2021 Honda CR-V Vs. Kia Sportage

2021 Honda CR-V vs. 2021 Kia Sportage at Spring Honda in Cranbrook, BC

With the capability of its more rugged sibling, but the size to tackle the modern urban environment, the compact SUV has risen to prominence the last few years as a vehicle that can do it all. Of course, that type of popularity means that the segment is jam-packed with options. One of the best is undoubtedly the Honda CR-V, but don’t just take our word for it—explore how it stacks up against another highly-ranked compact SUV in the Kia Sportage.

Exterior Design & Features

Honda CR-V Design

The design of the 2021 Honda CR-V underscores its impressive versatility, beginning with an exterior that combines sporty lines and an athletic stance. Slightly longer and taller than the Sportage, the 2021 CR-V offers a comfortable and spacious interior, with no shortage of cargo options. Other design touches, from the standard LED lights and hands-free power liftgate, to the available one-touch power moonroof, make the 2021 Honda CR-V a winner when it comes to combining utility with handsome features.

Kia Sportage Design

The 2021 Kia Sportage doesn’t trail the CR-V by much in terms of length and height, and actually offers a slightly longer wheelbase. Normally a longer wheelbase would result in a smoother ride, but we’re talking a fraction of an inch here, so the result is negligible. There’s no doubt that the Sportage is stylish, and an abundance of colour options help it stand out on the road. However, if we’re comparing style to substance in a vehicle prized for its utility, we’ll take substance over style every day of the week (luckily the 2021 CR-V has both).

Interior Design & Features

Performance

When comparing the performance of these two compact SUVs, we’ll direct our attention to the base engine offerings. The Sportage features a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder capable of producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, while the sole engine offered in the CR-V—a 1.5-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder—bests the Sportage with 190 horses and 179 lb-ft of torque. It’s a close comparison, but the smaller turbocharged engine provides slightly more power, torque, and efficiency. Of course, when it comes to efficiency, Honda’s CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) offers a smoother drive and better fuel economy than the 6-speed automatic transmission found in the Kia Sportage. However, those looking for even more power might find appeal in the 2021 Kia Sportage SX trim, featuring an upgraded 2.0-litre turbocharged engine providing 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Certainly a more powerful option, but one that comes at no small price. Both of these SUVs come with AWD standard, while Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control system is easily the more intuitive of the two.

Safety

Honda CR-V Safety

Reliability has been a hallmark of the Honda brand for as long as anyone can remember, and the 2021 CR-V doesn’t stray from this formula at all. The Honda Sensing Technology suite of advanced features aids the driver at all times, with Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Hill Start Assist, and Road Departure Mitigation among the standard features found in the CR-V. Add in the smart design of the CR-V’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, and you’ve got one of the safest SUVs on the market—period.

Kia Sportage Safety

Advanced driver assistance features are now standard equipment on most modern vehicles, and the 2021 Kia Sportage is no different. Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Detection, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are all standard on the Sportage, providing peace of mind in the city. However, similar to the engine situation, you’ll have to pay extra to add on further safety options.

Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage Verdict

Extremely similar in size and performance, the 2021 Kia Sportage might seem like a steal of a deal starting at $25,795 compared to the base price tag of $31,760 for the 2021 Honda CR-V. However, it’s hard to put a price tag on the added safety, reliability, and utility provided by the latest CR-V.

Pardon the pun, but at Spring Honda we’d spring for the extra peace of mind every time. Give us a call, or contact us via the form below to book a test drive in the 2021 Honda CR-V today, and we’re confident that you’ll love the exceptional versatility of the CR-V as much as we do.

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