2025 Kia Sportage vs. 2025 Honda CR-V: Which SUV Is the Better Buy?
When it comes to compact SUVs, two names consistently rise to the top: the Kia Sportage and the Honda CR-V. Both offer a strong blend of reliability, interior space, fuel efficiency, and all-weather capability—making them excellent choices for Canadian drivers. But which one stands out in 2025?
Whether you’re comparing fuel economy, pricing, features, or warranty coverage, this side-by-side breakdown will help you decide which SUV fits your lifestyle best.
Design and Styling
The 2025 Kia Sportage brings a bold, futuristic design to the road. With its boomerang-style LED lighting, wide front grille, and sharp body lines, it stands out in a segment where many vehicles still play it safe. The interior follows suit, offering a modern digital cockpit with a panoramic curved display available on higher trims.
The 2025 Honda CR-V sticks to a more conservative, family-friendly design. While it received a significant update recently, it leans toward minimalism. Inside, it’s clean and functional, but some may find the layout less exciting compared to the Sportage’s high-tech approach.
Verdict: If you want a vehicle that turns heads, the Sportage delivers a more unique and upscale feel, especially at higher trims.
Performance and Engine Options
Both models offer gasoline and hybrid powertrains in Canada, giving buyers options based on their driving needs.
| Model | Gasoline Engine | Hybrid Option |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia Sportage | 2.5L 4-cylinder (187 hp) | 1.6L Turbo Hybrid (227 hp) or PHEV (261 hp, 55 km EV range) |
| 2025 Honda CR-V | 1.5L Turbo (190 hp) | 2.0L Hybrid (204 hp combined) |
The Sportage offers more variety, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with up to 55 km of all-electric range—an ideal option for short urban commutes. The CR-V’s hybrid is fuel-efficient but lacks a PHEV option in Canada as of 2025.
Verdict: The Sportage provides more choice and electric driving flexibility.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy is a major consideration, especially for Ottawa-area drivers facing long commutes and fluctuating gas prices.
| Model | Gas (Combined) | Hybrid (Combined) | PHEV (Hybrid Mode) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Sportage | 8.3–9.5 L/100 km | 6.2 L/100 km | 6.7 L/100 km + 55 km EV |
| Honda CR-V | 8.4 L/100 km | 6.4 L/100 km | N/A |
Both hybrids are efficient, but the Sportage PHEV gives you the advantage of electric-only driving for short distances.
Verdict: Kia edges ahead for drivers looking to reduce fuel costs and emissions.
Interior and Space
Inside, both SUVs offer ample space for passengers and cargo.
- Kia Sportage: Up to 2,098 litres of cargo space with rear seats folded.
- Honda CR-V: Around 2,166 litres of maximum cargo space.
While the CR-V offers slightly more cargo room, the Sportage counters with a more modern cabin design and larger available infotainment displays (up to 12.3 inches).
Verdict: CR-V for pure space, Sportage for design and tech.
Safety and Technology
Both the Sportage and CR-V come standard with advanced safety features, including:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Adaptive Cruise Control
However, the Sportage offers more features at lower trim levels, such as available remote smart parking, a 360° surround-view monitor, and a panoramic curved display.
Verdict: Sportage packs more premium features into lower price points.
Pricing and Warranty
Canadian buyers love value—and this is where Kia often shines.
- 2025 Kia Sportage starts around $34,000 CAD (gas), with hybrid and PHEV trims priced higher.
- 2025 Honda CR-V starts around $36,000 CAD for the gas model, with the hybrid starting closer to $39,000 CAD.
Kia also offers a 5-year/100,000 km warranty, compared to Honda’s 3-year/60,000 km basic warranty.
Verdict: Kia wins for both upfront pricing and long-term peace of mind.
Final Verdict: Which SUV Should You Choose?
The 2025 Honda CR-V is a dependable, well-rounded SUV with strong resale value and good interior space. But if you’re looking for more powertrain variety, cutting-edge tech, plug-in hybrid capability, and greater warranty coverage, the 2025 Kia Sportage offers better flexibility and value—especially for Canadian drivers.
Want to explore the latest Kia Sportage models available in Ottawa?
🔗 Browse our new Kia Sportage inventory here
To see full specs and trims, visit the official Kia Canada website.