2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Kia Sportage near Bowie, MD
2026 Honda CR-V EX-L shown above in Cyrstal Black Pearl.
The compact SUV market is bursting with options, and the influx of models available can make your decision a difficult task. To prove that the 2026 Honda CR-V rises above the competition, we at Pohanka Honda in Capitol Heights have constructed a detailed comparison against the 2026 Sportage for you to review before walking through our doors. We’re conveniently located near Bowie and look forward to your business!
Performance
To kickstart this overview, we’ll discuss the performance of these vehicles and how they’ll motivate your trips down Highway 214. With a standard 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine idling at your command, the CR-V allows you to overtake the competition with 190 horsepower1 and 179 lb.-ft. of torque2. The Sportage falls short, as its naturally aspirated standard 2.5L 4-cylinder system is only capable of displacing 187 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. To exceed expectations, the CR-V also boasts a 28/33/30 MPG city/hwy/combined3 fuel economy rating to keep you driving for extended periods of time. The same can’t be said for the Kia SUV, as it offers 25/33/28 MPG city/hwy/combined4.
Technology
With the 2026 Honda CR-V stealing the show in the first round, let’s take a look at the cabins of each SUV. The Honda model prioritizes customization, as it showcases three different audio systems to pick from. Unfortunately, the 2026 Sportage only offers two, so you won’t be able to fine-tune your listening experience according to your specific needs. Is having convenience an absolute must? The CR-V SUV comes standard with a wireless phone charger5, so you can place your device on a convenient pad to achieve full battery life. On the other side of the fence, the Kia has this feature as an available upgrade, so you’ll have to shell out extra cash on a higher trim level to secure this advancement. Lastly, the Honda includes a standard 7-inch TFT meter display, while the Sportage comes with a 4.2-inch TFT cluster6 on the base trim.
Exterior
What better way to complete this comparison than by discussing the exterior features of these 2026 cars? If you prefer a raised perspective, you’ll appreciate the CR-V, as it comes with a 7.8-inch ground clearance. You won’t have the same vantage point in the Sportage, since the vehicle features a 7.1-inch clearance level. To redirect airflow, the Honda’s standard active shutter grille acts as an intake to reduce wind drag. Pair that with a standard hood damper, and the CR-V will be able to regulate airflow while you accelerate. The Kia has a traditional front grille and lacks a hood damper, so you won’t be able to achieve the same aerodynamics with it. To seal the deal, both models come standard with 17-inch wheels and all-season tires. Have we convinced you to trust the CR-V for your adventures to Allen Pond Park? Contact us to schedule a test drive today!
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2026 Honda CR-V
- Standard 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder engine
- Standard wireless phone charger*
- Standard 7.7-inch TFT display
- Standard 7.8-inch ground clearance
- Standard hood damper
2026 Kia Sportage
- Standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine
- Available as upgrade
- Standard 4.2-inch TFT cluster**
- Standard 7.1-inch ground clearance
- Feature unavailable
2026 Kia Sportage shown above with optional equipment.
Crash-Test Ratings
2026 HONDA CIVIC SEDAN 4 DR N/A FWD
| Overall |
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| Front Crash Overall |
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| Front Crash Driver |
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| Front Crash Passenger |
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| Side Crash Overall |
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| Side Barrier Overall |
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| Side Barrier Driver |
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| Side Barrier Passenger |
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| Side Pole Driver |
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| Side Combined Front |
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| Side Combined Rear |
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| Rollover |
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Current Inventory
Green Score
EPA Green Score
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EPA and California-required standards. The names refer to tables of numerical limits for the various air pollutants allowed by the standards.
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| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
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Greenhouse Gas Score ?
This score reflects fuel emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases.
