Kia vs. Honda: Is Kia the Better Choice in 2025?
The debate between Kia vs. Honda has been ongoing for years, with Honda long considered a leader in reliability and resale value while Kia has made impressive strides in technology, design, and warranty coverage. But in 2025, is Honda still the go-to choice, or has Kia surpassed it in key areas that matter most to car buyers?
This comparison will break down the biggest differences between the two brands, looking at reliability, resale value, warranty, innovation, and overall value for money.
Kia vs. Honda: Quick Comparison Table
| Category | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years/100,000 km | 3 years/60,000 km |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/160,000 km | 5 years/100,000 km |
| Reliability Ranking (2024 J.D. Power) | 3rd place | 6th place |
| Resale Value (2023 Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Retention) | 55% | 60% |
| Average Tech Features | More standard features | Often requires upgrading trims |
| Hybrid & Electric Options | More diverse lineup | Fewer EV & hybrid choices |
Kia vs. Honda: Is Honda Still the Reliability King?
For decades, Honda has been known for reliability, with models like the Civic, Accord, and CR-V consistently ranked among the most dependable cars. However, Kia has significantly closed the gap.
According to the 2024 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, Kia ranked 3rd place overall for long-term reliability, while Honda placed 6th. This means Kia vehicles today are proven to last longer with fewer issues compared to many legacy brands, including Honda.
A major factor in this shift is Kia’s 10-year/160,000 km powertrain warranty, which Honda does not match. While a Honda might last a long time, Kia offers long-term peace of mind that most buyers won’t find with Honda.
Fact Check: Do Honda Engines Last Longer?
Honda has an excellent reputation for engine durability, with many Civics and Accords reaching 300,000+ km with proper maintenance. Kia’s recent engine technology, especially in turbocharged models and hybrids, has proven to be just as durable, though long-term data is still catching up to Honda’s decades of reliability.
Verdict: Honda still leads in long-term engine durability, but Kia’s reliability and warranty coverage offer better long-term value.
Kia vs. Honda: Resale Value – Does Honda Hold Up Better?
Resale value has traditionally been Honda’s biggest advantage, with models like the Civic and CR-V holding 60% of their value after five years, compared to Kia models at 55%.
However, Kia’s resale value has been climbing as its reputation improves. The Telluride, Sorento, and K5 now rank among the top vehicles for resale value in their segments, closing the gap with Honda.
Fact Check: Kia vs. Honda Trade-In Values
- 2023 Honda CR-V 5-year retention – 60%
- 2023 Kia Sportage 5-year retention – 55%
- 2023 Honda Civic 5-year retention – 59%
- 2023 Kia Forte 5-year retention – 54%
Honda still edges out Kia in resale value, but with Kia’s lower starting price and better warranty, the long-term cost of ownership is often lower with Kia.
Verdict: Honda wins resale value, but Kia offsets this with better incentives and warranty coverage.
Kia vs. Honda: Who Leads in Technology and Innovation?
Kia has aggressively invested in technology, often providing more standard features than Honda.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Kia (2025) | Honda (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Digital Display | Available on all trims | Only on higher trims |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Standard | Often requires upgrade |
| Advanced Driver Assistance | Available on all models | Limited on base trims |
| Electric & Hybrid Models | EV9, EV6, Niro EV, Sportage Hybrid | Clarity (discontinued), CR-V Hybrid |
Honda has been slower to adopt full-electric models, with only a few hybrid options available. Kia, on the other hand, has a growing EV lineup, including the EV6, EV9, and Niro EV.
Kia’s interiors are also more futuristic, with large digital displays and premium tech available on lower trims, whereas Honda often requires buyers to upgrade to higher trims for the same features.
Verdict: Kia wins for technology and standard features, while Honda remains a safe, traditional option.
Kia vs. Honda: Price and Value for Money
Kia models are typically more affordable than Honda while offering similar or better features.
Example Pricing (2025 Base Models, Canada):
- Kia Forte – Starting at $22,795 CAD
- Honda Civic – Starting at $26,490 CAD
- Kia Sportage – Starting at $33,795 CAD
- Honda CR-V – Starting at $37,395 CAD
Kia consistently undercuts Honda by $3,000-$4,000 in many segments while offering more standard features and a longer warranty.
Verdict: Kia wins for better pricing and overall value, while Honda remains a premium-priced option.
Final Verdict: Is Kia Now the Better Choice Over Honda?
Honda has long been the gold standard for reliability and resale value, but Kia has aggressively caught up while offering better technology, warranty, and pricing.
When Honda is the better choice:
- If long-term resale value is a top priority
- If you prefer a traditional, conservative approach to design
- If you plan to drive over 300,000 km and prioritize engine longevity
When Kia is the better choice:
- If you want more features for your money
- If you want the best warranty in the industry
- If you are looking at electric and hybrid options for the future
Kia’s improvements in reliability, technology, and resale value have narrowed Honda’s lead in many key areas. With Kia’s growing reputation, competitive pricing, and strong warranty coverage, many buyers in 2025 will find Kia to be the better deal.
Still undecided? Visit Orleans Kia to explore Kia’s lineup and see why more drivers are switching from Honda to Kia.