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2021 Honda CR-V vs. 2021 Kia Sportage

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Honda CR-V and 2021 Kia Sportage contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Honda CR-V and the 2021 Kia Sportage.

In comparing the 2021 Honda CR-V's and the 2021 Kia Sportage's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Honda CR-V has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2021 Kia Sportage has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for used cars. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Honda CR-V's and the 2021 Kia Sportage's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Honda CR-V is a better car than the 2021 Kia Sportage.

Pricing: A used 2021 Honda CR-V ranges from $23,499 to $30,995 while a used 2021 Kia Sportage is priced between $16,494 to $25,994.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Honda CR-V loses 31.1 percent of its value and the 2021 Kia Sportage loses 42.2 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Honda CR-V retains 11.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Kia Sportage.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda CR-V is 8.9 out of 10 while the Kia Sportage's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Honda CR-V being ranked 1 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Kia Sportage being ranked 27 out of 67. Out of 19 Best Small SUVs, the Honda CR-V is ranked 1 and the Kia Sportage is ranked 9.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda CR-V is 9.0 out of 10. For the Kia Sportage the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Honda CR-V an advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sportage.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Honda CR-V’s base engine makes 190 horsepower, and the 2021 Kia Sportage base engine makes 181 horsepower. The CR-V is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 476 miles. The Sportage is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 492 miles.This gives the 2021 Honda CR-V the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Kia Sportage the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2021 Honda CR-V has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2021 Kia Sportage has the advantage in the area of front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Honda CR-V and the 2021 Kia Sportage have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

Overview

The Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage are both attractive small SUVs with excellent ride quality, confident driving dynamics and refined drivetrains. The Sportage has a capable standard engine, but its optional turbo engine gives the Kia a much sportier nature, though it’s only available on the top (most expensive) trim. The Honda CR-V’s standard engine is turbocharged and provides strong acceleration. Both vehicles come standard with front-wheel drive while offering all-wheel drive as an option. The CR-V also comes in hybrid form, with standard all-wheel drive and impressive fuel efficiency. Standard advanced safety technologies and features like Apple CarPlay and Android auto make both vehicles a solid value. The Sportage includes Kia’s impressive drivetrain warranty, while the CR-V includes Honda’s longstanding reputation for excellent build quality and resale value. Both are worth a look for small SUV shoppers.

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Model & Pricing
2021 Honda CR-V
2021 Kia Sportage

2021 Honda CR-V
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2021 Honda CR-V for Sale

2021 Kia Sportage
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2021 Kia Sportage for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$25,350

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$25,515

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$23,700 - $27,890

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$24,090

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$25,515

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$23,700 - $27,890

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$27,154

Price Range:

$23,499 - $30,995

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$24,444

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$20,734 - $27,641

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

2,464

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

39,383

# Good or Great Deals:

515

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$20,734

Price Range:

$16,494 - $25,994

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$24,444

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$20,734 - $27,641

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

870

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

44,608

# Good or Great Deals:

358

Honda CR-V Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.9 / 10

Reliability:

9.0 / 10

Retained Value:

8.6 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10

Kia Sportage Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.2 / 10

Reliability:

7.6 / 10

Retained Value:

7.9 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Honda CR-V

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

10.4

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

7.9

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

6.9 - 10.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

57%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Kia Sportage

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

7.2

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

7.9

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

6.9 - 10.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

8.7%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

13.9

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

4.4

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.7 - 13.9

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

4.4

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

4.4

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.7 - 13.9

Honda CR-V Rankings

Best Crossover SUVs

1 / 67

Best Small SUVs

1 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs

1 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

1 / 13

Best Crossover SUVs Under $35k

1 / 10

Best Small SUVs Under $35k

1 / 2

Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $30k

1 / 2

Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $35k

1 / 2

Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $40k

1 / 2

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

2 / 19

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $25k

2 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k

2 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $35k

2 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

2 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

3 / 30

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

3 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

3 / 19

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

4 / 19

Best Family Small SUVs

4 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for Teens

5 / 7

Best Small SUVs for Teens

5 / 6

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

7 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

8 / 67

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

8 / 19

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

9 / 67

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

9 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

9 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Towing

12 / 19

Best Off-road Small SUVs

12 / 19

Best Family Crossover SUVs

14 / 67

Most Affordable Small SUVs

17 / 19

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

20 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

28 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

29 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

29 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

30 / 59

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

36 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

42 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

43 / 67

Kia Sportage Rankings

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

1 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for Teens

1 / 7

Best Small SUVs for Teens

1 / 6

Most Affordable Small SUVs

4 / 19

Best Off-road Small SUVs

5 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 19

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

7 / 67

Best Small SUVs for Towing

7 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

8 / 20

Best Family Small SUVs

8 / 19

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

8 / 14

Best Small SUVs

9 / 19

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

10 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

10 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

10 / 19

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

11 / 67

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

11 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs

11 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

11 / 13

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

13 / 30

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

14 / 59

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

14 / 19

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

17 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

18 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs

27 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

27 / 67

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

31 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

33 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

35 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

36 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

43 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

44 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

46 / 67

Summary Review

The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover with mass appeal. It has been one of the best-selling SUVs since its introduction as a 1997 model. The current CR-V benefitted from a redesign for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $31,288 and 3-year-old models averaging $25,089.

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Summary Review

The Kia Sportage is a compact sport utility vehicle and a mainstay of Kia’s model line, going through several generations prior to the current Sportage, which debuted in 2017. The Sportage is known for its sharp looks, feature-packed interior, and low cost of entry, with new models costing an average of $28,105 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,380.

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Pros and Cons

  • Hybrid version available
  • Assertive exterior design
  • Highly functional and comfortable interior

  • Priced higher than some competitors
  • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is not to every driver’s taste
  • Blind-spot monitoring unavailable in base models

Pros and Cons

  • Smooth ride quality with a quiet interior
  • Spacious seating front and rear
  • Smart instrumentation and control layout

  • Smaller cargo capacity than many rivals
  • Acceleration can be sluggish
  • Fuel economy adequate at best

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2021 Honda CR-V Trim Levels

EX, EX-L, LX, SE, Touring

2021 Kia Sportage Trim Levels

EX, LX, S, SX Turbo

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

179 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.057 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

175 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.055 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

1.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


28 / 34 / 30

Range (city/hwy):

392 / 476 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.4 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


23 / 30 / 26

Range (city/hwy):

377 / 492 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Android Auto:

Available

Apple CarPlay:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Available

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.1 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.3 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.2 inches

Rear Leg Room:

40.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.6 inches

Cargo Space:

39.2 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

75.8 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

145.1 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.3 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.5 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.1 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.1 inches

Rear Leg Room:

38.2 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.1 inches

Cargo Space:

30.7 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

60.1 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

129.3 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3337 lbs

Width:

73 inches

Height:

66.1 inches

Length:

182.1 inches

Wheelbase:

104.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.8 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3305 lbs

Width:

73 inches

Height:

64.4 inches

Length:

176.4 inches

Wheelbase:

105.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

6.4 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/65R17

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

225/60R17

Exterior Colors

Black

Crystal Black Pearl

Gray

Modern Steel Metallic

Red

Radiant Red Metallic

Silver

Lunar Silver Metallic

White

Platinum White Pearl

Beige

Not available

Blue

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Black Cherry

Gray

Steel Gray

Red

Hyper Red

Silver

Sparkling Silver

White

Clear White / Snow White Pearl

Beige

Burnished Copper

Blue

Pacific Blue

Interior Colors

Beige

Ivory

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

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