2019 Kia Sorento vs 2019 Honda CR-V

CarGurus experts rate both the 2019 Kia Sorento and the 2019 Honda CR-V 9 out of 10. The 2019 Kia Sorento is an attractive SUV with updated styling, including revised front and rear bumpers, a new grille, headlights, and taillights. The interior features new leather colors, a new steering wheel, and updated instrumentation. The Sorento offers various trim levels, with the most popular being the EX, which includes a robust V6 engine, leather seats, and safety technologies. The top-of-the-line SX Limited trim offers premium Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic glass sunroof, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The 2019 Honda CR-V offers four trim levels with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It features appealing standard 17-inch aluminum wheels and a spacious and upscale interior. The CR-V exudes quality with its materials, construction, and controls. However, the front styling has received mixed reviews.

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Kia Sorento 8 out of 10 and the 2019 Honda CR-V 7 out of 10. The Sorento offers a standard 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and an available 290-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6. The V6 provides quick acceleration and is paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sorento's handling is more athletic than expected, and it offers a solid and silent ride on the highway. The CR-V features a 184-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine on the LX trim and a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine on higher trims, producing 190 horsepower. The smaller turbocharged engine provides more satisfying acceleration and better fuel economy. The CR-V's driving dynamics impress with its connected and composed ride and capable handling.

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Kia Sorento 6 out of 10 and the 2019 Honda CR-V 9 out of 10. The Sorento is a 3-row, 7-passenger SUV, but the third-row seat is best suited for emergency use. With the third-row seat folded, it offers a useful cargo capacity of up to 73 cubic feet. The Sorento can be optioned with luxurious features, including premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The CR-V provides ample space for passengers and cargo, with plenty of room for people and generous storage space. It offers 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 75.8 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down.

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Kia Sorento 10 out of 10 and the 2019 Honda CR-V 7 out of 10. The Sorento offers three infotainment systems, with UVO eServices providing a 5-year service plan, Bluetooth music streaming, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a CD player. The top eServices system includes a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. The CR-V features a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. However, the infotainment system lacks a tuning knob and has been criticized for being distracting.

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Kia Sorento 10 out of 10 and the 2019 Honda CR-V 8 out of 10. The Sorento offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a driver-attention-monitoring system. It has received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and the IIHS. The CR-V comes standard with Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and a road-departure mitigation system. It also offers a blind-spot-monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The CR-V is a Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS.

CarGurus experts rate both the 2019 Kia Sorento and the 2019 Honda CR-V 8 out of 10. The Sorento straddles the compact and midsize crossover segments in terms of size and price. It offers a competitive warranty, attractive rebates, and incentives, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers. The CR-V represents good value, especially when fully loaded, offering a combination of quality and utility. However, lease deals on popular versions may not be as compelling due to high demand.