2018 Kia Sportage vs Honda CR-V
If you’re in the market for a new ride to take you around the Louisville, Elizabethtown, and Clarksville areas, crossovers are becoming an increasingly popular option. With their versatility offering interior space and driveability, it’s no wonder so many drivers are making the switch. Their popularity leaves you with many different models to choose from, so make sure you’re getting the right one.
To ease your search, we’ve taken two of the best crossovers on the market and submitted them to a rigorous comparison. The Kia Sportage and the Honda CR-V are among the best in their class, but only one can be best for you. Find out which with our comprehensive Kia Sportage vs. Honda CR-V comparison.
Performance
The most striking difference between these two crossovers is their performance. While both feature generally the same amount of power in their respective 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines, the upgraded engines are surprisingly different. The CR-V can be equipped with a turbo-powered 1.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces 190 horsepower with 179 lb-ft of torque.
While the upgraded CR-V is certainly impressive, it doesn’t quite hold up to the top-of-the-line Sportage. The Sportage has a second turbocharged engine just like the CR-V does, but its 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo can produce a massive 240 horsepower with 260 lb-ft of torque. That’s nearly a quarter more than what the CR-V can offer.
Capability
You may not think of crossovers as the most capable vehicles available, but both vehicles should surprise you. It should be no surprise considering the engine power difference, but the Sportage offers more towing capacity than the CR-V. With the Honda, you can only tow up to 1,500 pounds of cargo. Meanwhile, the Sportage can handle all the way up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped, so you can bring some extra cargo on your next adventure.
When it comes to driveability, the Sportage also tends to have more advantages. Both crossovers have the option for all-wheel drive, and that goes a long way to maintain grip in some hazardous road conditions. On the other hand, the Sportage is a bit easier to drive with a tighter turning diameter at 34.8 feet. By comparison, the CR-V needs 37.4 feet for the same maneuver.
Interior Quality
Inside both crossovers, you’ll find plenty of space for cargo and passengers alike. What really sets them apart is how readily available the luxury features are. With the CR-V, you have to go up a few trims to get to the really good stuff. The Sportage offers a nice surprise, however, with many of these features coming standard.
With the Sportage, you can enjoy a heated steering wheel and heated seats for those cold Kentucky winter mornings. It also features a studio-quality audio system and a power tailgate. The CR-V can offer much of the same, but only the Sportage features all of that standard on every model.
Kia Sportage vs Honda CR-V Verdict
While our Kia Sportage vs. Honda CR-V comparison was close, the Kia Sportage seems to offer more overall. This was just a small portion of everything it can do, so head over to The Kia Store, the best Kia dealer in the Louisville, Elizabethtown, and Clarksville areas, to learn more about the new Sportage. Schedule your test drive today!