2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$40,700 · Crossover

$39,890 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse unleashes a muscular 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque from its new turbocharged engine, offering raw American strength in its imposing 204.5-inch frame. Conversely, the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) captivates with efficiency, achieving a stellar 35 combined MPG and 34 miles of pure electric driving before sipping fuel. While the Traverse leads on sheer power, the Sportage PHEV provides superior efficiency for the eco-conscious driver. The Traverse boasts 22.9 cu ft of cargo space, while the smaller Sportage PHEV paradoxically offers a larger 34.5 cu ft behind the second row. This comparison pits brute force and size against cutting-edge hybridization and practical capacity, demanding buyers prioritize horsepower or miles per gallon.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage PHEV wins for commuters due to its exceptional 35 combined MPG and 34 miles of electric-only driving capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The significantly longer 204.5-inch Traverse offers superior overall bulk, likely translating to more passenger and third-row comfort compared to the smaller Sportage.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

Enthusiasts will favor the Traverse's commanding 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, dominating the Sportage PHEV's 261 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage PHEV delivers greater fuel economy benefits and standard All-Wheel Drive for only $810 less than the base Traverse.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

You prioritize maximum engine output, leveraging the 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.
You require a larger overall vehicle footprint, evidenced by its 204.5-inch length.
You prefer the robust feeling associated with a traditional gasoline-only, larger crossover platform.

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

Fuel efficiency is paramount, benefiting from the 35 combined MPG rating.
You need to utilize the 34 miles of electric-only range for daily errands.
You need more dedicated cargo volume, as the Sportage offers 34.5 cu ft versus the Traverse's 22.9 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Traverse	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	204.5"	183.5"
Width	79.6"	73.4"
Height	69.6"	66.9"
Wheelbase	121.0"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	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	261 hp
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Locking
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	36/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	399.6/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 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	Chevrolet	Kia
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Infotainment Display	17.7 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	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	Chevrolet	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	37.8 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.3 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	58.7 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.2 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.6 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	Chevrolet	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	19 x 7.5 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	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 Chevrolet Traverse and 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How much faster is the 2025 Traverse compared to the Sportage PHEV?

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse has a significant power advantage, producing 328 hp, which is 67 hp more than the Kia Sportage PHEV's 261 hp. This translates to much stronger acceleration potential for the larger Chevy.

Which crossover offers better long-term running costs?

The Kia Sportage PHEV is the clear winner on fuel savings, achieving 35 combined MPG compared to the Traverse's 23 combined MPG. Over high mileage, the savings from the 12 MPG difference will be substantial.

Does the Traverse or Sportage PHEV have more cargo space?

Surprisingly, the smaller 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV offers superior cargo capacity at 34.5 cu ft, beating the physically larger 2025 Traverse's 22.9 cu ft.

Which vehicle is better suited for poor weather conditions?

The Kia Sportage PHEV comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), giving it an inherent advantage over the standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) setup of the base 2025 Chevrolet Traverse.

Are both vehicles designed for regular unleaded fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, simplifying refueling.

What is the difference in physical size between these two crossovers?

The Traverse is considerably larger, measuring 204.5 inches long compared to the Sportage's 183.5 inches. It is also wider and taller, reflecting its three-row intent versus the Kia's compact footprint.