How the 2023 Kia Sportage Compares to the 2023 Honda CR-V

The compact SUV market in Canada is bustling with plenty of exciting choices, two of the most prominent being the 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Honda CR-V. While the CR-V has enjoyed immense popularity over the years, the Sportage has steadily been gaining ground and offers more value for less. This article will pit these two contenders against each other and see how they measure up.

1.Interior Space and Versatility

Earlier versions of the Sportage faced criticisms for lacking in interior space and versatility, but Kia has addressed these concerns in the 2023 model. The new Sportage boasts class-leading cargo and interior space, offering 1,113 litres of cargo room, which marginally outstrips the CR-V's 1,110 litres. There is also more legroom and headroom in the Sportage's second row, giving passengers extra space to relax during long trips.

2. Value for Money

The 2023 Kia Sportage represents exceptional value for money, starting at $31,459, with all-wheel-drive models beginning at $33,459. The X-Line and EX trims offer additional features, including wireless charging and a panoramic sunroof. Interestingly, the EX trim, packed with features and offering more space, costs about the same as a base front-wheel-drive CR-V, further enhancing the value proposition of the Sportage.

3. Technology and Connectivity

When it comes to technology and connectivity, the Sportage pulls ahead of the CR-V. It offers Kia Connect features, enabling owners to remotely access their vehicle via a mobile phone. This functionality includes remote start, door lock/unlock, fuel level check, maintenance needs overview, and even the convenience of booking a service appointment. Unfortunately, the CR-V doesn't offer these capabilities. Furthermore, most Sportage versions are equipped with a larger 10.25-inch center display, compared to the smaller 7 or 9-inch display available in the CR-V.

4. The Final Verdict

In conclusion, the 2023 Kia Sportage clearly offers more bang for your buck, providing more features and space than the Honda CR-V for a lower price. Customers can opt for a fully equipped Sportage with nearly the same amount of space and more features for approximately $10,000 less than the top-trim CR-V.

While the Honda CR-V remains a reputable option in the compact SUV market, the 2023 Kia Sportage brings a compelling blend of value, space, and technology to the table, making it a serious contender for anyone in the market for a new compact SUV.