10 Ways the 2026 Sportage Outshines the 2026 CR-V

The list of compact SUVs seems to be a mile long, and in order to stand out in this endless sea of options, you have to offer more to drivers. This is exactly what the Kia Sportage does, providing drivers with sleek styling, a plethora of tech gadgets to enjoy inside, and plenty of trims, powertrains, and features to ensure the best quality ride, regardless of whether you’re a daily commuter, small family, or new driver. There are others, though, that often compete with the Sportage, and one of these models is the Honda CR-V.

If you’re seeking out a Kia Sportage for sale near Waukesha, Lupient Kia Milwaukee is the go-to destination for many local drivers looking for plenty of options, fair prices, and a team of knowledgeable professionals. When it comes to the 2026 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Honda CR-V, it’ll be quickly apparent that the Sportage outperforms the CR-V in virtually every area. Here are some of the top ways the Sportage bests the CR-V.

#1 – More Powertrain Options

There are many drivers who call Waukesha home, and whether you wish to drive a traditional gas-powered SUV, a hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), you’ll be able to find the selection you need with the 2026 Kia Sportage. Unfortunately, the 2026 CR-V is only available with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a hybrid powertrain. If you want more choices for powering your vehicle forward, the Sportage offers a third option, appealing to a broader range of local travelers.

#2 – Better Fuel Economy Ratings

Choosing the Sportage’s hybrid powertrain allows you to enjoy outstanding fuel economy ratings, as this efficient combination is able to achieve an EPA-estimated 44 MPG on the highway. The CR-V’s hybrid powertrain is only able to achieve an EPA-estimated 36 MPG on the highway, so if you plan on utilizing your compact SUV to manage your commute, you’re better off choosing the Sportage. For those who want to enjoy even more impressive efficiency ratings, choose the Sportage PHEV to get an estimated 83 MPGe, making both options solid picks for those concerned about fuel efficiency.

#3 – More Trims to Choose From

Just like there are many drivers throughout Waukesha who require different powertrains driving them forward, there are also different styling needs, which is why many locals gravitate toward all of the options found in the 2026 Sportage’s arsenal. Providing you with 13 available trims across its gas-powered, hybrid, and PHEV lineup, compared to the CR-V’s seven available options, you’ll have a much better chance of getting everything you could ever want inside your daily traveler when you choose the Sportage. Whether you’re seeking out a luxury oasis as you travel to the office each day or a rugged and ready-for-anything trim to take you out into nature with certainty, the Sportage has something to meet the needs of every type of driver in existence.

#4 – Larger Touchscreens

You’re able to enjoy access to cutting-edge tech in both the Sportage and the CR-V; however, the Sportage takes this a step further by offering 12.3-inch Dual Panoramic Displays. These brilliant displays present you with everything from entertainment and connectivity options to important ride details and so much more. The 2026 CR-V can’t even come close to this level of intuitiveness, as it’s only armed with a nine-inch touchscreen across the board. There is a 10.2-inch digital instrument display available in higher-level trims that showcases important details about your ride, but it’s obvious that the CR-V has got nothing on the Sportage’s level of innovation inside.

#5 – Exceptional Tech Features

In addition to a display space that takes up much of its dash, the 2026 Sportage has been technically enhanced for its latest year cruising down the Waukesha streets. From a Head-Up Display that projects pertinent ride details on the windshield, to enhanced Highway Driving Assist to help you remain centered in your lane and at a safe speed and distance from the vehicle in front of you, there’s much to be excited about in the newest Sportage lineup. The 2026 CR-V also receives some tech upgrades, as all trims feature the aforementioned nine-inch touchscreen and can now be enjoyed with wireless smartphone integration—although this feature has been standard on the Sportage for some time.

#6 – Better Transmission Options

Every driver wants a confident and lively ride, even if their journey typically just takes them to work each day. The great news is that the 2026 Sportage offers either an eight-speed or a six-speed automatic transmission in its lineup, which allows you to enjoy a better ride quality, with more control and more excitement behind the wheel. Unfortunately, the 2026 CR-V is only available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). CVTs are notorious for their bland handling and loud, droning noise, making them unfavorable for drivers.

#7 – More Exciting Ride

Not only does the 2026 Sportage offer a better transmission selection, but it also boasts more power from many of its engine options. Opting for the hybrid powertrain allows you to enjoy 231 hp, while the PHEV surges forward with 268 hp to make for one thrilling ride. The best that the 2026 CR-V can do is 204 hp from its hybrid powertrain. If you want a more energetic and enjoyable ride, you’ll find it in the Sportage.

#8 – More Towing Power

Many Waukesha travelers like to tow campers out into nature and trailers full of materials and supplies from the hardware store for a project at home. This requires a vehicle that can tow like a pro, and if you’re wondering which of these compact SUVs showcases the better tow ratings, it’s the Sportage. With the ability to tow up to 3,500 lbs with its standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine, the Sportage is a great pick for those looking to pull some heavy loads behind them. The CR-V can only tow up to 1,500 lbs, which is in line with many other compact competitors, but it may not be enough for drivers seeking more power in a smaller travel companion.

#9 – Enhanced Styling

For 2026, the Sportage becomes even more stylish than before, whereas the CR-V tends to lean more towards the practical end of the spectrum. You’ll find that the Sportage showcases a more refined front end with dazzling lighting elements and a redesigned dash and steering wheel, making this model even more in tune with the needs of today’s style-savvy drivers. The CR-V doesn’t see too many updates for 2026, as far as design is concerned, with the only notable upgrade being larger available wheel options.

#10 – Lower Price Point

You could assume that since there’s so much more to be enjoyed in the Sportage that it would easily be more expensive than the CR-V, but in fact, it’s quite the opposite. The starting price for the 2026 Kia Sportage is $28,690, while the 2026 Honda CR-V starts at $30,920.^[a] Considering how much more the Sportage offers, this price difference can be the deciding factor for many Waukesha drivers who want to be able to get more in their vehicles for less.

Choosing the Sportage Makes Sense

It’s easy to see why so many drivers who are interested in a compact SUV choose the Sportage. It’s stylish, innovative, and exciting to drive, offering more features to help you create the ideal ride. The CR-V isn’t just more expensive, it’s less intuitive, plainer in appearance (especially lower-level trims), and it just doesn’t have the pizzazz that the Sportage has when it comes to ride quality. In the end, if you want the best option between these two compact SUVs, the 2026 Sportage is it, offering you an unforgettable ride, no matter where the road leads.

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^[a] MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge, and accessories. MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.

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