Honda ZR-V vs Kia Sportage

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Honda ZR-V at 4 stars (2023) and the Kia Sportage at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2023 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 79% for the Honda ZR-V and 87% for the Kia Sportage, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Honda ZR-V, against 5 on the Kia Sportage.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Honda ZR-V and 7 in the Kia Sportage.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Honda ZR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the Kia Sportage gets a 12.3-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Honda ZR-V stands out with wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Kia Sportage. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Honda ZR-V uses a Petrol producing 131kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout.

The Kia Sportage responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.

The Honda ZR-V has the clear power advantage at 131kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Honda ZR-V measures 4,568mm long on a 2,655mm wheelbase, 117mm shorter than the Kia Sportage at 4,685mm (2,755mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 380L in the Honda ZR-V and 543L in the Kia Sportage, giving the Kia Sportage a 163L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1302L vs 1829L.

For towing, the Kia Sportage leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 150kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Honda ZR-V's turning circle is 1.0 m tighter, 10.4 m against 11.4 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Honda ZR-V costs about $1,995 a year (7 L/100km) and fuel for the Kia Sportage about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $314 a year less for the Honda ZR-V.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Honda ZR-V) and 7 years / Unlimited (Kia Sportage). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Honda ZR-V), no data (Kia Sportage).

Where each one leads

The Honda ZR-V: more power (131kW against 115kW) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,995 a year against $2,309).

The Kia Sportage: the bigger boot with the seats up (543L against 380L), the longer warranty (7 years against 5) and the higher braked towing limit (1,650kg against 1,500kg).

The Verdict

Kia Sportage scores higher, 76 vs 74

The Kia Sportage scores 76 to the Honda ZR-V's 74 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Honda ZR-V ahead by 10 points), safety (Kia Sportage ahead by 8 points), practicality (Kia Sportage ahead by 7 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Honda ZR-V costs about $314 less (7 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 380L in the Honda ZR-V, 543L in the Kia Sportage. Warranty: 5 years on the Honda ZR-V, 7 on the Kia Sportage.

Common questions