2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid presents a $4,810 lower MSRP at $39,890 compared to the 2025 Acura RDX's $44,700 entry price. Fuel economy is a major divergence, with the Sportage PHEV achieving a combined 35 MPG versus the RDX's 23 MPG combined rating, representing a 12 MPG advantage for the Kia, which utilizes regular unleaded fuel, unlike the Acura's premium requirement. Power output is similar, with the RDX producing 272 hp and 280 lb-ft, marginally exceeding the Sportage PHEV's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. The RDX is physically larger across all dimensions except height (65.7 inches vs. 66.9 inches for the Kia), but the Sportage PHEV offers 5.0 cu ft more cargo volume, boasting 34.5 cu ft against the RDX's 29.5 cu ft. Both utilize AWD and automatic transmissions, though the RDX features a 10-speed unit while the Kia employs a 6-speed automatic.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- Peak performance metrics (272 hp) are prioritized over fuel economy savings.
- The driver prefers the feel and wider gear ratio spread of a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- A slightly larger exterior footprint (187.4 inches length) is desirable.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Minimizing running costs through superior MPG (35 combined) is the primary concern.
- The upfront purchase price must remain under $40,000.
- Maximizing usable storage space, evidenced by 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, is essential.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura RDX | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.4" | 183.5" |
| Width | 74.8" | 73.4" |
| Height | 65.7" | 66.9" |
| Wheelbase | 108.3" | 108.5" |
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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
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 automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| Center Differential Type | — | Locking |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 36/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.1/461.7 mi. | 399.6/388.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 gal. | 11.1 gal. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | — | 88/79 MPGe |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | — | 84 MPGe |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | — | 34 mi. |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | — | 40 |
| Charging Time (240V) | — | 2.0 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.0 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | 54.8 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.0 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.0 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
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 | — |
| 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 RDX and 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.
What is the real-world fuel cost difference between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Acura RDX requires premium unleaded fuel and achieves only 23 MPG combined, whereas the Kia Sportage PHEV runs on regular unleaded and achieves 35 MPG combined, projecting substantial annual fuel savings for the Kia.
How does the difference in physical size affect utility?
While the RDX is 3.9 inches longer, the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV provides 5.0 cubic feet more maximum cargo space (34.5 cu ft vs. 29.5 cu ft), suggesting better inherent packaging efficiency.
Is the performance gap significant between the two engines?
The performance difference is minimal, with the RDX holding a 11 hp and 22 lb-ft advantage over the Sportage PHEV's output.
Which vehicle offers a greater advantage in driving range without refueling?
Assuming the Sportage PHEV utilizes its 34-mile electric range before engaging gasoline power, it offers superior short-distance zero-emission capability compared to the RDX.
Are the transmissions comparable in mechanical design?
No, the 2025 Acura RDX utilizes a more complex 10-speed shiftable automatic, while the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV relies on a 6-speed automatic transmission.
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