2025 Honda CR-V vs 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

$30,100 · Crossover

$34,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the versatile 2025 Honda CR-V and the fuel-sipping 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid boils down to prioritizing upfront cost versus long-term efficiency. The CR-V starts at a compelling $30,100, offering more overall space with a significant 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Niro's 19.4 cu ft. Power delivery is similar, with the CR-V producing 190 hp versus the Niro's 180 hp. However, the biggest split is fuel economy: the CR-V achieves a combined 30 MPG, while the Niro PHEV boasts a stellar combined 48 MPG, plus 33 miles of pure electric driving. If you commute under 33 miles daily, the $4,390 price premium on the Niro could quickly pay for itself through those 18 MPG savings. The CR-V remains the default choice for sheer utility, but the Niro offers a concrete path to lower running costs for efficient drivers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Niro's exceptional 48 combined MPG and 33 miles of electric range make it the clear winner for daily commuting efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V offers substantially more room for gear, boasting 39.3 cu ft of cargo space versus the Niro's 19.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda CR-V

While both are modest in power, the CR-V edges out with slightly higher horsepower (190 hp vs. 180 hp) and torque (179 lb-ft vs. 195 lb-ft if you count torque peak difference, though Niro has higher peak torque).

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a $4,390 higher MSRP, the massive 18 MPG fuel efficiency advantage provides greater long-term savings potential.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

You need maximum utility and cargo space, as the CR-V offers 39.3 cu ft.
You prefer a lower starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $30,100.
You value consistent, easy refueling using only regular unleaded fuel without needing to plug in daily.

Choose the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid if...

Your daily routine is under 33 miles, allowing you to maximize the electric-only range.
Saving on fuel is paramount, given its 48 combined MPG versus the CR-V's 30 combined MPG.
You prefer the slightly higher torque rating of 195 lb-ft, even with lower horsepower.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda CR-V	Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
Length	184.8"	174.0"
Width	73.5"	71.8"
Height	66.2"	60.8"
Wheelbase	106.3"	107.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Kia
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	180 hp
Torque	179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	195 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Kia
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/34 MPG	49/47 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	48 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.0/476.0 mi.	480.2/460.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	9.8 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	113/102 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	108 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	33 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	31
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.8 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Kia
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Kia
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	160W	—
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Satellite Radio	—	With Real Time Traffic
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Kia
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	56.2 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	53.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.2 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.0 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	55.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.6 in.	53.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Kia
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	✓	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R	P205/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	16 x 6.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Kia
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid.

How much bigger is the 2025 Honda CR-V’s cargo area than the Kia Niro PHEV?

The CR-V is significantly larger inside, offering 39.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In comparison, the Niro PHEV only provides 19.4 cubic feet, meaning the Honda can handle substantially more luggage or gear for family trips.

Is the extra cost of the Niro PHEV worth the fuel savings over the CR-V?

The Niro costs $4,390 more initially but returns 48 combined MPG versus the CR-V's 30 combined MPG. For high-mileage drivers, the 18 MPG difference will offset the initial cost difference fairly quickly, especially when factoring in the 33 miles of electric driving.

Which car offers more straightforward performance for spirited driving?

The Honda CR-V has a slight edge in horsepower at 190 hp compared to the Niro's 180 hp, making the CR-V marginally punchier overall.

Does the Kia Niro PHEV require premium fuel?

No, thankfully both crossovers specify using regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs predictable for both options.

How does the overall size difference impact maneuverability?

The Kia Niro is notably smaller and shorter, measuring 174.0 inches long compared to the CR-V's 184.8 inches, which might make parallel parking the Niro slightly easier in tight city spots.

What is the difference in transmission type between these two models?

The 2025 Honda CR-V uses a traditional continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT). Conversely, the Kia Niro PHEV utilizes a 6-speed automated manual transmission.