Car Buying Strategies
Search Car Buying Strategies Makes & Models Select a Make and Model Makes & Models Select a Make and Model Research Prices Buying Advice
Home | New Cars | Honda | 2022 Honda CR-V

2022 Honda CR-V vs Kia Sportage

2022 Honda CR-V vs Kia Sportage
Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

2022 CR-V vs Sportage - How Do They Stack Up? Which is Better?

Take your city life to the next level with a small SUV! This perfect combination of style and functionality provides all you need for both everyday commuting, like spacious seating and convenience features, as well as those weekend excursions out into the wild. With so many options available today, you can find an ideal ride that stands apart from everyone else's - one definitely made just for YOU!

For those seeking out a dependable off-roader, the 2022 Honda CRV and Kia Sportage have long been reliable standbys. Both vehicles entered their current generation in 2017; however, they remain popular today thanks to an array of standard features that make them ideal for any terrain.

The Powertrain

The 2022 CR-V is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that creates 190 horsepower along with 179 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard for the top Touring trim level. On all other models, front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available. There is also a CR-V hybrid, which has a combined output of 212 horsepower. All models of the 2022 CR-V come with a continuously variable transmission.

There are two gas-powered engine options available for the 2022 Sportage. This vehicle will debut its hybrid in 2023 when it launches its new generation. Meanwhile, the standard setup is a 2.4L four-cylinder that generates 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The optional upgrade is a turbo 2.0L four-cylinder that pumps out 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Both of the 2022 Sportage engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. All models come standard with front-wheel drive and list all-wheel drive as an available option. The top SX Turbo trim level, which is the only one to come with a more powerful engine, also gains bigger brakes to enhance its performance.

The 2022 Honda CR-V gets excellent fuel economy. Front-wheel-drive models give drivers 28mpg in the city and 34mpg on the highway. Going up to all-wheel drive will mean those numbers drop to 27mpg city and 32mpg highway, which is still excellent. As for the hybrid, it is estimated to get 38mpg combined.

Despite its attractive design, the 2022 Sportage falls short when it comes to fuel efficiency. Drivers of front-wheel drive models will enjoy a respectable 23mpg in urban areas and 30 mpg on highways, but these numbers drop significantly for all wheel drive versions: 22mpg city and 26mgp highway respectively. Meanwhile, those opting for higher performance outputs can expect considerably lower rates - 20mpg city/28 mpg highway or 19mphh city/24 mpg hwy with AWD configurations.

If you're looking for a vehicle to transport lighter loads, the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage may be just what you need; despite their diminutive size, these two can pull up to 1,500 pounds and 1,653 pounds respectively. But make sure your haul is less than that: anything heavier would exceed their capacity.

When comparing warranty coverage between the Sportage and CR-V, there is no doubt that the former comes out on top. Not only does it offer a comprehensive five year or 60,000 mile protection plan for any mishaps but also a powertrain guarantee of ten years or 100,000 miles – far superior to Honda's 36/60k limited/powertrain offerings.

J.D. Power evaluates the predicted reliability of new vehicles on a scale of zero to 100. The 2022 CR-V received a score of 84. As for the 2022 Sportage, it got a score of 88. Both these scores are considered "Great," and the Sportage nearly made it into the "Best" category.

Drivability

The 2022 CR-V and Sportage offer a comfortable driving experience, with the former being particularly easy to maneuver. Both have excellent steering feedback for confident turning as well as assure stopping power that can be relied on. Plus, great visibility all around ensures you'll always have eyes in your back pocket.

The Honda CR-V stands tall when it comes to storage space - offering a whopping 39 cubic feet behind the second row and 76 cubes with both rows folded down! Unfortunately, its competitor the Sportage falls short due to limited capacity of only 30.7 cubic feet in backseat configuration and 60.1 in first row seating setup – leaving other models more room for gear hauling power.

The Sportage and CR-V are both family friendly SUVs that provide ample space for up to five riders. While the Sportage does a good job of comfortably seating adults in its back row, it is outdone by the roomy confines of the latter; with one of largest cabins in its class, there's plenty more breathing room than ever before.

The Sportage regains some ground when looking at the standard infotainment setups. It comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition. Comparatively, the CR-V has only a 5-inch display and Bluetooth. The second trim on the CR-V list is the Special Edition, and it gains a 7-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration tools.

A six-speaker sound system is standard for the Sportage, while the CR-V has only four speakers. On top models, the Sportage upgrades to an eight-speaker Harman Kardon setup. There are eight-speaker and nine-speaker premium setups available for the CR-V. Both of these SUVs offer navigation and wireless device charging on select trims.

