2025 Buick Envision vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$38,000 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 Buick Envision ($38,000 MSRP) and the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid ($40,490 MSRP) is fuel efficiency, presenting a 12 MPG combined difference (36 MPG for the Kia vs. 24 MPG for the Buick). Performance is also split, with the Kia offering 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the Buick's 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. While the Buick is slightly shorter at 182.7 inches compared to the Kia's 184.4 inches, the Sportage dominates in utility, offering 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Envision’s 25.2 cubic feet. Furthermore, the Kia provides 33 miles of pure electric range and uses less expensive regular unleaded fuel, whereas the Buick mandates premium unleaded, impacting long-term operating costs despite its lower initial price point.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV offers a 33-mile electric range and a significantly better 36 combined MPG, minimizing fuel stops.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage provides 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, substantially more room than the Buick Envision's 25.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV generates superior output with 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Buick's 228 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Buick Envision

The 2025 Buick Envision has a lower entry MSRP of $38,000 compared to the Kia's $40,490, resulting in immediate cost savings.

Choose the Buick Envision if...

Budget is the primary concern, as the Buick Envision starts $2,490 lower at $38,000 MSRP.
You prefer the consistent performance derived from its 228 hp, 258 lb-ft output via the 9-speed automatic transmission.
The vehicle's slightly narrower width (74.1 inches) is preferable for tight urban parking scenarios.

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

Maximizing fuel economy is essential, evidenced by the Kia's 36 combined MPG versus the Buick's 24 combined MPG.
You need maximum utility, as the Kia offers 9.3 more cubic feet of cargo space (34.5 cu ft vs. 25.2 cu ft).
You prioritize running costs, as the Kia uses regular unleaded fuel while the Buick recommends premium unleaded.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Envision	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	182.7"	184.4"
Width	74.1"	73.4"
Height	64.6"	66.9"
Wheelbase	109.0"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	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	228 hp @ 5000 rpm	268 hp
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Buick	Kia
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Locking
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Kia
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/28 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	354.2/450.8 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.1 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	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	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Kia
Infotainment Display	30.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	9	6
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	39.6 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	55.1 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
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.9 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.3 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P245/45R20	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside 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 Envision and 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

What is the practical difference in power delivery between the two crossovers?

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV is notably more potent, producing 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, a 40 hp advantage over the Buick Envision's 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. This suggests the Kia will offer faster acceleration metrics.

How does the required fuel type impact long-term ownership costs?

The Buick Envision specifies premium unleaded fuel, which generally costs more per gallon than regular unleaded. Since the Kia Sportage PHEV utilizes regular unleaded, its fueling costs for the gasoline portion of its operation will likely be lower, offsetting some of its higher initial purchase price.

Is the Kia’s larger size beneficial for passenger or cargo needs?

Yes, the Kia is 1.7 inches longer and 2.3 inches taller than the Buick. Critically, this translates to significantly more storage, with the Kia boasting 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Envision's 25.2 cu ft.

How effective is the Kia's hybrid system for daily driving?

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV offers an EPA-estimated 33 miles of all-electric range. For commuters with short daily round trips, this could mean operating nearly emission-free for several days before relying on the 35 MPG city gasoline engine assist.

What is the transmission difference, and does it affect performance?

The Buick Envision employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic, generally favored for efficiency, while the Kia uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic. Despite having two fewer gears, the Kia's higher torque rating (271 lb-ft) likely compensates for this gearing difference.