2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$44,700 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference separating the 2025 Acura RDX and the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is the 13 MPG variance in combined fuel economy, favoring the Kia at 36 MPG versus the Acura's 23 MPG. This efficiency gain is paired with a substantial $4,210 price disparity, as the RDX starts at $44,700 compared to the Sportage PHEV's $40,490 MSRP. Performance metrics show parity, with the RDX outputting 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, slightly exceeding the Kia's 268 hp and 271 lb-ft. Dimensional analysis indicates the RDX is 3.0 inches longer (187.4 inches vs. 184.4 inches), yet the Kia offers superior utility, boasting 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity against the RDX's 29.5 cu ft. Furthermore, the Sportage PHEV incorporates an electric-only range of 33 miles, a capability absent in the RDX's specification sheet, and requires regular unleaded fuel instead of premium unleaded.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Superior combined MPG of 36 and the availability of a 33-mile electric-only range dramatically reduce operating costs for daily travel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia offers substantially more usable storage volume, measuring 34.5 cu ft versus the RDX's 29.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura RDX

The RDX holds a marginal advantage in mechanical output, producing 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kia's output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia achieves superior efficiency and significantly more cargo space while costing $4,210 less MSRP.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Fuel type preference leans toward the recommended premium unleaded gasoline.
A preference exists for the slightly larger exterior footprint (187.4 inches length).
The 10-speed automatic transmission offers a perceived refinement advantage over the Kia's 6-speed unit.

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

Maximizing fuel economy with a 36 MPG combined rating is the primary objective.
Budget consciousness mandates saving $4,210 on the initial purchase price.
Utilization of the 33-mile all-electric range aligns with daily driving habits.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	187.4"	184.4"
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	268 hp
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	271 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	—	Locking
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Kia
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	87/78 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	83 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	33 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	43
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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
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	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.	39.6 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.	39.1 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 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How significant is the power difference between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Acura RDX has a negligible power advantage, producing 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, while the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid delivers 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque.

Does the Kia Sportage PHEV require premium fuel like the Acura RDX?

No, the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid specifies regular unleaded fuel compatibility, whereas the 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded.

Which vehicle provides better cargo capacity for hauling?

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is more practical for cargo needs, offering 34.5 cubic feet compared to the 29.5 cubic feet available in the 2025 Acura RDX.

What is the total MSRP difference between the two all-wheel-drive models?

The 2025 Acura RDX has an MSRP of $44,700, which is $4,210 more than the $40,490 starting price of the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How does the electric range affect the Sportage's efficiency ratings?

The 33-mile electric range significantly boosts the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid's overall efficiency, resulting in a 36 MPG combined rating, which is 13 MPG higher than the Acura RDX's 23 MPG combined rating.