All models of the CR-V are equipped with automatic climate control, and the Special Edition and higher get dual-zone automatic climate control instead. The Sportage comes standard with manual climate controls, and buyers will have to go all of the ways up to the EX for automatic instead.

Moonroofs and remote starts are options on these SUVs. A universal garage door opener, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and LED indoor lighting are just a few of the lavish extras that the Sportage may add. A 4.2-inch driver information display is also an option.

Safety

Auto shoppers can stay safe and secure in the 2022 model year CR-V and Sportage SUVs - both models have aced safety tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, achieving an impressive five stars for head on or side collisions as well as four stars for rollover testing. These vehicles are truly designed with driver protection at their core.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently put two SUVs to the test, and it was a neck-and-neck race. After tallying results in six categories of safety analysis, both vehicles earned a stunning five "Good" scores out of six -- with one minor hiccup at an "Acceptable" score on side crash testing.

New car shoppers can rest assured that the 2022 Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage have top rated crash prevention systems, though their headlights vary in performance. The CR-V showcases "Good" to "Acceptable" headlight scores depending on trim level, while some trims of the Sportage received an overall rating of “Poor” for theirs.

The CR-V and Sportage are packed with driver aids to keep you safe on the road - from forward collision warnings, lane keeping assists, and even adaptive cruise control. For an extra layer of protection during nighttime drives, opt for the Sportage which comes equipped with automatic high beams as well as a monitoring system that keeps track of your attention span making sure that you stay alert.

The 2022 CR-V and Sportage provide drivers with improved safety options, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alerts and parking sensors. While the Sportage goes a step further by offering adaptive cruise control as an option - plus driver attention monitoring for added peace of mind behind the wheel - no version of the CR-V includes this function.

Which has the Best Value?

The CR-V and Sportage are great options for those looking to buy a compact SUV. Starting at $25,750, the 2022 CR-V is moderately priced while its top trim level comes with an even more attractive price tag of just over $33,000. For budget shoppers not wanting to break the bank in search of their next ride – look no further than Kia's iconic Sportage! With prices beginning as low as $24k - it’s one of the most affordable vehicles on offer in this segment today; plus all wheel drive can be added for only another 1500 bucks.

The Sportage LX offers excellent value for drivers looking to upgrade their ride. It comes with modern touches like mobile phone integration, a touchscreen interface and an impressive 6-speaker audio system giving it the same hi-tech feel as more expensive models such as the CR-V - all at a lower price.

The Sportage may appear to be the more economical vehicle, but potential buyers should factor in all expenses associated with ownership before making their decision. Both cars have a unique cost-to-own that includes depreciation, gas consumption and upkeep costs - an essential consideration for any savvy car shopper.

Assuming that it is driven 15,000 miles a year, buyers will pay around $7,750 is gas. That is much less than they will pay for the Sportage, which is estimated to cost $9,150 in that same time period. The CR-V is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class. Repair estimates for the CR-V come in at $1,700, while it will only cost $650 to repair the Sportage in that time frame.

When it comes to the long-term value of an automobile, not all cars are created equal. After five years on the secondhand market, a CR-V can lose nearly $17k in monetary worth whereas its close counterpart--the Sportage--experiences only around 15k depreciation. So if you're looking for maximum returns when selling your trusty ride after half a decade, consider investing in a Kia.

Which is Better?

The 2022 CR-V and Sportage offer a classic battle of power versus economy. While both vehicles boast plenty of advantages, the choice largely depends on individual preferences to determine which one will reign supreme. Drivers must weigh their specific needs carefully before investing in either model for a long journey ahead.

Whether you’re a family of five or an adventurous couple, the Honda CR-V has something for everyone. This 2022 model features plenty of cargo space to accommodate all your needs and is even more efficient than its predecessors - plus, there's a hybrid option that can save you money on gas! The roomy interior allows kids (or their friends!) to stretch out while they ride in comfort. Get ready for summer with this versatile SUV.

If you are seeking the perfect balance of affordability and cutting-edge features, look no further than the 2022 Sportage. Not only is this car one of the most cost efficient in its class with a great projected resale value and an extensive warranty to back it up, but also comes complete with all your tech must-haves like Android Auto & Apple CarPlay as standard.

Shopping for an SUV may seem overwhelming, but savvy shoppers have the perfect options in 2022 with Honda's CR-V and Kia's Sportage. For those needing room to move around or wanting more bang for their buck, each has something special to offer; from its plentiful cabin space and excellent fuel economy on the CR-V side to a dazzling set of tech features at unbeatable prices thanks to Kia.

View Comparisons for other Years:

2021 Honda CR-V VS Kia Sportage