2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$44,700 · Crossover

$47,990 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between premium gas performance and long-term fuel savings? That’s the core decision facing shoppers comparing the 2025 Acura RDX against the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. The Acura RDX offers punchy performance with 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, powered by premium fuel, achieving 23 combined MPG. Conversely, the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid asks for $3,290 more upfront ($47,990 vs $44,700), but aims to recoup that cost through significant efficiency gains, delivering 33 combined MPG while running on regular unleaded, plus offering 30 miles of electric range. Although the RDX has a higher output, the Sorento wins on sheer utility thanks to its 12.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the RDX's 29.5 cu ft—wait, that's backwards! The RDX actually wins on cargo space at 29.5 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft. It's a trade-off between Acura's traditional power and Kia's hybrid economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You prioritize maximizing cargo space, as the RDX offers 29.5 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
You prefer a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission paired with a higher-output engine (272 hp).
You don't want the hassle or infrastructure requirement of daily plug-in charging.

Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...

Saving money on fuel is a priority, given the 10 MPG difference in combined efficiency (33 MPG vs 23 MPG).
Your budget needs flexibility, as the RDX has a $3,290 lower starting MSRP.
You can utilize the 30 miles of pure electric range for shorter daily errands.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Length	187.4"	189.6"
Width	74.8"	74.8"
Height	65.7"	66.9"
Wheelbase	108.3"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	261 hp
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 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	10-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Kia
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	33/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	409.2/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 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	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Kia
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	9	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Kia
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	59.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	55.6 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	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 RDX and 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more does the Sorento cost upfront compared to the RDX?

The 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has an MSRP of $47,990, making it $3,290 more expensive than the 2025 Acura RDX, which starts at $44,700.

Which crossover offers better traditional driving dynamics?

The 2025 Acura RDX holds the edge here, boasting 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, slightly outpacing the Sorento's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Is the RDX's fuel requirement a big deal?

Yes, the Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded fuel, while the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid uses regular unleaded, adding another potential layer to the running cost comparison.

Does the Sorento's hybrid battery compromise storage space?

It appears so, as the Sorento offers significantly less cargo capacity at 12.6 cubic feet, whereas the RDX provides a much larger 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats.