The Kia Sorento and Honda CR-V technically compete in different classes, but you may find yourself cross-shopping the two. The Sorento is on the smaller side of midsize SUVs, while the CR-V fits squarely in the compact SUV class. They’re priced similarly, and both offer hybrid options, so what are the big differences between the two, and which is better? Let’s dive in.
2025 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is a value choice in 3-row SUVs. It’s not as roomy as its big brother, the Kia Telluride, but it also isn’t as costly. In addition to its 3-row flexibility, it has excellent powertrain options (including two hybrids), intuitive technology, stellar warranty coverage, and nicer interior quality than you might expect.
Kia Sorento Highlights
3-row seating: The Kia Sorento is one of America’s most affordable 3-row SUVs. While every CR-V is a 2-row 5-seater, the Sorento has seating for six or seven, plus it’s available with second-row captain’s chairs. That third row of seats enhances the versatility of the Kia.
Class-leading warranty: Kia backs every one of its models with the best warranty coverage in the industry. It has a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which beats the coverage you get from Honda.
Better towing: The CR-V is only able to tow up to 1,500 pounds, but the Sorento has an impressive max tow rating of 4,500 pounds, greatly expanding the variety of trailers, campers, and toys you can bring with you on your family adventures.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models near you.
2025 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is one of America’s best-selling SUVs for good reasons. It has the practicality, reliability, and resale value we love about the Honda brand, plus it’s astonishingly spacious for a compact SUV. The CR-V is a dependable companion that just plain works.
Honda CR-V Highlights
More cargo space: You read that right; even though the Sorento is a midsize SUV and the CR-V is a compact, the Honda actually has slightly more cargo space than the Kia. It goes to show just how well Honda packaged the CR-V to maximize interior space in a small SUV.
Better fuel economy: With both the standard gas engine and the optional hybrid powertrain, the Honda CR-V gets better fuel economy than the Kia Sorento. This efficiency adds to the value proposition of the CR-V.
More affordable: The Sorento is a great buy in the world of 3-row SUVs, but if you don’t want or need a third row, the CR-V’s lower starting price can save you a few bucks. Even the top hybrid trim starts in the low-$40,000 range.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CR-V models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Kia Sorento and Honda CR-V are both value-conscious SUVs with good interior space and modern tech. They’re also both available with hybrid powertrains.
Pricing
New 2025 Kia Sorento Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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$33,405
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TBD
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$36,305
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TBD
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$39,505
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TBD
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$43,105
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TBD
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$43,205
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TBD
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$44,905
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TBD
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$47,805
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TBD
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$48,805
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TBD
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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 2025 Kia Sorento vehicles and New 2025 Honda CR-V 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
| 2025 Kia Sorento | 2025 Honda CR-V | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 pounds | 1,500 pounds |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 190 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 179 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed | Automatic, CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/31 highway/26 combined mpg | 28 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 106.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 184.8 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 73.5 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 66.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 19.0 feet | 37.3 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.1 inches | 38.2 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.8 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.7 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 29.6 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.1 inches | 57.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.0 inches | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 12.6 feet | 39.3 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 45.0 feet | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 75.5 feet | 76.5 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The right SUV for you in this comparison really comes down to how many seats you want. If you need extra seats or like the idea of having them just in case, the Sorento is simply one of the best values in 3-row SUVs. Meanwhile, the Honda CR-V wins our Best Buy Award as our overall favorite in one of the most competitive automotive segments, but you can’t get one with 3-row seating. You can’t go wrong with either, so go with the one that fits your seating capacity needs.