This hybrid SUV is cheaper and more efficient than the Honda CR-V

Hybrid SUVs are supposed to offer the best of both worlds, but many popular options now come with high prices and only modest gains in efficiency. That’s why this lesser-known hybrid crossover is turning heads. It undercuts one of the best-selling models in the segment while offering better real-world fuel economy, making it a compelling choice for buyers who want to spend less at the pump and at the dealership.

In addition to strong efficiency numbers, this hybrid SUV delivers an all-around ownership experience. Drivers benefit from a smooth, quiet ride, practical interior space and a hybrid system proven reliable in daily use. While competitors focus heavily on brand recognition, this model wins on substance, offering lower costs of ownership, fewer compromises, and a value proposition that is difficult to ignore in today’s inflated market.

In this article, we explain how this hybrid SUV manages to beat out a major competitor in terms of price and efficiency. From fuel economy to long-term value, this shows why savvy shoppers look beyond the usual top seller when looking for a family-friendly hybrid.

In order to provide you with the most current and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was obtained from various manufacturers’ websites and other reliable sources, including the EPA.

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid outperforms almost all of its direct competitors

The compact SUV segment is one of the most popular in the automotive world. Automakers have also had great success with hybrid powertrains in this segment. For those who want practicality, efficiency and comfort on a budget, it’s definitely the place to look. However, some of the best players in this sector are very expensive. This makes room for some more affordable options, like the Sportage, to save some extra cash.

Specifications and price of Sportage Hybrid 2026

The Honda CR-V Hybrid is one of the most popular hybrid SUVs in the segment, and perhaps one of the most popular hybrid SUVs on the market. However, the cheapest 2026 model of the Japanese crossover starts at $35,630. Although it comes with a pretty impressive list of standard features, it’s more than $5,000 more expensive than the cheapest Sportage Hybrid. In fact, the only Sportage hybrid more expensive than that is the top-of-the-line Prestige model.

Of the many Sportage models, we think the EX represents the best combination of affordability and features. It has quite a few desirable features, including heated front seats and a wireless charging pad for smartphones. It is also equipped with a larger infotainment screen. The Panoramic Sunroof Package also adds a sunroof, roof rails, and LED interior lighting for an additional $1,000.

Even after spending the extra $1,000 on the sunroof package, you’re still getting a more affordable CR-V Hybrid. Kia definitely offers you the best value for your money.

What’s new for 2026?

Kia has already made a number of changes to the Sportage Hybrid for 2026, including giving it a very heavy makeover. It retains its bold look while aligning better with the rest of the Korean brand’s lineup, with an updated grille and revised lighting elements being the star of the show.

Kia made some updates to the interior as well, starting with moving the Kia logo from the steering wheel to its new position. The dashboard and infotainment screen have also been improved. The hybrid model also gets a small bump in horsepower, and the highway driving assist system gets updated for lane-change maneuvers.

The Kia Sportage Hybrid is lighter in fuel consumption than the Honda CR-V Hybrid

If you’re in the market for a hybrid SUV, obviously one of the most important metrics on your mind is efficiency. While most models in this segment offer very similar levels of efficiency, any feature counts. While the CR-V Hybrid is often touted as one of the most efficient models in its class, the Sportage is actually capable of coming out on top.

Kia Sportage Hybrid Performance

Under the hood of the 2026 Sportage Hybrid is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is largely uncommon in this segment, where most hybrids stick with naturally aspirated engines. This motor is coupled with two electric motors. The base model comes standard with front-wheel drive, but every other model gets all-wheel drive. A continuously variable transmission is the usual setup, but Kia ditches one in favor of a conventional six-speed automatic.

The Sportage won’t surprise you with its sporty driving dynamics, nor should you expect it. Instead, Korean SUVs focus on providing comfort, with a great ride quality that absorbs any imperfections on the road. However, it feels plenty confident through corners and responds well to inputs.

Fuel economy

If you stick with the front-drive version of the Sportage Hybrid, you’ll get the most efficient option in the class. The front-drive model of the Honda CR-V Hybrid manages just 40 miles per gallon in combined driving. Both are very good, but Kia excels here.

However, the CR-V’s all-wheel drive variants are more efficient than the Sportage’s all-wheel drive variants. The all-wheel-drive Japanese hybrid gets 37 miles per gallon.

If you’re looking for practicality and comfort, the Sportage Hybrid is for you

The Sportage Hybrid manages to be more efficient than the Honda, and it’s also much less expensive. Whether they offer a better interior is mostly a matter of taste. The one thing that can’t be disputed is that Kia offers plenty of standard features, and the optional extras won’t set you back too much. It is also as spacious and comfortable as its competitors in this segment.

Sportage Hybrid has interior dimensions and comfort

If we are comparing the interior of the Sportage with the CR-V, the space is almost equal. Both crossovers feature plenty of space in the front and rear seats for passengers. Even the tallest adults should feel very comfortable. The difference in cargo space is negligible. There’s enough room in the trunk to carry huge groceries or a couple of suitcases for a family vacation.

If you like a modern, clean cabin, the Sportage has you covered. Kia has leaned heavily into its minimalist design ideology. However, they’ve kept a lot of the physical keys and numbers so that not everything is controlled by the touchscreen. Every Sportage comes well equipped, and the bar for luxury is very high. Top models come equipped with features such as heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, LED interior lighting, and a power sunroof.

Infotainment and technology

Kia has integrated a dual-screen setup into the Sportage Hybrid, similar to what can be found in most of its other cars. A 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital display sit above the dashboard and share a single frame. The higher models also come with an impressive 10-inch display as well.

Even the less expensive model comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, smart cruise control with stop and go, and remote start. Higher trims improve things with navigation-based cruise control, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a power liftgate, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.