Compared: 2024 Kia Sportage vs. 2024 Honda CR-V

These compact SUVs are both solid choices, but one edges the other in price, style, and features.

Mark Elias | 

Aug 27, 2024 | 3 min read

Kia | Honda

The 2024 Honda CR-V is the vehicle all its competitors want to beat, and the tech-laden 2024 Kia Sportage is one of its more prominent rivals. Both compact SUVs underwent complete redesigns last year. Though most drivers will not consider them for serious off-roading, the Kia Sportage X-Pro lineup includes all-wheel drive (AWD) with a center locking differential.

Honda

The Sportage Leads in Price and Hybrid Power

Kia charges about $28,000 for the base Sportage LX, which comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and is powered by a 2.5-liter engine making 187 horsepower. AWD adds $1,800. The same engine powers the rest of the lineup except for hybrid models.

There is a 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain making 227 horsepower available with FWD or optional AWD, starting around $29,000. A plug-in hybrid with AWD starts around $40,000.

Off-roaders can choose the X-Pro trim with 1.5 inches of extra ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and AWD with downhill brake control. All Sportage prices include a $1,325 destination fee.

The base Honda CR-V LX starts at about $31,000, with a 190-hp 1.5-liter turbo engine that powers the entire lineup. FWD is standard — with hill-descent control. Available AWD costs $1,500. Those looking for better power and mileage may like the 204-hp 2.0-liter hybrid with AWD starting at $35,000. As with the Kia, Honda charges a $1,325 destination fee. There is no plug-in hybrid version of the CR-V.

Kia

Kia Sportage Leads the Way in Interior Features

The base Kia Sportage LX brings more to the party, including a 12.2-inch instrument display, 8.0-inch touchscreen, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and driver-attention warning with leading lane-departure alert. The Sportage EX and higher bring dual 12.2-inch screens, quality audio systems, and wireless phone charging.

All Honda CR-V models have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 7.0-inch instrument display, and a 7.0- or 9.0-inch touchscreen display depending on trim. Honda's body stabilizing seats beat Kia's and help promote posture and reduce fatigue. Both the Kia and Honda offer around 41 inches of second-row legroom.

Standard safety features for both SUVs include automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Kia and Honda also include rear-seat reminders for passengers and cargo in the second row. The Sportage SX Prestige and X-Pro Prestige include blind-spot view monitor, which displays vehicles in the gauge cluster once a turn indicator is applied.

Both SUVs Offer Good Gas Mileage

Using EPA test procedures, Honda says the 1.5-liter CR-V turbo achieves 28/34/30 mpg city/highway/combined. Kia estimates its 2.5-liter will deliver 25/33/28 mpg using the same EPA test standards. The CR-V Hybrid delivers 43/36/40 mpg, while the Sportage Hybrid gets 42/44/43 mpg under EPA test guidelines.

All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.

Mark Elias

Mark Elias is an award-winning automotive journalist and photographer who has covered the industry for the past 20 years. Along the way, he has photographed for news agencies, car manufacturers, and Fortune 500 companies. He loves playing and building guitars — but his wife will only let him have five at any one time.