2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often noted for its conventional appearance, blending seamlessly with the myriad of compact crossovers on the market. Its design was characterized by a few distinguishing features, such as the grille opening and some chromed plastic elements, but overall, it did not stand out in terms of exterior aesthetics. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with only a few options like Obsidian Blue Pearl and Radiant Red Metallic offering a splash of colour. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and upscale touches like wood panels and chrome, depending on the trim level.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage boasted a more distinctive design, though opinions on its front-end styling were mixed. The tiger-nose grille, paired with oversized headlights, gave it a unique look that some found less appealing. However, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with a stylish four-dot running light signature and a well-proportioned stance. Inside, the Sportage featured a Germanic design with polished metallic accents and a user-friendly layout of buttons and knobs, contributing to an upscale feel. The Sportage's interior was praised for its quality and attention to detail, making it a strong contender in the compact crossover segment.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower. This powertrain was consistent across all five trims, providing smooth and steady acceleration, though not particularly thrilling. The CR-V's acceleration to 100 km/h was around 8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which maintained engine revs at a constant level, contributing to a less engaging driving experience compared to rivals with conventional transmissions. The CR-V offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option on the LX and standard on higher trims. Its suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, ensuring decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options, with most models featuring a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower. The Sportage SX, however, came with a more powerful 237 hp engine, providing a lively driving experience. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Sportage's Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was standard on all but the base LX FWD model. The Sportage SX's acceleration was quick, with maximum torque available at low RPMs, offering a spirited drive. Its suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and independent multi-link rear, with the SX benefiting from upgraded brakes and larger wheels. The Sportage's ride was smooth and compliant, though it exhibited some body roll and lateral rocking over uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with the Touring offering a hands-free power tailgate for added convenience. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional cargo.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, while smaller, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim featured luxurious touches like perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The Sportage's cargo space was less than the CR-V's, with 1,703 litres available with the rear seats folded. However, its smart liftgate technology provided hands-free access, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio options varied by trim, with the Touring featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB and 12-volt outlets available throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The SX trim added UVO Intelligence connected services, satellite radio, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the UVO Intelligence system lacked some advanced features, such as a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring. Nevertheless, the system was straightforward and easy to navigate.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included a suite of advanced safety features standard across all trims. These included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick award.