2025 Cadillac XT5 vs 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$44,295 · Crossover

$39,890 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Cadillac XT5 captivates with its undeniable American luxury presence, boasting a potent 235 hp engine that feels smooth through its 9-speed automatic transmission. It offers a substantial 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity, embodying classic crossover refinement, despite its recommended premium fuel requirement. Conversely, the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid aggressively targets efficiency and modern driving, unleashing 261 hp and a stunning 35 combined MPG. Its 34-mile electric range offers true zero-emission commuting flexibility, a massive draw against the XT5’s 24 combined MPG. While the Cadillac starts at a higher MSRP of $44,295, the Kia undercuts it significantly at $39,890. The 26 hp advantage belongs to the Kia, which perfectly balances performance excitement with stellar efficiency credentials.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage PHEV offers significantly superior fuel economy at 35 combined MPG and a 34-mile electric range, drastically cutting running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia provides greater overall utility with 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Cadillac’s 30 cubic feet, along with standard All-Wheel Drive.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Although the XT5 feels luxurious, the Sportage PHEV delivers higher peak performance with 261 horsepower and superior grip from its AWD system.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia undercuts the Cadillac by $4,405 in MSRP while simultaneously delivering 11 more MPG and more power.

Choose the Cadillac XT5 if...

You prioritize the traditional luxury cachet associated with the Cadillac brand name.
You prefer the slightly larger exterior dimensions, measuring 189.6 inches in length.
You want the buttery smooth shifting provided by the 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

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

Your budget is tighter, as the Kia has an MSRP of $39,890 compared to the Cadillac's $44,295.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, given the Kia’s 35 combined MPG rating.
You require the flexibility of electric-only driving for daily errands, thanks to its 34-mile EV range.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Cadillac XT5	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	189.6"	183.5"
Width	74.9"	73.4"
Height	66.1"	66.9"
Wheelbase	112.0"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Cadillac	Kia
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Cadillac	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	235 hp @ 5000 rpm	261 hp
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Cadillac	Kia
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Locking
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Cadillac	Kia
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	36/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	418.0/551.0 mi.	399.6/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.0 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	88/79 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	84 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	34 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	40
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Cadillac	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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Cadillac	Kia
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	8	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	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Cadillac	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Cadillac	Kia
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	37.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.3 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.1 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Cadillac	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.8 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Cadillac	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/65R	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	19 x 7.5 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Cadillac	Kia
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	6 yr./ 70000 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 Cadillac XT5 and 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more efficient is the Kia Sportage PHEV than the Cadillac XT5?

The Kia Sportage PHEV achieves a phenomenal 35 combined MPG, which is a full 11 MPG better than the Cadillac XT5’s 24 combined MPG rating. Furthermore, the Kia offers 34 miles of pure electric range.

Does the price difference justify the power deficit in the Cadillac XT5?

No, the Cadillac XT5 costs $4,405 more (MSRP $44,295 vs $39,890) but produces only 235 hp compared to the Kia’s 261 hp. The Kia offers more power for less money.

Which crossover offers more usable storage space?

The Kia Sportage PHEV edges out the Cadillac XT5 slightly in cargo volume, offering 34.5 cubic feet compared to the XT5's 30 cubic feet. Both are competitive for the crossover segment.

Are both vehicles equipped with All-Wheel Drive standard?

No, the 2025 Cadillac XT5 comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, while the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.

What is the fuel type difference between these two models?

The Cadillac XT5 recommends premium unleaded fuel for its operation. In contrast, the Kia Sportage PHEV accepts regular unleaded gasoline, saving further on running expenses.

How do the transmissions compare in terms of operation?

The Cadillac XT5 utilizes a more sophisticated 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Kia Sportage PHEV uses a 6-speed automatic transmission, which is typical for its hybrid setup.