Honda CR-V Hybrid vs Kia Sportage Hybrid

Competition among small crossover SUVs is fierce. The 2026 Honda CR-V faces off against the Toyota RAV4, the Subaru Forester, the Hyundai Tucson, and at least one compact SUV from nearly every other automaker. On balance, the Honda CR-V has handled the competition well. But while it has thrived, Honda has found success with another name, too: TrailSport. This year, the two success stories finally met.

Verdict: The CR-V is one of the best compact crossovers on the market, and the hybrid powertrain only makes it better. If serious adventure and off-road driving are your things, though, the CR-V TrailSport may not be the right choice.

The Sportage is big enough for family use, but not so large that it's unwieldy or difficult to park in the city or in an owner's garage. It's packed with useful technology and boasts bold styling that stands out in a sea of similarly shaped crossovers. In hybrid form, it’s also more efficient than the gas-only version.

Verdict: The 2026 Kia Sportage is sized right among compact crossover SUVs. It strikes an intriguing balance of roominess, comfort, and efficiency that ought to win over plenty of drivers.