2025 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Kia Sorento
Comparison Overview
Picking between the reliable CR-V and the newly updated Sorento presents a classic crossover conundrum: efficiency versus sheer size. If your daily driving involves heavy city commuting, the 2025 Honda CR-V is the clear fuel economy champion, boasting a combined 30 MPG, significantly outpacing the 2026 Kia Sorento's 26 MPG—a substantial 4 MPG difference that saves money over 12,000 miles annually. While the CR-V is marginally smaller in every dimension (184.8 inches long vs. Sorento's 189.6 inches), it offers more usable space where it counts for many drivers, with 39.3 cu ft of cargo volume compared to the Sorento's tighter 12.6 cu ft for the base FWD model. Both start close in price, with the CR-V at $30,100 and the Sorento at $32,190, but the Sorento edges out slightly in power with 191 hp versus the CR-V's 190 hp.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy.
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V provides substantially more functional storage, offering 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
2026 Kia Sorento
The Sorento slightly edges out the CR-V for driving feel with 181 lb-ft of torque and a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V delivers better efficiency and significantly more cargo volume for a slightly lower initial MSRP of $30,100.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- You prioritize low running costs, as the CR-V offers 30 MPG combined versus the Sorento's 26 MPG.
- You need maximum usable storage, benefitting from the CR-V's 39.3 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want the slightly lower entry point, starting at an MSRP of $30,100.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- You prefer the driving engagement of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You require a slightly larger footprint, as the Sorento is nearly 5 inches longer than the CR-V.
- You value the marginal power advantage, with the Sorento providing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda CR-V | Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8" | 189.6" |
| Width | 73.5" | 74.8" |
| Height | 66.2" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 106.3" | 110.8" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| 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 | 8-speed automatic |
| 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 | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.0/476.0 mi. | 407.1/548.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 12.3 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 | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| 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. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.2 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.6 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2026 Kia Sorento.
How much more fuel efficient is the Honda CR-V compared to the Kia Sorento?
The 2025 Honda CR-V is noticeably more efficient, achieving a combined 30 MPG versus the 2026 Kia Sorento's 26 MPG. This 4 MPG difference translates directly into fewer stops at the pump for routine driving.
Which crossover offers more space for hauling gear?
The CR-V offers significantly more cargo capacity when comparing the base FWD models. It provides 39.3 cu ft of space, whereas the Sorento only lists 12.6 cu ft, making the CR-V the better choice for larger hauling needs.
Is the performance noticeably different between these two FWD crossovers?
The performance metrics are very close, as the Sorento has a slight edge with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the CR-V’s 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the Sorento uses an 8-speed automatic, while the CR-V uses a CVT.
How do the starting prices compare for the base FWD models?
The 2025 Honda CR-V has a slightly lower starting MSRP at $30,100 compared to the 2026 Kia Sorento, which is priced from $32,190.
Are there any dimensional differences that affect parking ease?
Yes, the CR-V is slightly smaller, measuring 184.8 inches long and 73.5 inches wide, while the Sorento is bulkier at 189.6 inches long and 74.8 inches wide, which might make parallel parking the Sorento slightly trickier in tight spots.
Do both vehicles use premium fuel?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Kia Sorento specify regular unleaded as their required fuel type, helping to keep overall ownership costs down.
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