The Quick Answer
- Sportage Hybrid wins on price: from $30,590 versus $36,030, and AWD from $32,890 versus $37,530.
- Sportage Hybrid wins on power, towing and space: 232 hp versus 204, 2,000 lbs of towing versus 1,000, and 73.7 cu ft of max cargo versus 71.8.
- CR-V Hybrid wins on AWD mileage: 37 mpg combined versus 35. With FWD, the Sportage leads 41 to 40.
- Warranty: Kia covers the powertrain and hybrid battery for 10 years/100,000 miles; Honda's coverage is 5 years/60,000 miles and 8 years/100,000 miles.
Sportage Hybrid vs. CR-V Hybrid: Side by Side
| 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid | 2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $30,590 (LX FWD) | $36,030 (Sport FWD) |
| AWD from | $32,890 (S AWD) | $37,530 (Sport AWD) |
| Top trim | $40,690 (SX Prestige AWD) | $42,950 (Sport Touring AWD) |
| Hybrid system | 1.6L turbo, 232 hp / 271 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic | 2.0L, 204 hp, two-motor direct drive |
| EPA combined, FWD | 41 mpg | 40 mpg |
| EPA combined, AWD | 35 mpg | 37 mpg (TrailSport 35) |
| Max towing | 2,000 lbs | 1,000 lbs |
| Rear legroom | 41.3 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Cargo behind 2nd row / max | 39.5 / 73.7 cu ft | 36.3 / 71.8 cu ft (Sport Touring 34.7 behind 2nd row) |
| Ground clearance, AWD | 8.3 in. | 8.2 in. |
| Standard touchscreen | 12.3 in. | 9 in. |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 5-yr/60K / 10-yr/100K | 3-yr/36K / 5-yr/60K |
| Hybrid battery warranty | 10-yr/100K | 8-yr/100K |
| Destination | $1,495 | $1,550 |
Kia data from Kia; Honda pricing and EPA ratings from Honda's September 2026 release and specs from Honda's dealer information site, as of October 2026. Honda warranty terms from dealer sources. MSRP excludes destination.
Price and Value
The Sportage Hybrid starts $5,440 below the CR-V Hybrid, and with AWD the gap is $4,640. Honda doesn't offer a hybrid below the Sport trim, while Kia's LX Hybrid starts at $30,590 with a 12.3-in. touchscreen and Smart Cruise Control.
At the top, the Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige ($40,690) adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 360-degree camera, Remote Smart Parking Assist and Digital Key 2.0, and still costs $2,260 less than the CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring.
Power and Fuel Economy
Kia's turbo hybrid makes 28 more horsepower and uses a conventional 6-speed automatic. Honda's two-motor system drives mostly on electric power and feels smooth around town.
Fuel economy is close. The Sportage Hybrid FWD is rated 41 mpg versus 40; with AWD, the CR-V leads 37 to 35. At 12,000 miles a year and $3.25 a gallon, that AWD difference is about $60 a year, far less than the price gap.
Space and Practicality
The Sportage Hybrid has 3.2 cu ft more space behind the rear seat (4.8 more than the CR-V Sport Touring) and 1.9 more with the seats folded. Rear legroom is nearly identical at 41.3 versus 41.0 in.
The Sportage's standard 12.3-in. touchscreen is bigger than the CR-V's 9-in. screen, and both offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Towing and Colorado Driving
- Towing: the Sportage Hybrid tows 2,000 lbs, twice the CR-V Hybrid's 1,000 lbs, enough for a small utility trailer or a pair of jet skis.
- AWD and clearance: both offer AWD with about 8.2 to 8.3 in. of ground clearance.
- Altitude: the Sportage's turbo hybrid keeps more of its power on I-70 climbs. The CR-V relies on its electric motors for low-speed torque.
- Trail look: Honda's TrailSport Hybrid ($39,200) adds rugged styling; the Sportage Hybrid X-Line ($35,790) adds standard AWD, roof rails and a panoramic sunroof.
Warranty and Ownership
Kia covers the Sportage Hybrid for 5 years/60,000 miles basic, 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain for the original owner and 10 years/100,000 miles on the hybrid battery. Honda's terms are 3 years/36,000 miles, 5 years/60,000 miles and 8 years/100,000 miles.
Where the CR-V Hybrid Wins
- Better AWD fuel economy: 37 mpg versus 35.
- A smooth, mostly electric two-motor hybrid system.
- Built in North America (Ohio, Indiana and Ontario).
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Sportage Hybrid if…
You want the lower price, more power, twice the towing, more cargo room, a bigger screen or the longer warranty.
Choose the CR-V Hybrid if…
You'll buy AWD and want the best possible mileage, and the price difference doesn't matter.
Compare at Emich Kia
See every trim on the Sportage Hybrid page, or compare the gas models in our Sportage vs. CR-V comparison.
- Family-owned since 1922 at 1260 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver, a few minutes from I-25 and Cherry Creek.
- Not sure which trim has the feature you want? We'll check the window sticker on any vehicle before you visit.
- Schedule a test drive, apply for financing online or value your trade before you come in.
Sportage Hybrid vs. CR-V Hybrid: FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage Hybrid better than the Honda CR-V Hybrid?
It depends on what matters most. The Sportage Hybrid costs less, makes more power (232 vs. 204 hp), tows twice as much and has a longer warranty. The CR-V Hybrid gets better fuel economy with AWD (37 vs. 35 mpg).
Which is cheaper, the Sportage Hybrid or CR-V Hybrid?
The Sportage Hybrid starts at $30,590 versus $36,030 for the CR-V Hybrid. With AWD, it's $32,890 versus $37,530.
Which gets better gas mileage?
With FWD, the Sportage Hybrid at 41 mpg combined versus 40. With AWD, the CR-V Hybrid at 37 mpg versus 35 for the Sportage Hybrid.
Which has more cargo space?
The Sportage Hybrid: 39.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 73.7 maximum, versus 36.3 and 71.8 for the CR-V Hybrid.
How much can each one tow?
The Sportage Hybrid tows 2,000 lbs and the CR-V Hybrid 1,000 lbs.
Which has the better warranty?
Kia's: 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain and hybrid battery and 5 years/60,000 miles basic. Honda covers 5 years/60,000 miles, 8 years/100,000 miles and 3 years/36,000 miles.
Drive the Sportage Hybrid
Shop Sportage Hybrids in stock at Emich Kia and drive one back to back with the CR-V.
Shop Sportage Hybrid View Hybrid Specials