2024 Honda CR-V vs. 2024 Kia Sportage: Which New Compact SUV Wins?
These days, compact SUVs are everywhere. And it’s no wonder, with their agile handling, ample cargo space, and all-weather capability. Two fine examples are the 2024 Honda CR-V and the 2024 Kia Sportage.
While the Honda CR-V enjoys strong brand recognition and a reputation for reliability, the Kia Sportage offers superb value and abundant standard features. So, which one is the better pick? Let’s look at the data and see how they compare.
2024 Honda CR-V pricing and specs
Engine Options: 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder 190 hp/179 lb-ft of torque, Hybrid 2.0-liter 204 hp/247 lb-ft of torque
Transmission Options: CVT with FWD or AWD, or eCVT on Hybrid versions with FWD or AWD
Fuel Economy Ratings: 1.5-liter FWD: 28/34/30 mpg, 1.5-liter AWD: 27/32/29 mpg, 2.0-liter Hybrid FWD: 43/36/40 mpg, 2.0-liter Hybrid AWD: 40/34/37 mpg
Headroom: Front/rear 38.2 inches/38.2 inches
Legroom: Front/rear 41.3 inches/41 inches
Cargo capacity: 39.3 cubic feet, or 76.5 cubic feet with seats folded
2024 Kia Sportage pricing and specs
Engine Options: 2.5-liter four-cylinder 187 hp/178 lb-ft of torque, turbo 1.6-liter four hybrid 227 hp/258 lb-ft of torque, turbo 1.6-liter four PHEV 227 hp/261 lb-ft of torque
Transmission Options: Eight-speed auto with FWD or AWD
Fuel Economy Ratings: 2.5-liter with FWD: 25/33/28 mpg, 2.5-liter with AWD: 23/26/25 mpg
Headroom: Front/rear 39.6 inches/39.4 inches
Legroom: Front/rear 41.4 inches/41.3 inches
Cargo capacity: 39.6 cubic feet, or 74.1 cubic feet with seats folded
2024 Honda CR-V vs. 2024 Kia Sportage: Pros and cons
The new Honda CR-V has a sporty appearance, with narrow headlights, a mesh grille, and taut lines. Under the hood, it features a peppy turbo 1.5-liter four or 2.0-liter turbo four hybrid setup. Either can be outfitted with FWD or AWD.
Overall, the CR-V exhibits superb fit and finish, with interior quality on par with vehicles costing thousands more. It has trustworthy powertrains and plenty of room for groceries and gear. On the other hand — as noted by Car and Driver — the CR-V costs more than several competitors.
The Kia Sportage has an innovative appearance, with V-shaped LED DRLs, styled mesh grille, and prominent fenders. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four with an eight-speed auto in either FWD or AWD configuration. Or, for enhanced torque and efficiency, Kia offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
Sporting abundant equipment at a bargain price, this Kia SUV is a versatile performer. However, according to Car and Driver, the standard 2.5-liter powertrain feels sluggish, and the outside-the-box styling could turn off some.
2024 Honda CR-V vs. 2024 Kia Sportage: Driving and performance
During road testing with Car and Driver, the Honda CR-V came out ahead of the Kia Sportage.
The Honda’s high points included a well-balanced chassis, an excellent CVT transmission, and quick acceleration (0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds).
While the Kia scored well, it was slightly behind the Honda. The base engine’s anemic performance was partly to blame, needing 8.6 seconds to reach 60 mph. Additionally, although the Sportage offered a comfortable ride, it didn’t match the Honda’s athletic handling.
2024 Honda CR-V vs. 2024 Kia Sportage: Interior and tech
The Honda’s front seats feature a fatigue-reducing design, as well as an improved driving position. The analog/digital gauges mix old and new, and a front center console bin offers useful storage. The 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Kia’s interior has an equally attractive layout, with metal accents and styled vents. It slightly bests the Honda in front/rear headroom and legroom, and available heated front seats make cold mornings a little easier. Its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system runs Kia Connect and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2024 Honda CR-V vs. 2024 Kia Sportage: Trim levels and features
The Honda CR-V comes in the following trims:
LX ($29,500): 1.5-liter turbo four, FWD with CVT transmission, Honda Sensing Safety & Driver-Assistive Technologies, LED headlights, seating for five.
EX ($32,020): 1.5-liter turbo four, FWD with CVT transmission, one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature, rear privacy glass, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Sport Hybrid ($33,350): 2.0-liter turbo four hybrid system, FWD with CVT transmission, dual chrome exhaust finishers, power tailgate with programmable height.
EX-L ($34,660): 1.5-liter turbo four, FWD with CVT transmission, automatic-dimming rear-view mirror, 9-inch color touchscreen, 320-watt audio system.
Sport-L Hybrid ($36,350): 2.0-liter turbo four hybrid system, wireless phone charger, gloss black roof rails, front and rear auto up/down power windows.
Sport Touring Hybrid ($39,500): 2.0-liter turbo four hybrid system, Real Time AWD, 19-inch Berlina Black wheels, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, 12-speaker Bose premium sound system.
The Kia Sportage comes in the following trims:
LX ($27,090): 2.5-liter four, FWD with 8-speed auto, cloth seat trim, remote keyless entry, power-adjustable side-view mirrors, and air conditioning.
EX ($29,090): 2.5-liter four, FWD with eight-speed auto, Syntex seat trim, push-button start, dual-zone auto climate control, 10-way power driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar adjustment.
X-Line AWD ($31,890): 2.5-liter four, AWD with 8-speed auto, X-Line SynTex seat trim, gloss black high utility roof rails, and gloss black X-Line exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels.
SX ($32,590): 2.5-liter four, FWD with eight-speed auto, driver’s seat memory system, panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, LED interior lighting.
SX Prestige ($32,590): 2.5-liter four, FWD with eight-speed auto, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, premium SynTex seat trim, gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels.
X-Pro ($36,090): 2.5-liter four, AWD with eight-speed auto, X-Pro exclusive matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, multi-terrain drive modes.
X-Pro Prestige ($37,890): 2.5-liter four, AWD with eight-speed auto, 8.3 inches of ground clearance, X-Pro exclusive matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, LED fog lights, center-locking differential.
Hybrid ($28,815 for 2023 base model): 1.6-liter turbo hybrid powertrain, six-speed auto with FWD, LED headlights and taillights, dual-zone automatic climate control.
Plug-in Hybrid ($38,690 for 2023 base model): 1.6-liter turbo plug-in hybrid powertrain, six-speed auto with AWD, gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, smart power tailgate.
Which compact SUV is the right fit for you?
Picking between the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage involves balancing costs versus benefits. After all, the Kia costs over $2,000 less than the Honda and comes with a more substantial warranty. Is the Honda really that much better?
Looking at the SUVs side by side, the CR-V has a more polished, handsome appearance. It’s sporty and cool, and with Honda engineering, you know its engines are the best out there. On the other hand, the Kia has daring styling, and though it has a quality build, it’s hard to match a Honda in that department.
So, if it were us, we’d pick the Honda. However, the Kia is also a worthy pick for consumers who want to save money. Either one is a capable and comfortable SUV.
