Honda CR-V vs Kia Sportage: Which Should You Buy in Bahrain?

A complete comparison of the ⁦Honda CR-V⁩ VS ⁦Kia Sportage⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across Bahrain.

⁦Honda CR-V⁩ VS ⁦Kia Sportage⁩: the verdict

The Honda CR-V emerges as the stronger contender for Bahraini families prioritizing space and efficiency, thanks to its standard 7-seat configuration and superior fuel economy. However, the Kia Sportage offers a compelling alternative for those seeking diverse engine options and potentially more dynamic performance, catering to a broader range of driving preferences.
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Price Comparison
Starting at0 – 12,290 BHD0 BHD
Engine & Power
Engine1,500 cc · 4 cyl1,500 – 2,400 cc · 4 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)190 hp155 – 263 hp
Torque (Nm)243 Nm192 – 353 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)—8.8 – 11.1 s
Top Speed (Km/h)200 km/h181 – 201 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)6.8 L/100km7.5 – 8.6 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity57 L54 – 62 L
Gears—6 – 8
TransmissionCVTAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive / Front Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive / Front Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Measurements
L×W×H4.7 m × 1.9 m × 1.7 m4.5 / 4.5 / 4.7 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.6 / 1.7 / 1.7 m
Wheelbase (meters)2.7 m2.7 / 2.7 / 2.8 / 2.8 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,520 – 1,620 kg1,538 – 1,690 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)—538 – 591 L
Overview
Body StyleSUV CrossoverSUV Crossover
Seating Capacity7 seats5 seats
Doors5 doors4 / 5 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive BonnetActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAUXAUX InputBA (Brake Assist)BluetoothBody Colored GrilleBody Colored MirrorsBonnet LightBumper Side StepCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesClimate ControlCollision DetectionCompassCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDVDEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFabric SeatsFire ExtinguisherFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesGas Shock AbsorberHDMIHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLane Departure WarningLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLumbar SupportManual ACManual HeadlampsMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)Off-Road DampersOff-Road tyresParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPuddle LampPush Button StartRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSilver TrimSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreenTouchscreen SizeTraction ControlTrip ComputerTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Welcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood TrimXenon Headlamps
12V Socket360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAir ConditioningAirbagsAlloy PedalsAlloy RimsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAuto Door LockAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBody KItBumper Side StepCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCooled SeatsCrosswind AssistCVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)Daytime Running LightsDisc BrakesDoor Edge ProtectorDoor ReflectorsDVD PlayerEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric CurtainElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofEmergency Brake AssistFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog Lamp - Front and RearFog LightsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFront BrakesFront CameraGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDMIHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHill AssistImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyKnee AirbagLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomManual ACManual Windows - Front and RearMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)Off Road KItOff-Road DampersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower WindowsRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRear AC ControlsRear Audio ControlsRear BrakesRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRemote StartRemote Windows DownSeatbeltsSecurity SystemSpare WheelSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreen SizeTraction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTyre Repair KitVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Welcome LightWheel SizeWheelbaseWheels - AlloyWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Families

The Honda CR-V is the clear winner for larger families, offering a standard 7-seat capacity, which the 5-seater Kia Sportage cannot match.

2

Best for Fuel Efficiency

For daily commutes and long drives, the Honda CR-V takes the lead with an impressive fuel economy of 6.8 L/100km, outperforming the Kia Sportage's 7.5 – 8.6 L/100km.

3

Best for Performance Options

The Kia Sportage provides a wider array of engine choices, including a more powerful 2,400 cc option generating up to 263 hp, offering more dynamic driving compared to the CR-V's single 190 hp engine.

4

Best for Cargo Space

With a stated trunk capacity of up to 591 L, the Kia Sportage is the better choice for those needing ample and verifiable cargo room, as the CR-V's trunk capacity is not specified.

Pros & cons

Honda CR-V

Pros

  • Standard 7-seater capacity
  • Superior fuel efficiency (6.8 L/100km)
  • Higher baseline power (190 hp from 1,500 cc)
  • Refined CVT transmission for smooth driving

Cons

  • Limited to a single 1,500 cc engine choice
  • No stated trunk capacity available
  • Less compact than some Sportage variants (fixed 4.7m length)
  • CVT transmission may not appeal to all drivers

Kia Sportage

Pros

  • Wider range of engine options, up to 263 hp
  • Generous stated trunk capacity (up to 591 L)
  • Faster acceleration in higher trims (as low as 8.8s)
  • Traditional automatic transmission (6-8 gears)
  • More compact variants available (as short as 4.5m length)

Cons

  • Only offers a 5-seat configuration
  • Higher fuel consumption (7.5 – 8.6 L/100km)
  • Lower baseline power compared to CR-V (155 hp vs CR-V's 190 hp)
  • Potentially more complex trim lineup with varying dimensions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Honda CR-V or Kia Sportage better for families?

The Honda CR-V is definitively better for families due to its standard 7-seat configuration, offering more passenger capacity than the 5-seat Kia Sportage. If you frequently transport more than five people, the CR-V is the practical choice.

Which SUV is more fuel-efficient, the Honda CR-V or Kia Sportage?

The Honda CR-V is more fuel-efficient, achieving 6.8 L/100km. The Kia Sportage's fuel economy ranges from 7.5 to 8.6 L/100km, making the CR-V the more economical option for fuel consumption.

Does the Kia Sportage offer more powerful engine options than the Honda CR-V?

Yes, the Kia Sportage offers a wider range of engine options, including a 2,400 cc engine capable of producing up to 263 hp, which is more powerful than the Honda CR-V's single 190 hp 1,500 cc engine. Choose the Sportage for more performance variety.

What are the seating capacities of the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage?

The Honda CR-V comes standard with 7 seats, making it suitable for larger families or those needing extra passenger room. The Kia Sportage, in contrast, offers a 5-seat configuration across its range.

Which has better cargo space, the Honda CR-V or Kia Sportage?

The Kia Sportage has a stated trunk capacity of up to 591 L, making it a strong contender for cargo. The Honda CR-V's trunk capacity is not specified in the available data, so the Sportage offers verifiable and generous cargo room.