Are you shopping around for a crossover SUV? The Honda CR-V is one of the best-selling crossover SUV models, second only to the Toyota RAV4. However, with a pleasing redesign for the 2023 model year, the Kia Sportage puts all other crossover SUVs on notice. The 2023 Sportage dunks on the 2022 CR-V. Does the CR-V reject it? Find out in this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 Honda CR-V comparison.

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 Honda CR-V

For our 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 Honda CR-V crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several different factors. This includes design, performance, efficiency, passenger and cargo space, and technologies.

Sportage vs. CR-V: Design

While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, when placing the two crossovers side-by-side, the 2023 Kia Sportage is the one that has a more striking look. The design of the 2022 Honda CR-V is somewhat outdated, but the 2023 Sportage is very fresh and modern, with innovative design elements. 

An example of this is the boomerang daytime running lights, with their distinctive outward shape. Other notable design elements of the Sportage include the “floating” tiger nose grille and notch-shaped taillights.

Sportage vs. CR-V: Performance and efficiency

On the performance front, the Sportage offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 hp) and a hybrid powertrain (226 hp). In comparison, the CR-V offers a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (190 hp) and a hybrid powertrain (212 hp). 

Kia hasn’t yet released the efficiency ratings for the gas-powered 2023 Sportage, but the automaker claims that the Sportage Hybrid will have an estimated fuel economy of 39 combined mpg. In comparison, the gas-powered CR-V has a fuel efficiency of 30 combined mpg, while the CR-V Hybrid has a gas mileage of 38 combined mpg. 

Sportage vs. CR-V: Passenger and cargo space

The Sportage experienced a growth spurt for the 2023 model year, resulting in more interior space. While the figures for the total passenger volume and maximum cargo capacity of the Sportage are not yet available, we know that it has a class-leading 41.3 inches of rear legroom and a rear cargo capacity of 39.6 cu-ft. In comparison, the CR-V has 40.4 inches of rear legroom and a rear cargo capacity of up to 39.2 cu-ft.

Sportage vs. CR-V: Technologies

One of the standout technologies for the Sportage is its available dual panoramic curved display. It contains a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. In comparison, the largest screen size that the CR-V offers is an available 7.0-inch version.

The Sportage also has the advantage for safety with its numerous driving assistance technologies. This includes standard driver attention warning and rear occupant alert, as well as available speed limit assist, highway driving assist, and safe exit warning. The CR-V doesn’t offer any of these features.

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 Honda CR-V: Which crossover SUV is better?

As you can see from our 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 Honda CR-V crossover SUV comparison, the 2023 Sportage dunks on the 2022 CR-V in many ways. This includes design, hybrid horsepower output, hybrid efficiency, rear legroom, rear cargo capacity, and technologies. However, the 2022 CR-V has the advantage for gas-engine horsepower output. Also, Kia hasn’t released the full specs and feature list for the 2023 Sportage, so stay tuned for updates.