As the compact SUV market continues to flourish, two standout contenders have emerged in the form of the 2023 Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V. Each offers its unique blend of style, practicality, and performance, these two vehicles have captured the attention of drivers seeking versatility and value in their next purchase.
In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve deep into the various aspects that set these models apart and help you decide which one best suits your needs and preferences.
Exterior Design:
The 2023 Kia Sportage has undergone a significant redesign, giving it a sleek and futuristic look. Its aggressive front fascia features a distinctive tiger-nose grille, flanked by slim LED headlights. The side profile showcases a dynamic character line that runs from the front to the rear, while the rear end sports uniquely shaped LED taillights and a clean, minimalist design. Overall, the Sportage offers a modern and athletic appearance that is sure to turn heads.
The 2023 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, retains its familiar design language with a few updates. The CR-V features a large, bold front grille and LED headlights that create an imposing presence on the road. The side profile showcases a sharp body line that emphasizes the vehicle’s length, while the rear displays C-shaped LED taillights and a sculpted tailgate. The CR-V’s design is undoubtedly refined, but it is more conservative when compared to the Sportage.
Interior Design
Inside the Sportage, you’ll find a modern and spacious cabin that emphasizes user-friendly technology. The dashboard design is clean and uncluttered, featuring a large touchscreen infotainment system that seamlessly integrates with the driver’s display. The use of high-quality materials and well-placed soft-touch surfaces gives the Sportage’s interior a premium feel.
The CR-V’s interior is all about practicality and functionality. Its dashboard layout is straightforward, with a touchscreen infotainment system and a separate digital instrument cluster. While the CR-V’s cabin may not be as stylish as the Sportage’s, it offers a comfortable and ergonomic environment with plenty of storage spaces.
Seating:
Both the Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V can comfortably accommodate up to five passengers. The Sportage boasts well-contoured seats that offer excellent support and comfort, while the CR-V’s seats are slightly wider and more plush. In terms of rear-seat space, the CR-V has the edge, offering more legroom and headroom for passengers.
Storage:
In terms of cargo space, the Honda CR-V takes the lead with 39.2 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats and 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Kia Sportage, while still offering ample storage, provides slightly less space with 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet when they are folded down. Both vehicles also offer numerous small-item storage compartments throughout the cabin.
Performance:
The Kia Sportage comes with two engine options: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 227 horsepower. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sportage offers a smooth and composed ride, with a well-tuned suspension that absorbs road imperfections.
The Honda CR-V comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 190 horsepower. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Like the Sportage, the CR-V provides a comfortable and refined ride, thanks to its well-damped suspension and excellent noise insulation. The CR-V’s engine offers peppy acceleration and a smooth power delivery, while the CVT ensures seamless gear shifts.
Fuel Efficiency:
When equipped with the 2.5-liter engine, the Sportage is estimated to achieve 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 29 mpg. The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivers slightly better fuel economy, with 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined rating of 31 mpg.
The Honda CR-V’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is rated at 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, with a combined rating of 30 mpg. While both vehicles offer competitive fuel efficiency, the Kia Sportage with its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine has a slight edge over the Honda CR-V.
Safety:
Both the Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V come with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to enhance safety on the road. Some of the key safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Both vehicles have also received high safety ratings from organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), showcasing their commitment to occupant protection.
Trim Levels:
The Kia Sportage is available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX. The base LX trim comes with a good array of standard features, while the S trim adds sporty design elements and additional equipment. The EX trim offers a more luxurious experience with added creature comforts, and the range-topping SX trim features the more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and a host of high-end amenities.
The Honda CR-V is offered in four trim levels as well: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The base LX trim provides a solid list of standard features, while the EX trim adds more advanced technology and convenience options. The EX-L trim brings additional luxury touches, and the top-of-the-line Touring trim offers the most comprehensive list of features and equipment.
Pricing:
The 2023 Kia Sportage starts at a base price of around $25,000 for the LX trim, with the S and EX trims priced in the mid-to-high $20,000 range. The fully-loaded SX trim can be expected to reach around $35,000, depending on options and packages.
The base price of the 2023 Honda CR-V LX trim is approximately $26,000, with the EX and EX-L trims priced in the high $20,000 to low $30,000 range. The top-of-the-line Touring trim can reach up to around $36,000, depending on options and packages.
Key Differences
Seating:
While both vehicles can accommodate up to five passengers, the Honda CR-V offers slightly more rear-seat space, with additional legroom and headroom compared to the Kia Sportage.
Storage:
In terms of cargo space, the Honda CR-V leads with 39.2 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats and 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Kia Sportage provides 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet when folded down. This makes the CR-V a more attractive option for those who prioritize cargo capacity.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency:
The Kia Sportage offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Honda CR-V comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Sportage with its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine has a slight edge over the CR-V, but both vehicles offer competitive fuel economy figures.
Pricing:
The base price of the 2023 Kia Sportage is slightly lower than that of the Honda CR-V, starting at around $25,000 for the LX trim compared to the CR-V’s base price of approximately $26,000 for the LX trim. This price difference is maintained across the trim levels, with the Sportage generally offering a more budget-friendly option.
Final Thoughts
After comparing the 2023 Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V, it’s clear that both vehicles have much to offer in terms of design, functionality, and overall value. The Sportage captivates with its daring design and marginally better fuel efficiency, while the CR-V caters to those who prioritize space and a more conservative aesthetic.
Ultimately, the decision between these two popular compact SUVs will come down to your personal preferences and priorities. No matter which vehicle you choose, you can be confident that you’re investing in a reliable, versatile, and stylish SUV that will serve you well for years to come.
Features Breakdown:
2023 Kia Sportage Features:
- Exterior Design:
- Bold, futuristic appearance
- Distinctive tiger-nose grille
- Slim LED headlights
- Interior Design:
- Modern, stylish cabin
- Clean, uncluttered dashboard
- Large integrated touchscreen infotainment system
- Seating:
- Comfortable seating for five passengers
- Well-contoured seats
- Storage:
- 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind rear seats
- 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded down
- Performance:
- 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine (187 hp)
- 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (227 hp)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Fuel Efficiency:
- 29 mpg combined (2.5-liter engine)
- 31 mpg combined (1.6-liter turbocharged engine)
- Safety:
- Comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)
- High safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS
- Trim Levels:
- LX, S, EX, and SX
- Pricing:
- Base price: around $25,000 (LX trim)
- Range-topping SX trim: around $35,000
2023 Honda CR-V Features:
- Exterior Design:
- Conservative, refined design
- Large front grille
- C-shaped LED taillights
- Interior Design:
- Practical, functional cabin
- Straightforward dashboard layout
- Conventional touchscreen infotainment system
- Seating:
- Comfortable seating for five passengers
- Slightly wider, more plush seats
- Additional rear-seat legroom and headroom
- Storage:
- 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind rear seats
- 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded down
- Performance:
- 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (190 hp)
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
- Fuel Efficiency:
- 30 mpg combined (1.5-liter turbocharged engine)
- Safety:
- Comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)
- High safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS
- Trim Levels:
- LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring
- Pricing:
- Base price: around $26,000 (LX trim)
- Range-topping Touring trim: around $36,000
