2027 Kia Sportage vs. Honda CR-V

 

Comparison: Price, Cargo, & Warranty in

 

Burlington, NC

 

The Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V are about the same size, both come in gas and hybrid versions, and they start within a few thousand dollars of each other. If you’re shopping compact SUVs in Burlington, you’ve probably looked at both. 

Below, we compare the 2027 models on price, performance, fuel economy, cargo space, warranty, and safety. The Sportage leads in most of those categories. The CR-V wins a couple, and we’ll be honest about which ones. 

 

Price: The Sportage Costs Less at Every Level 

 

The gas Sportage LX starts at $28,990, which is $2,530 less than the $31,520 CR-V LX. The gap is bigger with the hybrids. The Sportage Hybrid starts at $30,590, and the least expensive CR-V Hybrid starts at $36,030. That's a $5,440 difference, and the Sportage Hybrid has more horsepower.

 

New for 2027, Kia offers the Sportage Hybrid S and EX with front-wheel drive, so you don't have to pay for all-wheel drive to get a better-equipped hybrid. (Prices are MSRP, excluding destination.)

 

Performance: The Sportage Hybrid Has More Power

 

The gas engines are close at 187 and 190 horsepower, but they drive differently. The Sportage uses a 2.5-liter engine with a traditional 8-speed automatic. The CR-V uses a smaller turbo engine with a CVT, which is smooth but can feel less responsive under hard acceleration.

In hybrid form, the Sportage makes 232 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The CR-V Hybrid makes 204 horsepower. That extra power is noticeable when you merge onto I-40/85 from Huffman Mill Road. The Sportage Hybrid also tows 2,000 pounds, twice the CR-V Hybrid's 1,000. That's enough for a small boat or a kayak trailer headed to Lake Mackintosh.

 

Fuel Economy: The CR-V Wins With Gas and AWD

 

If you want a gas-only SUV with all-wheel drive, the CR-V gets better mileage. It's rated at 29 mpg combined, while an AWD gas Sportage gets 24 to 26 mpg combined.

 

The hybrids split. With front-wheel drive, the Sportage Hybrid is rated up to 42 mpg combined, and the CR-V Hybrid gets 40. With all-wheel drive, the CR-V Hybrid leads, 37 to 35.

 

The Sportage is also available as a plug-in hybrid, which the CR-V isn't. If you mostly make short trips around Burlington, Graham, and Elon, a plug-in can cover much of that driving on electric power.

 

Cargo Space: Nearly Even, Except in the Hybrids

 

The gas models are almost identical behind the rear seats: 39.6 cubic feet in the Sportage and 39.3 in the CR-V. With the seats folded, the CR-V has more room, 76.5 cubic feet to 74.1.

 

In the hybrids, the Sportage has the advantage. The CR-V Hybrid's battery reduces its cargo space to 36.3 cubic feet. The Sportage Hybrid offers up to 38.5 cubic feet, with a cargo floor you can set at two heights. Kia also rates the Sportage's rear legroom as best in its class.

 

Warranty: The Sportage Has Twice the Powertrain

 

Coverage

 

Every new Sportage comes with Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. The CR-V's powertrain is covered for 5 years/60,000 miles, with 3 years/36,000 miles of basic coverage. The 10-year powertrain coverage applies to the original owner. Our Kia warranty guide explains what's included.

 

Safety: Both Have Standard Driver Assistance 

 

The Sportage earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Standard features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane centering. The CR-V comes standard with Honda Sensing, which includes collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise, and lane-keeping assist. For more, see our post on Sportage safety and technology.

 

Sportage or CR-V: Which Should You Buy? 

 

Choose the CR-V if you want a gas-only AWD SUV with the best fuel economy, or you need the most cargo space with the seats folded.

Choose the Sportage if you want a lower price, a more powerful hybrid that can tow more, a plug-in hybrid option, or a longer powertrain warranty.

 

Test Drive a Kia Sportage at Burlington Kia

 

The easiest way to decide is to drive both. Browse our new Sportage inventory or Sportage Hybrid inventory, then schedule a test drive. If you're trading in a CR-V, check your 10-second trade value before you visit us at 2149 Hatchery Road, or call 336.791.1799.