2025 Acura ADX vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between smart savings upfront or long-term hybrid savings? That's the big question when looking at the 2025 Acura ADX versus the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. The ADX hits the road with a starting MSRP of only $35,000, making it significantly more affordable than the $48,290 Sorento PHEV. Power delivery is quite different too; the Kia offers a substantial advantage with 261 hp compared to the Acura's 190 hp. While the ADX returns a respectable 28 MPG combined, the Sorento PHEV nudges ahead slightly with 33 MPG combined, plus that handy 30-mile electric range. However, the Acura is slightly smaller at 185.8 inches long, while the Sorento boasts more headroom with its 66.9-inch height. If maximizing power and efficiency payoff over time is key, the Kia pulls ahead, but the ADX offers immediate budget relief.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The combination of a 30-mile electric range and 33 MPG combined fuel economy will dramatically lower daily running costs.
2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Being larger (189.6 inches long and taller) and having AWD suggests better capacity and all-weather security for families.
2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
With 71 more horsepower (261 hp total) and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Kia offers substantially superior acceleration.
2025 Acura ADX
The $13,290 lower starting price ensures the ADX provides immediate, tangible financial savings.
Choose the Acura ADX if...
- Your absolute top priority is keeping the purchase price under $36,000.
- You prefer a slightly smaller vehicle, with the ADX measuring 185.8 inches long for easier parking.
- You are comfortable operating on recommended premium unleaded fuel for the base performance.
Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You want the peace of mind of All-Wheel Drive capability.
- You drive less than 30 miles daily and can utilize the electric-only range frequently.
- You need the extra room provided by its superior height (66.9 inches) and width (74.8 inches).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura ADX | Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 189.6" |
| Width | 72.5" | 74.8" |
| Height | 63.8" | 66.9" |
| Wheelbase | 104.5" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | plug-in hybrid |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 261 hp |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 258 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/31 MPG | 33/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 33 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 364.0/434.0 mi. | 409.2/421.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | — | 77/71 MPGe |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | — | 74 MPGe |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | — | 30 mi. |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | — | 45 |
| Charging Time (240V) | — | 3.4 hr. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | — | SAE J1772 |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.4 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.7 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.4 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | 19 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R H | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
| EV Battery Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura ADX and 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Sorento PHEV compared to the ADX?
The 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid offers a 5 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy, achieving 33 MPG versus the 2025 Acura ADX’s 28 MPG.
Is the Acura ADX’s engine significantly underpowered compared to the Kia?
Yes, the ADX produces 190 hp, lagging 71 hp behind the Sorento PHEV’s output of 261 hp.
Does the higher price of the Sorento buy me significantly more space inside?
In terms of pure cargo volume, the ADX offers nearly double the space at 24.4 cu ft compared to the Sorento’s 12.6 cu ft, though the Kia is physically larger overall.
What is the primary fueling difference between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Acura ADX recommends premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid runs efficiently on regular unleaded.
How much money would I save by choosing the Acura upfront?
The 2025 Acura ADX starts at $35,000, resulting in an initial savings of $13,290 over the starting price of the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.
Does the base drive layout favor efficiency or traction?
The Acura ADX is strictly front-wheel drive, while the Kia Sorento PHEV includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment.
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