Compare the2022 Honda CR-V HybridVS 2021 Kia Sorento HEV

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the CR-V Hybrid deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The CR-V Hybrid’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Sorento HEV’s airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

The CR-V Hybrid has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Sorento HEV doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the CR-V Hybrid and the Sorento HEV have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available rear parking sensors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the CR-V Hybrid the rating of “Top Pick” for 2021, a rating granted to only 128 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Sorento HEV has not been tested, yet.

The CR-V Hybrid’s 5 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Sorento HEV runs out after 100,000 miles.

There are over 39 percent more Honda dealers than there are Kia dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the CR-V Hybrid’s warranty.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Honda vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Honda 10 places higher in reliability than Kia.

On the EPA test cycle the CR-V Hybrid gets better fuel mileage than the Sorento HEV (40 city/35 hwy vs. 39 city/35 hwy).

The CR-V Hybrid has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Sorento HEV doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The CR-V Hybrid has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Sorento HEV doesn’t offer a CVT.

The CR-V Hybrid EX/EX-L’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sorento HEV’s standard 65 series tires. The CR-V Hybrid Touring’s tires have a lower 55 series profile than the Sorento HEV’s 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CR-V Hybrid EX/EX-L has standard 18-inch wheels. Only 17-inch wheels are available on the Sorento HEV. The CR-V Hybrid Touring has standard 19-inch wheels.

For greater off-road capability the CR-V Hybrid has a 1.35 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Sorento HEV (8.2 vs. 6.85 inches), allowing the CR-V Hybrid to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 200 to 250 pounds less than the Kia Sorento HEV.

The CR-V Hybrid is 7.3 inches shorter than the Sorento HEV, making the CR-V Hybrid easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the CR-V Hybrid uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Sorento HEV doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The CR-V Hybrid uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Sorento HEV doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The CR-V Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume than the Sorento HEV with its rear seat up (33.2 vs. 12.6 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the CR-V Hybrid easier. The CR-V Hybrid’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 26 inches, while the Sorento HEV’s liftover is 31.7 inches.

When two different drivers share the CR-V Hybrid, the memory seats make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position. The Sorento HEV doesn’t offer memory seats.

The CR-V Hybrid EX-L/Touring’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Sorento HEV doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The CR-V Hybrid’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Sorento HEV’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the CR-V Hybrid the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Sorento HEV can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The CR-V Hybrid Touring’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Sorento HEV’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

On extremely cold winter days, the CR-V Hybrid EX-L/Touring’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Sorento HEV doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The CR-V Hybrid Touring’s standard GPS navigation system has a real-time traffic update feature that plots alternative routes to automatically bypass traffic problems. (Service not available in all areas.) The Sorento HEV’s available navigation system doesn’t offer real-time traffic updates.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Honda CR-V Hybrid, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The CR-V was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Five/10Best Trucks” for 3 of the last 20 years. The Sorento HEV has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five/10Best Truck” pick.

Motor Trend selected the CR-V as their 2018 Sport Utility of the Year. The Sorento HEV has never been chosen.