has rated these brand-new SUVs yet, but those tests will likely happen soon. Any scores of that nature could be helpful in the final decision.
