2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$44,700 · Crossover

$48,290 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Acura RDX and the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid lies in fuel economy, where the Sorento achieves a combined 33 MPG versus the RDX's 23 MPG, representing a 10 MPG advantage. Pricing positions the RDX more accessibly at an MSRP of $44,700, $3,590 less than the Sorento's $48,290. Performance metrics favor the RDX slightly, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Sorento's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. Dimensional analysis reveals the Sorento is marginally longer at 189.6 inches compared to 187.4 inches, though the RDX offers substantially more storage, boasting 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space against the Sorento's 12.6 cubic feet. Furthermore, the RDX utilizes premium unleaded fuel, while the Sorento operates on regular unleaded and provides a 30-mile electric range.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento's 33 combined MPG and 30-mile electric range deliver superior cost efficiency for daily driving compared to the RDX's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Acura RDX

The RDX offers more than double the usable utility, measuring 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura RDX

The RDX holds a measurable advantage in output, generating 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque versus the Sorento's outputs.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura RDX

The RDX costs $3,590 less while providing significantly more cargo volume (29.5 cu ft vs 12.6 cu ft) and higher raw power figures.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Prioritizing superior cargo capacity is a necessity, given its 29.5 cu ft offering.
Seeking the lowest initial purchase price at $44,700.
Preferring a vehicle with marginally higher horsepower (272 hp) and torque (280 lb-ft).

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

Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, leveraging the 33 combined MPG and 30-mile EV range.
Requiring a vehicle that runs on regular unleaded fuel instead of premium.
Needing the marginally longer overall vehicle dimension (189.6 inches in length).

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	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	—	✓
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.	40.3 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	✓	✓
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 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

How does the powertrain configuration differ between these two AWD crossovers?

The 2025 Acura RDX uses a conventional gasoline engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid combines its engine with an electric motor and utilizes a 6-speed automatic transmission, enabling zero-emission driving for 30 miles.

What is the impact of the fuel type recommendation on long-term running costs?

Acura recommends premium unleaded for the RDX, which typically carries a higher per-gallon cost than regular unleaded. The Sorento’s use of regular unleaded further lowers potential operational expenses when combined with its superior 33 combined MPG.

How significant is the cargo space disparity between the two models?

The difference is substantial; the RDX provides 29.5 cubic feet for cargo, whereas the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is limited to 12.6 cubic feet, indicating the RDX is better equipped for larger hauling needs.

Which vehicle has a transmission with more available gears?

The 2025 Acura RDX utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is equipped with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.