Comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2025 Sorrento Hybrid

Whether you’re purchasing your first hybrid or looking to upgrade your current eco-friendly ride, the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid and the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid are likely on your list of options. At Ike Honda in Marion, Illinois, we’ve compiled the following Honda CR-V Hybrid vs. Kia Sorento Hybrid comparison guide. Read on to explore each vehicle’s strengths, features, and reliability scores so you can determine which one deserves a spot in your driveway.

Kia Sorento Hybrid vs. Honda CR-V Hybrid: A Side-By-Side Comparison

While the Kia Sorento and the Honda CR-V are both popular hybrids, savvy car buyers should be aware of some important distinctions between these two models. In this detailed car comparison by features and specs, we break down the main differences in design, performance, fuel economy, and safety to help you make an informed choice.

Design and Dimensions

The CR-V Hybrid is a compact two-row SUV with 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 76.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The spacious cabin can fit up to five people, with a large second row and plush materials for passenger comfort. Large windows make it easy for drivers to see, while the sleek, clean lines and modern design give the CR-V Hybrid an aerodynamic profile.

The Sorento Hybrid provides seating for up to six passengers and three rows of seats, though the third row is best suited for children or short trips. Cargo space in the Sorento is more limited, with 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row and between 38.5 to 45 cubic feet with the third row folded down, depending on how far forward you slide the second-row seats. The Sorento’s design is inspired by Kia’s popular Telluride SUV, giving it a rugged yet stylish appearance.

If third-row seating is a necessity, the Sorento Hybrid might be the right choice. However, the CR-V Hybrid provides better use of space, more cargo room, and greater passenger comfort than the new Sorento.

Performance

Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid delivers a combined 204 horsepower. This setup provides smooth and responsive handling, particularly in urban settings. Standard all-wheel drive is available on higher trims such as the Sport Touring Hybrid.

For more power, the Kia Sorento Hybrid features a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and an electric motor, offering a combined 227 horsepower with the standard setup. The plug-in hybrid variant delivers slightly more power but sacrifices acceleration due to its heavier battery. When it comes to performance, it’s a toss-up. The Sorento Hybrid offers more horsepower, but the CR-V Hybrid feels more composed and refined, especially for everyday driving.

Fuel Economy

The Honda CR-V Hybrid earns an EPA-estimated 40 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway for its front-wheel-drive models, while the all-wheel-drive option achieves 37 mpg combined. In comparison, the Kia Sorento Hybrid receives an EPA-rated 36 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive models, with all-wheel-drive models receiving slightly lower ratings.

The Sorento plug-in hybrid variant offers 32 miles of electric-only range but drops to 35 mpg combined once the battery depletes. The CR-V Hybrid has a slight edge in the fuel economy category, particularly in mixed driving conditions, making it an eco-friendlier ride.

Safety Features

Equipped with Honda Sensing, the new CR-V Hybrid has advanced driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera are available on higher trims, earning the CR-V five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Kia Sorento Hybrid provides similar safety technologies with Kia DriveWise, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. A unique blind-spot camera provides additional visibility when changing lanes. However, while the Sorento features many robust safety features, it only receives four stars from the NHTSA in crash test results, making the CR-V Hybrid the smarter choice if safety is a top priority.

Ownership Experience

If you’re planning to purchase a new hybrid SUV, long-term reliability, warranty coverage, and maintenance costs are likely on your mind. Based on trusted car comparison ratings, here’s how the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid and Kia Sorento Hybrid stack up.

Reliability

Honda has a reputation for producing reliable vehicles, and the CR-V Hybrid is no exception. With a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100 from J.D. Power, it’s rated “Great.” Owners frequently praise the CR-V Hybrid for its dependable performance and low maintenance needs over time. The 2024 version of the Sorento Hybrid also scored well in reliability, though its J.D. Power rating of 82 out of 100 places it slightly below the CR-V Hybrid. While Kia has improved its reliability over the years, Honda’s track record for long-term dependability provides extra peace of mind for drivers.

Warranty and Maintenance

Honda offers a standard three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. New CR-Vs also come with complimentary scheduled maintenance for one year or 12,000 miles, adding an extra layer of convenience to help owners care for their investment. Kia offers a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty; however, Kia doesn’t provide complimentary scheduled maintenance, which adds to long-term ownership costs. While Kia’s longer warranty coverage is appealing, Honda’s inclusion of complimentary maintenance offsets early ownership expenses.

Making the Right Choice

So, which vehicle is right for you? The decision ultimately comes down to your driving style and preferences. If you’re looking for an efficient hybrid with a proven track record for reliability, the Honda CRV-Hybrid is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you need three-row seating or prefer extended warranty coverage, the Kia Sorento Hybrid is worth checking out. Still undecided? Our team at Ike Honda in Marion, Illinois, is here to help. Contact us  to schedule a test-drive to experience the CR-V Hybrid firsthand or visit our website and browse our entire inventory  of new vehicles.