Two standout compact SUVs are the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid. Both are 5-passenger vehicles that combine practicality, efficiency, and ease of driving.
Here’s how these powerhouses compare.
2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid
This benchmark SUV comes with updated tech for the 2026 model. All CR-V Hybrid SUVs now have a standard 9-inch touchscreen display, plus wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid also debuts this year for a more rugged version of this SUV. The TrailSport and Sport Touring trims get a new 10.2-inch digital instrument display.
Honda CR-V Hybrid Highlights
Fuel efficiency: A CR-V Hybrid can get 40 mpg with front-wheel drive (FWD) and 37 mpg with all-wheel drive (AWD). At 15,000 miles a year, a FWD CR-V Hybrid will use 10 fewer gallons a month compared to its gas-only counterpart. This results not only in financial savings, but also in fewer trips to the gas station.
Seating and space: The driver and passenger experience “body-stabilizing seats” designed to promote ideal posture and reduce fatigue. These comfortable seats take long drives from bearable to enjoyable with added support. The rear seats offer an expansive 41 inches of legroom. Beyond the rear seats is 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space. When folded down, the number grows to a class-leading 76.5 cubic feet.
Driver assist systems: Honda’s easy-to-set and easy-to-use adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist makes for a confident drive in every situation. Traffic Jam Assist is another handy feature that helps control steering, braking, and acceleration at low speeds.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CR-V Hybrid models for sale near you.
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid is a do-it-all compact SUV that’s sensible, practical, and innovative. New for the 2026 model is an updated exterior design, 12.3-inch panoramic displays, an available head-up display, a more powerful hybrid powertrain, enhanced safety features, and the addition of S and X-Line trims.
Kia Sportage Highlights
Overall value: The Kia Sportage Hybrid’s base price is about $5,000 lower than the CR-V Hybrid’s. The Sportage Hybrid’s value proposition remains even with higher trims. For example, the SX Prestige trim starts a couple of thousand dollars below the CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid. The Sportage Hybrid is only $1,700 more than its gas-only counterpart. With $600 annual savings on gas, the Sportage Hybrid would pay for the difference itself in just three years.
Unbeatable warranty: Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile base warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is unbeatable, and far beyond what Honda offers.
Power bump: Now with 232 horsepower, the 2026 Sportage outperforms the Honda CR-V Hybrid’s 204 hp. The Kia Sportage uses a 6-speed traditional transmission rather than a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) found on its rival. And the Sportage Hybrid’s combined fuel economy of up to 42 mpg is two better than that of the Honda. Finally, the 2026 Sportage Hybrid can tow up to 2,000 pounds, twice the towing capacity of the 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sportage Hybrid models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both of these SUV hybrids are big on space despite their compact footprint. They’re also both available with front- or all-wheel drive, attain 40 mpg or more, and have robust suites of active safety and driver assistance technology. Safety ratings are another commonality.
Pricing
New 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$37,080 |
$36,500 |
|||
$40,175 |
$39,100 |
|||
$40,250 |
$39,200 |
|||
$44,000 |
$42,300 |
New 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$31,735 |
$30,600 |
|||
$34,035 |
$32,800 |
|||
$35,035 |
$33,700 |
|||
$36,935 |
$35,400 |
|||
$41,835 |
$40,300 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid vehicles and New 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid | 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Drive Wheels | FWD | FWD |
| All-Electric Range | N/A | N/A |
| Total Range | N/A | N/A |
| Towing Capacity | 1,000 pounds | 2,000 pounds |
| Payload Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Ground Clearance | 7.8 inches | 7.1 inches |
| Horsepower | 204 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 227 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 195 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic, eCVT | automatic, 6-speed |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years/100,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 inches | 108.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.8 inches | 184.4 inches |
| Width With Mirrors | 73.5 inches | 73.4 inches |
| Width Without Mirrors | N/A | N/A |
| Height | 66.2 inches | 65.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.3 feet | 19.3 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.2 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.2 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 41.3 inches | 41.4 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.0 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.9 inches | 57.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.9 inches | 55.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 39.3 feet | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | 39.5 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 76.5 feet | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
It’s truly hard to go wrong with either of these hybrid compact SUVs. The Honda CR-V Hybrid touts a history of high resale value and reliability, plus a bounty of interior room. The Kia Sportage Hybrid, meanwhile, undercuts the Honda by several thousands of dollars while bringing more power, higher fuel economy, and a far longer warranty to the table. With two rivals this good, we recommend evaluating your budget and test-driving both to see which one captures your heart and mind.
