2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$40,700 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse storms onto the scene as the powerhouse, boasting a robust 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, giving it significant muscle for highway cruising and towing aspirations, despite its thirstier 23 MPG combined rating. Contrast this brawn with the sophisticated efficiency of the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, a technological marvel that delivers a combined 36 MPG, thanks in part to its 33 miles of pure electric range. The Traverse’s imposing footprint, measuring 204.5 inches long, hints at maximum interior space, while the Kia leverages its smaller 184.4-inch length to maintain agility. The MSRPs are nearly identical, starting at $40,700 for the Chevy and $40,490 for the Kia. Ultimately, this matchup pits outright power and size (Traverse’s 60 hp advantage) against incredible fuel economy and practicality (Kia’s significant MPG lead).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV wins for commuters due to its superior 36 combined MPG and the flexibility of its 33-mile electric range.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offers a larger overall body, suggesting superior space for passengers and gear despite its smaller listed cargo capacity relative to the Kia's.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

Enthusiasts seeking acceleration will favor the Traverse's superior output of 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia offers substantially better running costs with 36 combined MPG versus the Traverse's 23 MPG, representing better long-term ownership value near the same MSRP.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

You need maximum power, relying on the 328 hp engine for towing or quick overtakes.
Maximum exterior length (204.5 inches) and overall bulk are high priorities for road presence.
You prefer a standard FWD setup coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission for perceived smoothness.

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

Minimizing fuel stops is critical, leveraging the 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of electric-only driving.
You require more inherent cargo space, as the Kia offers 34.5 cu ft compared to the Traverse's 22.9 cu ft (in the specified configuration).
All-wheel drive is a necessity, provided by the standard AWD system on the Kia.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Traverse	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	204.5"	184.4"
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	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	Chevrolet	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	Chevrolet	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	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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
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	✓	—

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.	39.6 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.	39.1 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 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

What is the primary operational difference between these two crossovers?

The Traverse is a conventional gasoline crossover using regular unleaded fuel exclusively for a maximum of 328 hp. In contrast, the Sportage PHEV blends a gasoline engine with an electric battery, allowing for 33 miles of zero-emission driving before engaging the hybrid powertrain for a combined 36 MPG.

Which vehicle provides better space for passengers and cargo?

The 2025 Traverse is physically larger (204.5 inches long) which typically translates to more passenger volume. However, the 2026 Sportage PHEV explicitly lists more cargo capacity at 34.5 cubic feet versus the Traverse's 22.9 cubic feet in the base setup.

How much of a difference is there in performance capabilities?

The Traverse holds a noticeable power advantage, generating 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kia's 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, making the Chevy significantly quicker and likely better suited for heavy towing.

Considering the similar starting prices, which car is the better long-term value?

The Kia offers superior ongoing value due to efficiency; achieving 36 combined MPG means significantly lower fuel expenditures compared to the Traverse’s 23 combined MPG over years of ownership.

Are the drive systems fundamentally different between the two models?

Yes, the standard setup for the Traverse is front-wheel drive, whereas the Kia Sportage PHEV comes standard with an all-wheel drive system, providing better traction in low-grip conditions.

Which vehicle uses a more advanced transmission?

The Chevrolet Traverse utilizes a more complex 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Kia Sportage PHEV is paired with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, reflecting different engineering priorities.