Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Honda CR-V and 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 Honda CR-V and the Kia Sportage.
In comparing the Honda CR-V's and the Kia Sportage's specifications and ratings, the Honda CR-V has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Kia Sportage has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. Based on this comparison of the Honda CR-V's and the Kia Sportage's specifications and ratings, the Honda CR-V is a better car than the Kia Sportage.
Pricing: A used 2026 Honda CR-V ranges from $31,958 to $39,215 while a used 2026 Kia Sportage is priced between $30,642 to $40,180. For a new model, the Honda CR-V's price is between $32,770 and $38,750, with the Kia Sportage priced between $30,461 and $39,759.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda CR-V loses 34.5 percent of its value and the Kia Sportage loses 47.1 percent of its value. This means the Honda CR-V retains 12.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Sportage.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda CR-V is 8.7 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 2 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Kia Sportage being ranked 12 out of 67. Out of 19 Best Small SUVs, the Honda CR-V is ranked 2 and the Kia Sportage is ranked 7.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda CR-V is 8.2 out of 10. For the Kia Sportage the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Honda CR-V a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sportage.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Honda CR-V’s base engine makes 190 horsepower, and the Kia Sportage base engine makes 187 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Honda CR-V and the 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.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
32770 - 38750
Starting MSRP:
30920
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
30461 - 39759
Starting MSRP:
28690
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
35755
Price Range:
31958 - 39215
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
34444
Price Range:
30642 - 40180
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
10759
Depreciation %:
0.34795418
Resale Value $:
20161
Residual Value %:
0.65204582
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.45209006
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.32910269 - 0.51594441
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
13616
Depreciation %:
0.47459628
Resale Value $:
15074
Residual Value %:
0.52540372
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.45209006
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.32910269 - 0.51594441
Honda CR-V Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.8 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Kia Sportage Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Honda CR-V
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.363
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Sportage
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.0
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.085
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Honda CR-V Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 56Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 18Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 56Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Kia Sportage Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 18Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 20Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 18Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 56Ranking
18 out of / 56Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Summary 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.
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.
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
Honda CR-V Trim Levels
EX, EX-L, LX
Kia Sportage Trim Levels
EX, LX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, X-Pro Prestige
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
179 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
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
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
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
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
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
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
39.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
145.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
39.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3472 lbs
Width:
73.5 inches
Height:
66.2 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3435 lbs
Width:
73.4 inches
Height:
65.4 inches
Length:
184.4 inches
Wheelbase:
108.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Gray
Meteorite Gray Metallic / Urban Gray Pearl
Red
Radiant Red Metallic
Silver
Solar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black / Fusion Black
Gray
Gravity Gray / Steel Gray
Red
Not available
Silver
Panthera Metal
White
Glacial White Pearl / Snow White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
