2025 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Honda CR-V

$31,990 · Crossover

$30,920 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Picking between the 2025 Kia Sorento and the 2026 Honda CR-V often comes down to prioritizing space versus efficiency. If maximum utility is key, the Sorento offers a length of 189.6 inches and potentially more cabin flexibility, though its base MSRP of $31,990 is slightly higher than the CR-V's $30,920. However, the CR-V pulls ahead significantly in running costs, boasting a combined MPG of 30 compared to the Sorento’s 26 MPG. While both offer comparable power—191 hp in the Sorento versus 190 hp in the CR-V—that 4 MPG advantage translates into substantial long-term savings, especially considering the CR-V’s considerably larger cargo capacity of 39.3 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft (Note: this cargo capacity figure for the Sorento seems unusually low for a crossover but is used as provided data). The choice hinges on whether you need the Sorento's physical footprint or the CR-V's fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Honda CR-V

The 2026 Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Sorento's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sorento

The 2025 Kia Sorento is likely better for families, suggested by its greater overall physical dimensions (189.6 inches long) implying more interior space than the CR-V.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sorento

The Sorento edges out the competition slightly for enthusiasts because it provides marginally more power with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the CR-V's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V offers better value, starting at a lower MSRP of $30,920 while also providing 4 more miles per gallon in combined driving.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

You prioritize maximum horsepower (191 hp) and slightly more torque (181 lb-ft) for everyday acceleration.
You need a larger physical presence, as the Sorento is physically longer at 189.6 inches.
You prefer a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

Saving on gas is paramount, given its 30 combined MPG versus the Sorento's 26 MPG.
You need significant space for gear, as the CR-V boasts a much larger cargo capacity of 39.3 cu ft.
You want to save money upfront, as the CR-V starts at a lower MSRP of $30,920.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento	Honda CR-V
Length	189.6"	184.8"
Width	74.8"	73.5"
Height	66.7"	66.2"
Wheelbase	110.8"	106.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Honda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Third Row 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	190 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	179 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Kia	Honda
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/31 MPG	28/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	407.1/548.7 mi.	392.0/462.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	14.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Honda
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	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Honda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Stereo Power	—	160W

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Honda
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	55.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Honda
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	52.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Honda
Wheel Material	Alloy	Steel
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	235/65R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Cover Type	—	✓
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Honda
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento and 2026 Honda CR-V.

Which crossover is cheaper to run day-to-day?

The 2026 Honda CR-V will be cheaper to run daily because it achieves 30 combined MPG, which is significantly better than the 2025 Kia Sorento’s 26 combined MPG. This 4 MPG difference will save you money at the pump over the life of the car.

How much more cargo space does the CR-V offer over the Sorento?

Based on the provided figures, the CR-V offers substantially more space with 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Sorento lists a much smaller 12.6 cu ft, suggesting the CR-V is the clear winner for hauling goods.

Are these vehicles equally powerful?

They are very close in power output; the Sorento offers 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, while the CR-V offers 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Any performance difference would likely be negligible in normal driving conditions.

Does the transmission type differ between the two models?

Yes, they use different types of automatics. The Kia Sorento utilizes a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Honda CR-V employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).

Is there a big price difference between the base models?

There is a slight price difference favoring the Honda. The 2026 CR-V starts at an MSRP of $30,920, making it $1,070 less expensive than the 2025 Sorento's starting MSRP of $31,990.