Midsize family SUVs dominate our local market, and with well over 35 options on the shopping list, settling for any make is difficult. There are the very popular choices from Hyundai and a slew of offerings from Chinese automakers, but if you genuinely want to stand out, then a left-field option may be on the cards.
Related: Honda CR-V (2024) - Now available in SA
Kia Sorento (2025) First Drive Review
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a long-standing favourite for a reason. It excels as a comfortable, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-drive vehicle.
Key Features for Families:
Spacious Interior and Cargo: Despite being a compact SUV, the CR-V offers a surprisingly roomy cabin for five passengers. It's known for having a cavernous cargo area that can be expanded significantly by folding down the rear seats, making it great for road trips, groceries, or hauling gear for activities.
Fuel Efficiency: The CR-V is praised for its impressive gas mileage, particularly with its available hybrid powertrain. This is a significant benefit for families who spend much time on the road, running errands or commuting.
Advanced Safety Features: Honda's commitment to safety is a major selling point. The CR-V comes standard with the Honda Sensing ADAS suite, which includes various driver-assistance technologies.
Collision Mitigation Braking System
Road Departure Mitigation System
Lane Keeping Assist System
Adaptive Cruise Control
Comfort and Convenience: The CR-V provides a smooth ride, supportive seating, and a quiet interior. It also offers family-friendly technology, such as a user-friendly infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and front and rear USB ports to keep devices charged.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is a formidable competitor that appeals to families who need more space and a greater variety of options.
Key Features for Families:
Standard Third-Row Seating: This is the Sorento's most significant advantage. Unlike the two-row CR-V, the Sorento comes standard with a third row, providing seating for up to seven passengers. This is a game-changer for larger families or those who frequently carpool, host playdates, or need to transport extended family.
Diverse Powertrain Options: The Sorento offers a broader range of engine choices, including a standard gas engine, a more powerful turbocharged option, and both hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. This allows families to choose the perfect balance of power, efficiency, and performance for their needs.
Abundance of Standard Technology: Kia is known for packing a lot of value into its vehicles, and the Sorento is no exception. Many of its trims come with an extensive, modern infotainment system and a wealth of tech features that may cost extra on competing models. Features like a panoramic curved display, wireless smartphone integration, and a surround-view monitor are all available.
Comprehensive Safety Suite: The Sorento also offers an extensive suite of safety features, including standard technologies like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist. Its robust construction and high safety ratings provide peace of mind for parents.
Strong Warranty: Kia offers a 5 Year / unlimited km warranty, which provides families with an extra layer of confidence and long-term value.
Verdict
The Honda CR-V and the Kia Sorento are often cited as excellent family choices due to a blend of practical features, safety, and value. While they compete in the same SUV space, they cater to slightly different family needs, with the Sorento offering more seating and the CR-V focusing on a compact, highly efficient package.
The Honda CR-V is ideal for a smaller family (five or fewer) that prioritises fuel efficiency, a comfortable ride, and a highly functional, compact package.
The Kia Sorento is better suited for a larger family or anyone who needs the flexibility of a third-row seat. It also offers more variety in terms of power and a greater number of standard technology and convenience features.
