2025 Buick Enclave vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$45,100 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Buick Enclave unleashes more brute force with 328 horsepower, asserting itself as the larger, more traditional cruiser, measuring an imposing 207.6 inches long. Its slightly thirstier 23 combined MPG trails the futuristic efficiency of the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, which delivers a stellar 36 combined MPG. While the Sportage PHEV offers an essential 33 miles of pure electric range for local errands, the Buick boasts superior muscle with 326 lb-ft of torque versus the Kia's 271 lb-ft. The Enclave's commanding size also results in less cargo space (22.9 cu ft) compared to the Sportage's versatile 34.5 cu ft, despite the Kia's lower $40,490 MSRP against the Buick's $45,100 starting price. This comparison pits power and presence against efficiency and advanced technology.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV wins for daily commuting due to its superior 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of electric-only driving capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Buick Enclave

The 2025 Buick Enclave provides a larger, more substantial cabin environment for families, despite having less overall cargo volume than the smaller Kia.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Buick Enclave

Enthusiasts seeking outright acceleration and power will prefer the Buick Enclave's higher output of 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV offers superior long-term value by starting $4,610 cheaper and delivering 13 more MPG.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

You prioritize maximum engine output, appreciating the 328 hp available from its standard gasoline engine.
You prefer a full-size crossover presence, indicated by its 207.6-inch length.
You require the assured feel of 326 lb-ft of torque for highway passing maneuvers.

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

Reducing fuel stops is critical, thanks to its best-in-class 36 combined MPG.
Your daily driving is routinely under 33 miles, allowing significant use of electric power only.
You need maximum flexible cargo capacity, as it offers 34.5 cu ft compared to the Enclave's 22.9 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Enclave	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	207.6"	184.4"
Width	79.6"	73.4"
Height	71.0"	66.9"
Wheelbase	120.9"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	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	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Preparation System	✓	—
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 Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	268 hp
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	Buick	Kia
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Locking
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 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	Buick	Kia
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Kia
Infotainment Display	30.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	12	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	Buick	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Kia
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.2 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	58.7 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	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	4-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	Buick	Kia
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.1 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.5 in.	53.4 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	19 x 7.5 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Buick	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Enclave and 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

Is the Kia Sportage PHEV cheaper to buy initially than the Buick Enclave?

Yes, the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV has a lower MSRP of $40,490 compared to the 2025 Buick Enclave's $45,100, creating a price gap of $4,610.

How does the driving experience differ in terms of power output?

The Buick Enclave offers significantly more power with 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, easily outmuscling the Kia's 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle is better for long road trips concerning fuel economy?

The Kia Sportage PHEV is the clear winner here, boasting a 36 combined MPG rating against the Buick's 23 combined MPG.

Does the difference in size impact cargo hauling capabilities?

Absolutely; the smaller Kia Sportage provides substantially more cargo space at 34.5 cubic feet compared to the larger Buick Enclave's 22.9 cubic feet.

Can the Kia Sportage run solely on electricity for short commutes?

Yes, the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid features an electric range of 33 miles, meaning many local errands can be completed without consuming any gasoline.

What is the difference in drivetrain technology between these two crossovers?

The Buick Enclave utilizes a traditional front-wheel-drive layout paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Kia features All-Wheel Drive (AWD) paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.