Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage vs. Toyota RAV4 | Compact Hybrid SUV Comparison Test

Summary

In this comprehensive review, the Kia Sportage Hybrid, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid are tested for their performance as compact hybrid SUVs. The focus is on fuel economy, technology, driving experience, and family-friendly features. The Kia Sportage Hybrid emerges as the top-rated SUV, excelling in interior comfort, cargo space, and overall value, while the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid lags behind due to its dated interior and lower refinement.

Takeaways

• 🏁 The video features a comparison of three compact hybrid SUVs: Kia Sportage Hybrid, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
• 🌟 Kia Sportage Hybrid is the reigning two-time Edmunds top-rated SUV award winner, outperforming all SUVs, not just compact hybrids.
• 🚀 Honda CR-V Hybrid scored the highest in driving with an 8.5, offering a slightly different hybrid system and better ride quality.
• 🌿 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, despite having the lowest driving score, excels in fuel economy, achieving 47.4 MPG in the test.
• 💺 Kia Sportage Hybrid offers a modern and stylish interior with excellent ergonomics and comfortable seating for both front and back passengers.
• 📱 Technology and safety features are comparable across all three vehicles, with each offering adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitors.
• 🔗 Honda CR-V Hybrid stands out for its wireless connectivity options for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a feature not available in the other two models.
• 🧳 Kia Sportage Hybrid wins in cargo and storage, fitting 12 out of the test boxes, showcasing its flexible interior storage space.
• 💰 The video emphasizes value for money, with Kia Sportage Hybrid being a strong contender due to its well-rounded performance and reasonable price.
• 🏆 The overall conclusion is that Kia Sportage Hybrid is the top choice among the three, excelling in multiple categories and offering great value.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script discussing compact hybrid SUVs?

The main focus of the video script is to determine which compact hybrid SUV is the best by evaluating their fuel economy, technology, family-friendly features, and overall performance in various categories.

Why did the script decide against a drag race to determine the best compact hybrid SUV?

The script decided against a drag race because it was concluded that all people care about is MPG (miles per gallon), which is a more relevant factor for hybrid SUVs.

What method did the script use to test the fuel economy of the compact hybrid SUVs?

The script used a real-world fuel economy loop, driving the vehicles nose to tail to ensure they experienced the same traffic conditions, speeds, and distances, and then filled them up at the same gas pump for an accurate comparison.

Which three compact hybrid SUVs were included in the script's test?

The three compact hybrid SUVs included in the test were the Kia Sportage Hybrid, the Honda CR-V, and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

Why was the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid not included in the test despite being the second-highest rated compact hybrid SUV for Edmunds?

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid was not included because it shares a lot with the Kia Sportage Hybrid, including the same powertrain and platform, and many of the same features. The findings for the Sportage Hybrid would apply to the Tucson Hybrid as well.

How does the Edmunds rating system work for vehicles?

The Edmunds rating system works by rating vehicles on over 30 different individual data points which are then compiled into several main categories to provide an overall score and a snapshot of the vehicle's performance.

What are the main categories the script covers to evaluate the compact hybrid SUVs?

The main categories covered in the script are interior and comfort, technology including safety technology, fuel economy, driving experience, and cargo and storage.

Which compact hybrid SUV had the highest driving score and why?

The Honda CR-V Hybrid had the highest driving score with an 8.5 due to its solid performance, slightly better pickup at lower speeds, and quieter cabin compared to the other vehicles.

What was the outcome of the fuel economy test among the three compact hybrid SUVs?

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had the best fuel economy with 47.4 MPG on the test route, beating both the Kia Sportage Hybrid and the Honda CR-V.

How does the script address the cost of fuel for driving 5,000 miles in each of the compact hybrid SUVs?

The script calculates the cost for fuel over 5,000 miles for each vehicle, showing that the Kia costs about $85 more than the Toyota, but highlights the additional value in terms of interior quality, driving experience, and technology that the Kia offers.

Which compact hybrid SUV ranked first in the interior and comfort category and why?

The Kia Sportage Hybrid ranked first in the interior and comfort category due to its modern and stylish interior, good ergonomics, physical controls for commonly used items, and a comfortable back seat with a lot of recline.

How did the technology category evaluation play out among the three compact hybrid SUVs?

The Kia Sportage Hybrid and the Honda CR-V tied for the top spot in the technology category due to their in-cabin technology offerings, while the Toyota RAV4 fell slightly behind, mainly due to the smaller screen and the need to pay extra for an upgrade.

What was the determining factor for the cargo and storage category winner?

The Kia Sportage Hybrid won the cargo and storage category due to its flexible interior storage space and the ability to fit one more box than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in its cargo area.

Who was the overall winner according to the script and why?

The Kia Sportage Hybrid was the overall winner because it performed well in every category, offering a strong all-around vehicle with great value, modern features, and a stylish interior.