2019 Kia Sportage vs. 2019 Honda HR-V Comparison

2019 Kia Sportage
Starting Price: $24,745 | Price Yours
Above Average: Optional strong turbocharged engine; outstanding warranty; knobs and buttons for climate control and other things (not all touchscreen); some nice luxury even in the entry-level model
Below Average: Not great off road; a bit tight inside for passengers and cargo compared to others; fuel economy isn’t great
Consensus: The Kia Sportage is a solid little compact SUV that offers a lot in a small package. It comes with plenty of options right out the gate, included heated and ventilated front seats. a 320-watt Harman Kardon stereo, and an excellent warranty. It’s comfortable, fun, and looks sporty, and has an excellent and strong optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. There are better choices off road, however.

2019 Honda HR-V
Starting Price: $21,515 | Price Yours
Above Average: Good fuel mileage; good cargo space; fun to drive, and good ride
Below Average: A little low on power; there are sportier choices
Consensus: For 2019, the Honda HR-V has received a major makeover that includes new styling inside and out, new trim levels, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s all about fuel efficiency, so the engine could use a bit more power, but the HR-V is fun in the turns and comfortable on the road. Clever features help it carry larger items, and it has excellent cargo space. While it is offered with all-wheel drive, there are better choices off road.
The Kia Sportage and Honda HR-V are both strong contenders in the small crossover SUV segment that each have their own strengths. The Sportage has a respectable and strong engine that can be upgraded to a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, but it doesn’t get great fuel economy. That’s where the HR-V shines, with an efficient engine that’s a little low on power, although it’s still both sporty and comfortable. The Sportage has some sharp looks, but in terms of efficiency, the HR-V manages its small footprint very well, with excellent and efficient cargo space. Neither is the segment leader when the pavement turns to dirt, however.
Similarities
Both are offered with optional all-wheel drive; thoughtful interior features, such as buttons and knobs where others have touchscreens;
Kia Sportage Advantages
Great warranty; much more power
Honda HR-V Advantages
Significantly better fuel mileage; good cargo capacity
Final Recommendation
There’s enough to differentiate these two that it comes down to a choice of power vs. fuel economy. The HR-V only has one engine, and if it’s not enough, then the Sportage is the natural choice, offering significantly more power even with its base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Plus, the longer Kia warranty is a factor. But if fuel efficiency with a modicum of power is for you, the HR-V is the standout here. It has some nice tech, a ride that is both comfortable and sporty when the road curves, and a well-designed interior that makes the most of its small footprint, with plenty of space.
2019 Kia Sportage | 2019 Honda HR-V | |
Popular Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.4-liter I4 | 1.8-liter I4 |
Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 141 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
Torque | 175 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 127 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm |
Transmission | Automatic 6-speed | Automatic CVT |
Fuel Economy | 25 mpg (22 city, 29 hwy) | 30 mpg (28 city, 34 hwy) |
Also Available | 2.0-liter I4, turbocharged; | 2.0-liter I4, turbocharged; |
Specs | ||
Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Wheelbase | 105.1 inches | 102.8 inches |
Overall Length | 176.4 inches | 170.4 inches |
Width | 73.0 inches (w/mirrors) | 69.8 inches |
Height | 64.4 inches | 63.2 inches |
Turning Diameter | 34.8 feet | 37.4 feet |
Headroom, Front | 39.3 inches | 39.5 inches |
Headroom, Rear | 39.1 inches | 38.3 inches |
Legroom, Front | 41.5 inches | 41.2 inches |
Legroom, Rear | 38.2 inches | 39.3 inches |
Shoulder Room, Front | 57.1 inches | 56.8 inches |
Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.1 inches | 54.5 inches |
EPA Passenger Volume | 129.3 cu. ft. | 100.1 cu. ft. |
Cargo Volume (2nd row down) | 60.1 cu. ft. | 58.8 cu. ft. |