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7
1
7
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Dealership Information
Testimonials
“ Kevin Moran at the service center was EXCELLENT THE GREATEST EVER since I have been dealing with POHANKA Honda since 1989. He should be a Manager ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I wish a Hyundai Santa Cruz could be donated to me I am a Cancer Patient now. ”
“ My sevice advisor Sergio was pleasant and explained what was needed for my car after I told him about the issue. I was glad the service didn't take too long. ”
“ Great service ”
“ Marcus was very helpful and fast with his service ”
“ They did a good job I also like the fact that they send a video to your phone to let you know what’s going on ”
“ Service was exceptional! ”
“ I had a great experience here at the dealership! I had my A/C worked on and they beat the guestimated time, all the personnel were friendly and helpful, and my service was at what I considered to be a fair price. My service advisor, Mr. Trice, was very professional and displayed exemplary customer service! ”
“ Very professional and friendly ”
“ Pohanka Honda, will service your vehicle well, take your car in today. ”
“ Excellent customer service from Ms Lewis she is great for the company and takes care of all her customers in a pleasant patient manner great customer service will recommend to all family and friends also my insurance adjuster has made an appointment to visit Miss Lewis to purchase a car ”
“ Great customer service and feedback regarding my car. Although there is a Honda dealership closer to me, I travel to Pohanka for their service and care, including the multi point inspection and video. ”
“ Everyone was so friendly and helpful! Especially Sanitra. And Jose. Recommend! ”
“ My favorite place for my ride. Comfy lobby, reasonable prices, great staff. The lobby also has chargers and massage chairs. Cool place! ”
“ Easy to schedule. Service writer Marcus was excellent. Work performed was well done. Will always return there for service. Nice clean waiting area. Areas constantly being cleaned. New massaging chairs a really nice touch!! ”
“ Had me in for my service and out within an hour. ”
“ Positive attitude from agents , was well taken care of. ”
“ Jennifer was very helpful, when I picked up my car it was not as expensive as I imagine. I had to give her a big hug. Hooray for a great employee ”
“ High quality service from sales and finance. Honda vehicles and their owners deserve nothing less. High Five for Joseph, my sales consultant. I love my CRV ”
“ (Translated by Google) Excellent service, they work very well and very quickly, they handle all the paperwork. I highly recommend them. (Original) Muy buena atención y trabajan muy bien y muy rapido hacen todo el papeleo lo recomiendo ”
“ Great experience and customer service. Even after purchase didn’t go “ghost” with follow up questions I had. AJ was really good too and personable. ”
“ Excellent ”
“ Pohanka Honda takes care of my Honda baby every time!! Marcus N. is the bomb!! ”
“ Service was great and glad that they had a shuttle to take me home and pick me up. ”
“ I am always pleased with Pohanka Honda's Service Department. The team there are always professional, knowledgeable, and very personable. Even though I bought my 2019 Honda from another Honda dealership and got discouraged at my treatment there, I tried Pohanka's service department and have been overwhelmingly pleased ever since. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a video recording from the technician/mechanic of recommended services for my vehicle. That was a nice touch. My sincere appreciation to Pohanka. ”
“ I had the best experience in getting my vehicle. Omar was my sales consultant and when I tell you he was patient, very knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. SHOUT OUT to this Honda dealership. SHOUT OUT TO Randy, Adrienne, and one last person (can’t remember their name) were AMAZING. ”
“ Kevin was very helpful. ”
“ Very happy with their service, although didn't like the service of two other Honda dealerships in that area ”
“ I go to Pohanka Honda, for repairs to my vehicle. My go to guy is Nelson. He is very knowledgeable, professional, and keeps you up-to-date, pertaining to your vehicle. ”
“ Hello, my 2026 Honda CR-V was due its first maintenance service. On May 18, 2026, I was greeted by Jacqueline. She was assigned to me and she made sure I was totally satisfied before leaving Pohanka parking lot. Jacqueline was professional, pleasant, she assisted me with my questions, washed my car and help me with setting the drivers seat settings. I received excellent service as always. Keep up the awesome work, Jacqueline. ”
“ Omar and Adam helped me out. They did a amazing job getting me a approval customer service was top tier best experience I’ve ever had at a dealership ”
“ The Staff were very helpful and considerate they had a free coffee bar and television in the waiting area. Everything was geared to comfort and good customer service. ”
My experience working w/Mr.
“ My experience working w/Mr. S.Negrette were very communicative on my options/status of my work entailed of my vehicle and that is great service although something’s are not in his control, but diligent to my feelings. ”
“ Recently went to Pohanka Honda for service. No issues. Jennifer, my service tech, is always pleasant and professional. She keeps me informed about my car. Jennifer is great. ”
“ Whenever I go for service my service pro is always knowledgeable. I like that I may be given a courtesy ride home or an area to relax while I wait for my car. Unfortunately the complimentary car was is never satisfactory. I am not looking for a detail but I would like for the exterior to be clean. They must do better than just rinsing my car off with the hose. Next time I will post pics of not sufficient. ”
“ I like the nice clean waiting room. ”
“ The total experience was pleasant. The wait time was exactly the correct time, like the Technician said. ”
1. 190 @ 6000 rpm (SAE net), 145 @ 6100 rpm (SAE net)
2. 179 lb-ft @ 1700-5000 rpm (SAE net), 138 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (SAE net)
3. 28 city/33 highway/30 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 27 city/31 highway/29 combined mpg rating for AWD trims. 43 city/36 highway/40 combined mpg rating for 2WD hybrid trim. 40 city/34 highway/37 combined mpg rating for AWD hybrid trim. 38 city/33 highway/35 combined mpg rating for TrailSport Hybrid AWD trim.Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims) and other factors.
4. Kia fuel economy estimates is not an official EPA estimate and is based on preliminary manufacturer estimates on a vehicle. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle’s condition.
*5. Honda wireless phone charger is compatible with Qi wireless charging standards. Check with your device's manufacturer for wireless capability.
**6. Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.
“ Sergio provided exceptional customer service and attention to detail as my service provider. A video was provided explaining the necessary work that needed to performed on my car. We utilized the courtesy shuttle while waiting for the work to be performed. The Ritchie Marlboro location is consistent in quality customer service. ”