Small SUV Shootout 2023: Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage Hybrid vs. Mazda CX-50

• Three all-new 2023 models battle for small SUV supremacy.
• Redesigned for 2023, the Honda CR-V is immediately a top contender.
• Can it beat the Kia Sportage Hybrid to be our No. 1 small hybrid SUV?
• CR-V also targets the sporty Mazda CX-50 for non-hybrid shoppers.

It may seem strange to compare the CR-V to both a hybrid SUV and a non-hybrid SUV. But if you look at how Honda markets the new CR-V, it makes perfect sense. Honda does not distinguish the hybrid version of the CR-V as being separate from the non-hybrid. Instead, some CR-V trim levels come with the hybrid powertrain, while others only offer a conventional internal-combustion engine. So the new CR-V is kind of a two-in-one. Here's how they all stacked up when the dust settled.

CR-V FTW?

Notably, we left our lead feet at home for this comparison, as we consider attributes like comfort, value and cargo space to be more important than performance in a small SUV. Not surprisingly, the 2023 Honda CR-V scored well in all three areas.

But the Kia Sportage Hybrid impressed in these aspects, too. In fact, the redesigned 2023 Sportage has a better ride quality and a quieter cabin than the CR-V, plus effectively the same cargo space. It also has the best real-world fuel economy and the lowest starting price of these three vehicles.

As for the Mazda CX-50, it favors personality and driving fun over the more practical values. Compared to the CR-V and Sportage Hybrid, it has a rather stiff ride, less storage and a higher price tag. It's also the least fuel-efficient in this group. But, boy, it looks good.

Check out the video above to see how all three SUVs measured up during everyday use.

Edmunds says

There's no question about it, the redesigned 2023 Honda CR-V is an excellent small SUV. It's just that the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is better. We like its trifecta of powertrain, tech and price. For some extra spice, the Mazda CX-50 is a blast to drive and looks great too. But the Sportage Hybrid is our pick of the bunch, not to mention a substantial improvement over the non-hybrid 2023 Sportage, which suffers from lackluster acceleration and actually lost to the outgoing 2022 CR-V in our last small SUV shootout.