2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Honda CR-V
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid thrills with 261 hp, offering electrifying acceleration and a full 34 miles of pure electric range, making daily driving blissfully quiet. Contrast this with the 2026 Honda CR-V, which embodies reliability and practicality, boasting a cavernous 39.3 cu ft of cargo space, besting the Kia’s 34.5 cu ft. The CR-V achieves 33 MPG highway, appealing to long-haul drivers, while the Sportage PHEV achieves 35 combined MPG (gas only) while delivering a significant 71 hp advantage. However, the Kia commands a premium, with its MSRP starting at $39,890 compared to the CR-V's $30,920, creating an $8,970 gap. Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Kia's higher torque output of 258 lb-ft versus the CR-V's 179 lb-ft, balancing performance against the CR-V's lower operating costs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Sportage PHEV's 34-mile electric range allows many commuters to complete their daily drive using zero gasoline.
2026 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V offers significantly more cargo capacity at 39.3 cu ft, accommodating family gear more easily.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sportage PHEV pulls ahead with 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing a genuinely engaging drive.
2026 Honda CR-V
The CR-V undercuts the Kia by nearly $9,000, offering respectable efficiency for its lower entry price.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prioritize outright performance, benefiting from 261 horsepower and AWD grip.
- You want to maximize emission-free driving, utilizing the 34-mile all-electric range.
- You prefer the advanced technology and power boost provided by a plug-in hybrid system.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- Sticking strictly to the budget is key, as the MSRP is $8,970 lower than the Kia.
- Maximum utility is required, given its superior 39.3 cu ft of cargo volume.
- You want the most highway-focused efficiency, achieving 33 MPG on gasoline alone.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 184.8" |
| Width | 73.4" | 73.5" |
| Height | 66.9" | 66.2" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 1.6 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 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 | 6-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Locking | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 36/35 MPG | 28/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/388.5 mi. | 392.0/462.0 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 88/79 MPGe | — |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 84 MPGe | — |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 34 mi. | — |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 40 | — |
| Charging Time (240V) | 2.0 hr. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.1 gal. | 14.0 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Stereo Power | — | 160W |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.8 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 52.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 235/65R |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | ✓ |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
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. |
| EV Battery Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 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 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Honda CR-V.
What is the real-world fuel cost difference between the two crossovers?
The Sportage PHEV has a combined efficiency of 35 MPG (gasoline backup), while the CR-V achieves 30 combined MPG. Over 15,000 miles per year, the Kia will save money on fuel once the electricity savings from its 34-mile EV range are factored in, despite its higher initial cost.
How does the power difference between the 261 hp Kia and 190 hp Honda affect driving?
The 71 hp surplus in the Kia translates directly into quicker acceleration and better passing power, evidenced by its 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the Honda's 179 lb-ft. This makes the Sportage feel significantly more spirited on the open road.
Which vehicle is physically larger?
Although both are comparably sized crossovers, the 2026 Honda CR-V is slightly longer at 184.8 inches versus the Kia's 183.5 inches. Crucially, the CR-V offers 4.8 cubic feet more cargo space behind the rear seats.
Does the Kia's plug-in system require premium fuel?
No, the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline when operating as a hybrid after the battery is depleted.
What is the primary drivetrain difference?
The Kia Sportage PHEV features All-Wheel Drive standard, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission for more traction control. The Honda CR-V base model comes standard with Front Wheel Drive and uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
How big is the price gap between these two models?
There is a substantial MSRP difference of $8,970 separating the two vehicles, with the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV starting at $39,890 and the 2026 Honda CR-V beginning at $30,920.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool