Honda ZR-V vs Kia Sportage

The Honda ZR-V starts from $38,900 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sportage opens at $38,490. That makes the Kia Sportage the more affordable entry point by $410.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $42,790 and $42,339 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Honda ZR-V and Kia Sportage hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Honda ZR-V packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Kia Sportage.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Honda ZR-V and 6 in the Kia Sportage.

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 Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Kia Sportage. The Kia Sportage counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Honda ZR-V lines up producing 140kW and 243Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.

The Kia Sportage responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The Honda ZR-V has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda ZR-V is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

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 339L in the Honda ZR-V and 543L in the Kia Sportage, giving the Kia Sportage a 204L advantage.

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

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,653/year for the Honda ZR-V and $1,767/year for the Kia Sportage. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Honda ZR-V.

Estimated annual total: $1,653 (Honda ZR-V) vs $1,767 (Kia Sportage). The Honda ZR-V saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years (Honda ZR-V) vs 7 years (Kia Sportage). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda ZR-V)—.