2025 Audi Q5 vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$45,400 · Crossover

$48,290 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between refined German luxury and cutting-edge hybrid efficiency is a common dilemma when sizing up the 2025 Audi Q5 against the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. The Audi Q5 starts slightly cheaper at $45,400 and leans on its standard All-Wheel Drive and recommended premium fuel efficiency of 26 combined MPG. However, the Kia Sorento PHEV packs a significant power advantage, boasting 261 horsepower compared to the Q5's 201 hp, despite costing $48,290. While the Q5 offers superior hauling ability with 25.9 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Kia's 12.6 cu ft, the Sorento counters with a 30-mile electric range. This efficiency gap shows clearly in the 7 MPG combined advantage held by the Kia (33 MPG vs 26 MPG).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV offers a 30-mile electric range, significantly reducing reliance on fuel for shorter daily trips.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 provides nearly double the utility space with 25.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV delivers 60 more horsepower (261 hp vs 201 hp) and slightly more torque (258 lb-ft vs 236 lb-ft).

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a higher MSRP of $48,290, the Sorento's superior combined MPG of 33 and electric capability offer better long-term running cost value.

Choose the Audi Q5 if...

You prioritize maximizing storage, as the Audi Q5 offers a substantially larger 25.9 cu ft of cargo room.
You prefer the handling dynamics of an automated manual transmission paired with standard all-wheel drive.
You are looking for a lower entry price point at $45,400 before options.

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

Minimizing trips to the pump is key, thanks to its 33 combined MPG and 30 miles of electric range.
You need more immediate power from the engine, as the Sorento PHEV produces 261 horsepower.
You are comfortable running on regular unleaded fuel, unlike the Q5 which recommends premium.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q5	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Length	184.3"	189.6"
Width	74.5"	74.8"
Height	65.5"	66.9"
Wheelbase	111.0"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	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 Ventilated 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 Multi-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	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	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	201 hp	261 hp
Torque	236 lb-ft	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	Audi	Kia
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Kia
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/29 MPG	33/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/536.5 mi.	409.2/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 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	Audi	Kia
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Kia
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	6
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Kia
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	59.1 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	55.6 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	40.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	58.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	55.1 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Kia
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Kia
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Kia
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q5 and 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

Which vehicle will save me more money on gas in the long run?

The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV is projected to save more due to its higher efficiency rating of 33 combined MPG versus the Audi Q5's 26 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Kia's 30-mile electric range means many local errands can be completed without using any gasoline at all.

How much more powerful is the Kia Sorento compared to the Audi Q5?

The Sorento boasts a significant advantage in output, offering 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This substantially outweighs the Audi Q5's 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.

Is the Audi Q5 better suited for hauling larger families or gear?

Yes, the Audi Q5 is the clear winner for hauling, providing 25.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV is much more limited in this area, offering only 12.6 cubic feet behind the second row.

Do both crossovers use the same type of fuel?

No, the 2025 Audi Q5 recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. In contrast, the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, which is often cheaper at the pump.

How does the physical size differ between the two crossovers?

The Kia Sorento is slightly larger overall, measuring 189.6 inches long and 66.9 inches tall. The Audi Q5 is more compact, sitting at 184.3 inches in length and 65.5 inches in height.

What is the difference in transmission setup?

The Audi Q5 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual transmission, typical of some luxury performance vehicles. The Kia Sorento PHEV employs a more traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.