2025 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the reliable 2025 Honda CR-V and the more powerful 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid often comes down to balancing upfront cost against long-term running expenses. The CR-V starts much lower at $30,100, while the Sorento Hybrid commands a significant $8,790 premium, sitting at $38,890. However, the Kia pushes back with superior efficiency, achieving a 37 combined MPG versus the CR-V’s 30 combined MPG, which could offset some of that initial cost over time. Power is another talking point: the Sorento Hybrid offers 227 hp compared to the CR-V's 190 hp. Despite the power gap, the CR-V surprises with a much larger cargo area, offering 39.3 cu ft versus the Kia’s smaller 12.6 cu ft space, making the Honda significantly more practical for hauling gear.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its lower entry price of $30,100 and excellent highway efficiency of 34 MPG.
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V is better equipped for family hauling because it offers substantially more cargo space at 39.3 cu ft compared to the Sorento Hybrid's 12.6 cu ft.
2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid
The 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid is the choice for driving enjoyment, boasting 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the CR-V's output.
2025 Honda CR-V
Despite having lower fuel economy, the CR-V offers superior immediate value due to its $8,790 lower MSRP.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- You need maximum cargo flexibility, benefiting from the CR-V's 39.3 cu ft capacity.
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is critical, as the CR-V starts at $30,100.
- You prefer the predictable driving dynamics of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Kia Sorento Hybrid if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is paramount, highlighted by the Sorento Hybrid's 37 combined MPG.
- You desire better acceleration from a powertrain delivering 227 hp.
- You are willing to pay the higher $38,890 price for the additional power and efficiency gains.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda CR-V | Kia Sorento Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 227 hp |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 258 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 shiftable 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 | 37/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 37 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.0/476.0 mi. | 654.9/637.2 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-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. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 40.7 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
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 | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 7.5 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. |
| 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 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid.
What is the main fuel economy difference between these two crossovers?
The 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid is clearly the winner here, achieving 37 combined MPG. The 2025 Honda CR-V manages a respectable 30 combined MPG, meaning the Kia will save you money at the pump consistently.
Is the significantly higher price of the Sorento Hybrid worth it?
The Sorento Hybrid has an MSRP that is $8,790 higher than the CR-V. While it saves on fuel, you need to calculate how long it will take for the 7 MPG difference to recoup that initial investment.
Which vehicle is better for carrying lots of bulky items?
The Honda CR-V wins decisively for cargo capacity, offering 39.3 cu ft behind the second row. The Sorento Hybrid only provides 12.6 cu ft, making the Honda far more accommodating for large loads.
How much more power does the Sorento Hybrid offer over the CR-V?
The Kia boasts 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, giving it a substantial advantage over the Honda's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque.
Do both cars require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid are specified to run happily on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs down for both models.
What are the size differences between the two vehicles?
The Kia Sorento Hybrid is slightly larger overall, measuring 189.6 inches long compared to the CR-V's 184.8 inches, and it is marginally wider and taller as well.
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