It’s well-known that the models in the Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage showdown come with generous standard features and easy-to-park dimensions, but experts and the Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw team are already crowning the 2025 Kia Sportage one of the best all-around compact SUVs thanks to its techy design, new blacked-out styling on X-Line and X-Pro trims, and an upgraded Premium Package.
The primary difference between Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage design is reliability: The 2025 Sportage boasts a 10-year or 100,000-mile Limited powertrain warranty,1 while Honda CR-V coverage maxes out at five years or 60,000 miles.2 Even a Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage pricing comparison is no contest: The Sportage trims have a better starting MSRP!
Join us as we pull back the curtain to explore the most exciting features of the 2025 Honda CR-V vs. 2025 Kia Sportage. We think you’ll love the Sportage SUV with its higher towing capacity and gorgeous infotainment touch screen. When you do, we’ll have your Kia test-drive keys waiting.
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Limited Powertrain Warranty: | 10-yr / 100,000-mi1 |
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Model Year Updates: | New blacked-out trim options, New Premium Package features |
Gas-Powered Trim Levels: | 7 |
Engine: | 2.5L 4-cyl |
Horsepower (Gas Models): | 187 |
Torque (Gas Models): | 178 lb-ft |
Drivetrain: | FWD / AWD |
Transmission: | 8-speed automatic |
Maximum Towing Capacity: | 2,500 lbs3 |
Gas-Powered EPA-Est MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb): |
25 / 32 / 285 (FWD) |
Passenger Seating: | 5 |
Cargo Capacity (Standard / Max): | 39.6 / 74.1 cu ft |
Hands-Free Power Liftgate: | Available or standard in six of seven trims |
Exterior Length: | 183.5 in |
Width: | 73.4 in |
Height: | 65.4-66.9 in |
Hybrid Options: | Hybrid and plug-in hybrid |
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Limited Powertrain Warranty: | 5-yr / 60,000-mi2 |
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Model Year Updates: | No changes |
Gas-Powered Trim Levels: | 3 |
Engine: | 1.5L turbo 4-cyl |
Horsepower (Gas Models): | 190 |
Torque (Gas Models): | 179 lb-ft |
Drivetrain: | 2WD / Real-Time AWD |
Transmission: | CVT |
Maximum Towing Capacity: | 1,500 lbs4 |
Gas-Powered EPA-Est MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb): |
28 / 34 / 306 (2WD) 26 / 31 / 286 (AWD) |
Passenger Seating: | 5 |
Cargo Capacity (Standard / Max): | 39.3 / 76.5 cu ft |
Hands-Free Power Liftgate: | Only standard in the top trim |
Exterior Length: | 184.8 in |
Width: | 73.5 in |
Height: | 66.2-66.5 in |
Hybrid Options: | Hybrid |
The 2025 Kia Sportage engine is powerful yet efficient – everything you want in a five-seat SUV. The seven Sportage trims use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission to tow up to 2,500 pounds,3 and you can choose between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Honda CR-V has a smaller 1.5-liter engine, a lower 1,500-pound towing capacity,4 and a continuously variable transmission that is known to need more frequent fluid changes than the Sportage’s traditional eight-speed. It does offer FWD and Real-Time AWD, but this doesn’t change the fact that the CR-V is far less powerful than the Sportage SUV.
Kia engineers are not only keeping pace with the sustainability-focused auto industry – they’re charting new territory. The 2025 Kia Sportage doesn’t just come with the gas-powered engine discussed above – it can also be purchased or leased in hybrid or plug-in hybrid configurations.
The Sportage Hybrid and Sportage Plug-In Hybrid models add quicker acceleration, a smooth suspension, and well-mannered driving alongside their fuel-efficient powertrains. Explore our Kia Sportage deals to see how our current incentives can pair with these hybrid powertrains to save you even more. Unfortunately, the 2025 Honda CR-V family does not include a plug-in hybrid variant, so drivers will have to settle for a gas or hybrid powertrain if they like the CR-V styling.
When it comes to the Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage matchup, both automakers produce sleek and stylish SUVs – but once you leave the dealership in one, the most important thing is to be confident in your vehicle’s long-term performance. The 2025 Kia Sportage and 2025 Honda CR-V are no-nonsense sport-utes with excellent ownership values and low annual repair costs,7,8 but only the Sportage comes with 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain support.1 Plus, you can save on oil changes and tire rotations with our Kia service center specials!
Sadly, the 2025 Honda CR-V does not offer comparable warranty coverage: You’ll only get five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain warranty,2 leaving you liable for any repairs after this time frame.
Another critical factor in this Kia Sportage vs. Honda CR-V comparison is cabin design. Settle into any 2025 Kia Sportage trim above the entry-level LX, and you’ll immediately notice its cutting-edge 12.3-inch touch screen. Integrated navigation with the 12.3-inch display makes road-tripping easy, Apple CarPlay® and Android Autoâ„¢ are standard across the lineup, and wireless phone charging is included in six of the seven Sportage trims.
Once again, the 2025 Honda CR-V falls behind in interior amenities. Only the top three CR-V trims come with leather upholstery, whereas all but the Sportage LX are outfitted with easy-clean SynTex faux leather. The largest touch screen available in the gas-powered CR-V is only 9 inches – far smaller than the dashboard-spanning Sportage display – and wireless phone charging isn’t available unless you choose one of the top three models.
When parked side by side, it’s clear that the Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage dimensions are quite similar. The CR-V is just over an inch longer and only a tenth of an inch wider than the Kia Sportage. Ground clearance is nearly equivalent, too. Inside the Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage cabins, however, a different story unfolds.
First, the CR-V backseat has a lower ceiling than Sportage trims without sunroofs, meaning tall teens and adults will feel more cramped. The Kia SUV also has slightly more legroom in both rows and gives rear passengers more hip room – an important measurement when loading car seats.
Before we wrap up this Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage comparison, we need to examine cargo and seating specs. Standard trunk storage is so similar in 2025 Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V trims that you’d be happy with either option. Both SUVs also seat five passengers, but as we discussed in the previous section, Sportage occupants are likely to be more comfortable.
Hopefully, this Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage review has helped clarify each SUV’s best features and solidify your decision. If a test drive of a 2025 Kia Sportage trim is in your future, please reach out to schedule a visit at Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw. We would love nothing more than to help you unlock top-rate Kia financing that gets you behind the wheel of a reliable Kia SUV you love.
Both models in our Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage comparison are compact SUVs that are nearly identical in exterior size. The 2025 Kia Sportage is slightly smaller at 183.5 inches long, with the Honda CR-V close behind at 184.8 inches. You’ll find more legroom and extra rear headroom in certain Kia Sportage configurations, but standard trunk space in these competing sport-utes is almost identical.
You’ll notice that the Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage MPG is quite evenly matched, though the 2025 Honda CR-V does earn a few extra miles of fuel economy in both city and highway driving. Fuel use is also heavily determined by driving style, so depending on your use of the SUV and typical traffic conditions, the Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage MPG could be very similar.
Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage cargo capacities are almost indistinguishable. The Sportage offers 39.6 cubic feet, while the CR-V has 39.3. The Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage maximum cargo capacities are almost identical, too. However, only the Sportage has an available or standard power liftgate in all but one trim. You won’t find a power liftgate in the CR-V until its upper models.
1Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.
2Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
3Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner’s Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.
4Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
5Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
6Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/sportage
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/honda/cr-v