2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs. 2023 Mazda CX-50 | Compact SUV Comparison Test

The Honda CR-V is all-new for 2023, and while it’s always been a solid contender in the compact SUV segment, the competition is tougher than ever. So we decided to put it up against two of our favorites in this class: the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid and the 2023 Mazda CX-50. Each of these SUVs offers a different take on what makes a small SUV great, but only one can be the best. So, who’s it gonna be? Head to the video above and join Edmunds’ Ryan ZumMallen to find out!

00:00 Intro
00:56 Overview
03:19 Exterior
04:10 Cargo
09:26 Interior
19:20 Driving Impressions
25:32 Testing
26:17 Edmunds' Take

[edmundscars]

Is the 2023 Honda CR-V everything you expected? Reply to this comment with your personal score from 1-10.

[frhaber]

I've had my Sportage SX Hybrid for 5 month, and absolutely love it. Comfy, quiet, excellent fuel economy and great tech.

[coltonkennedy]

I have a Mazda CX-50 Premium Plus and it’s an amazing car! If you want something more premium & fun to drive you get a Mazda!

[sdkurt]

I own the cx-50 and you literally said so many incorrect things about the interior. The screen size is over 10 in, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlayer wireless. Android Auto is not a touch screen when the car is stopped only Apple CarPlay.

[SpudForceable]

I just bought the CX50, it doesn't even feel like you're driving a crossover. The steering on that thing is fucking amazing. I'll put it this way. I just took my CX50 on a winding mountain highway and I actually had FUN on that drive. My old Crosstrek driving that same road didn't do that for me, it coddled the driver; the CX50 actually expects you to put a little effort in the drive. My old crosstrek while a good and dependable car wasn't a very fun car to drive, I'm actually having FUN driving with the CX50 now.

If you're looking for a daily driver to get your kids to school or commute to work and go on the occasional family road trip, get the Kia or Honda, can't go wrong with those. But if you want something more...engaging to drive, I cannot recommend the CX-50 enough.

[Funkydood]

Just check out the latest Consumer Reports April Auto Issue!!! KIA bested Toyota and Mazda IN

[isaac]

The KIA Sportage has the best packaging for the money. The side view blind spot on the digital dashboard, the coat hangers, the usb charging on the seats, the smart digital buttons layout and overall flexible storage spaces like in the cup holders. The best warranty in the biz as well.

[alengreen]

you must ride one day the German version of the Sportage because the suspension is very firm, you can drive unbelievable fast to the curves and corners, the car stands all the very stable and even.

[vktor]

I would probably take a CX-50 with the base 2.5 non turbo engine.

[patty]

I've had my new 2023 KIA Sportage Hybrid for a week now and I LOVE it. Inventory is very low, due to low production so dealers are still adding on the dealer mark up which drives up the cost. But still was my top pick out of Mazda CX-50 and Hyundai Tucson. Has a spare tire not a tire repair kit (ahem, Tucson) and has navigation installed so if you are in a dead spot/no internet you still have navigation access (ahem, CX-50).

[Fadic]

I placed an order for a 23 CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid, I love that interior a lot.

I just can’t trust Kia and Hyundai right now with all the recalls they’re having. Consumer reports has Kia rated at 19th place with Hyundai in 11th, they both dropped down a lot in reliability. They also tried to cover up the engine defects and got their Korean offices raided by government officials for it.

Before anyone comments saying you get a long warranty, well yeah, they have to offer a long warranty if the reliability is terrible. Also, their dealership network will do everything in their power to not cover things under warranty, their reputation is well known. I don’t want an unreliable car with a good warranty, I’d rather have a reliable car with a regular warranty. I can get that with the RAV4, CX5/50 and CR-V.

[aw]

Again they keep recommending cars with engines that blow up. Thanks for nothing.

[fanguyb]

Mazda or Honda for me. You honestly couldn’t give me a Kia or Hyundai product because of the horrible quality of the engines not to mention their infotainment systems are prone to failure.

[drivescene]

Honda was leading this class for so long until they decided to be ridiculous, now the CRV is mid pack at best. What the hell is going on over at Honda?

[rezar]

I have kia Optima since 2014. It is a very good car, and it is still in very good condition. Completely understand everybody's comment about the reliability of Toyota and Honda. Not sure about the US prices but in Canada Honda prices in general do not make any sense. The price difference is sometimes up to 6000$ with fewer features than Kia. For me and with the experience I had with my previous Kia car, and especially the design of this version of Sportage, it is only Sportage. I ordered to get not only hybrid but Plug-in hybrid Sportage Which CRV even don't have.

[braedenmiller]

You forgot that the cargo floor of the sportage hybrid can drop 2” to the lower level.

[xanerosro]

Good comparison, but don't understand the gripe about the 0.5" increase in the CRV's rear legroom. Cars don't need to grow bigger each iteration, esp when the CRV is already large for a mid-size SUV. Old CRVs would barely qualify as subcompact SUVs today, and that is not a trend that needs to continue.

[joalblo]

I enjoy watching this presenter. Clear and not too gimmicky.

[roguedogx]

0:41 my bet? no. the Mazda is keeping it's crown.

[DrWenChannel]

I'm surprised that Toyota Rav4 is not included here. Also a quick comment, a lot of people went with Honda CR-V is not just because it's ride quality, roomy, etc., it's also about Toyota and Honda's legendary reliability and resale value. So at least for me, unless that the Kia can provide MUCH more bang for the bucks, otherwise just for resale value and reliability alone, I would still pick CR-V.