Kia Sportage or Honda CR-V? 2017-2022 compared: fuel use, weak spots and customs

The Kia Sportage (fourth generation, QL) and the Honda CR-V (fifth generation) are the most common 2017-2022 compact SUVs that reach Georgia from American auctions. Both are practical and each has its own well-known weak spot. Below we compare the most common engines: the Sportage 2.4 GDI and the CR-V 1.5 turbo.

Key figures

The CR-V is more economical and roomier, while the Sportage has a conventional automatic, which many buyers prefer to a CVT.

Sportage: the Theta II engine and KSDS

The 2.4 GDI belongs to the Theta II family, the same family whose engines in the Optima and Sorento suffered connecting-rod bearing failures. This Sportage generation had no such recall, but in the US Kia added a knock sensor detection system (KSDS) and a lifetime warranty on the engine block.

That warranty does not apply to a car brought to Georgia, so listen to the engine carefully before buying: a metallic knock on a cold start and the oil level matter most.

CR-V: petrol in the oil

The best-known problem of the 1.5 turbo is oil dilution on 2017-2018 cars in cold climates: the oil level "rises" and the oil smells of petrol. Honda updated the engine software and extended the engine warranty, with no recall. On 2017-2022 1.5 turbo cars the air-conditioning compressor has a 10-year extended warranty (TSB 23-040).

When buying, pull the dipstick: a level above normal and a smell of petrol are warning signs.

Customs: why the CR-V costs less to clear

Excise in Georgia is charged on engine size: 1.5 GEL per cm³ up to and including 6 years of age, 4.5 GEL from 7 years. The CR-V has 1,498 cm³ and the Sportage 2,359 cm³, so the CR-V is always cheaper to clear.

The key line runs between 6 and 7 years: one year more and customs costs almost three times as much. Work out your own case with the customs calculator.

Which one to choose

Choose the CR-V if fuel use, space and cheaper customs matter most. Choose the Sportage if you do not trust CVTs and want livelier handling, but check the engine's history and sound first. Either way, a 2020 car saves a large sum at customs.

Frequently asked questions

Which is more reliable, the Sportage or the CR-V?

RepairPal rates the CR-V (4.5 / 5) slightly ahead of the Sportage (4.0 / 5), and its maintenance costs a little less.

Which uses less fuel?

The CR-V 1.5 turbo: about 7.8 l/100 km in the EPA combined cycle, against about 9.0 l/100 km for the Sportage 2.4.

Which is cheaper to clear through customs?

The CR-V, thanks to its smaller engine: a 2020 CR-V costs about 2,824 GEL, a Sportage 4,172 GEL.