2025 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid

$38,495 · Crossover

$30,290 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between raw power and smart savings is a classic car-buying conundrum, and the 2025 Dodge Durango versus the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid perfectly illustrates this divide. The Durango leads with its robust 295 horsepower and traditional rear-wheel-drive platform, making it a commanding presence at 200.8 inches long. However, it asks a steep trade-off: it consumes fuel at a combined 20 MPG and starts at a higher MSRP of $38,495. On the flip side, the Sportage Hybrid is the efficiency champion, boasting an outstanding combined 42 MPG and undercutting the Durango's price by a significant $8,205. While the Kia’s 232 horsepower trails the Durango’s output, its 39.5 cu ft of cargo space—more than double the Durango’s 17.2 cu ft—highlights its superior practicality for daily duties and family hauls.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 42 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Durango's 20 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The Sportage Hybrid offers substantially more utility with 39.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Durango's 17.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Durango

Enthusiasts will prefer the Durango for its higher 295 hp output and traditional rear-wheel-drive architecture.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The Kia offers significantly better long-term value by saving buyers $8,205 on the initial purchase price while drastically reducing fuel costs.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

You prioritize traditional V6 power, leveraging the Durango's 295 horsepower for assertive driving.
You need the heft and stability provided by the Durango's larger footprint (200.8 inches long) and RWD platform.
You are comfortable paying the $38,495 MSRP for a vehicle focused more on muscle than miles per gallon.

Choose the Kia Sportage Hybrid if...

Saving money is a priority, capitalizing on the $8,205 lower MSRP than the Durango.
You drive frequently and want to maximize efficiency, benefiting from the Sportage Hybrid's 42 MPG combined rating.
You require maximum utility, taking advantage of the 39.5 cu ft of cargo space for gear or luggage.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Durango	Kia Sportage Hybrid
Length	200.8"	184.4"
Width	75.8"	73.4"
Height	72.1"	65.4"
Wheelbase	119.8"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
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
Brake Drying	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	295 hp @ 6400 rpm	232 hp
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	271 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	41/44 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	42 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.8/615.0 mi.	561.7/602.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.6 gal.	13.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Dodge	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	—
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Dodge	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	57.0 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R18	235/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Durango and 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid.

How much money will the Kia Sportage Hybrid actually save me over the Dodge Durango in running costs?

The difference is substantial; the Kia achieves 42 MPG combined while the Durango only manages 20 MPG, meaning the Kia will require far fewer stops at the pump. Furthermore, the Kia’s MSRP is $8,205 less upfront, offering immediate and ongoing savings.

Is the power difference between the two crossovers very noticeable in city driving?

Yes, the Durango offers 295 hp versus the Kia's 232 hp, which gives the Dodge a distinct acceleration advantage. However, the Sportage Hybrid has slightly more torque at 271 lb-ft compared to the Durango's 260 lb-ft, which helps it feel responsive off the line despite the lower horsepower rating.

Which vehicle is easier to park and maneuver in tight urban areas?

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid is significantly smaller, measuring 184.4 inches long and 65.4 inches high, compared to the Durango's 200.8 inches in length and 72.1 inches in height, making the Kia generally more agile for city navigation.

Does the Dodge Durango's RWD matter more than the Kia's FWD for typical use?

For most drivers concerned with daily usability, the difference is negligible, as both handle standard pavement well. The Durango’s rear-wheel drive is better suited for towing or enthusiast driving, whereas the Sportage Hybrid's front-wheel drive aids in fuel efficiency.

If I carry bulky items frequently, which crossover is the better choice for cargo?

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid is the clear winner for cargo space, offering a massive 39.5 cu ft. The 2025 Dodge Durango is severely limited in this area, providing only 17.2 cu ft behind the rear seats.

Can I use cheaper fuel in both the Durango and the Sportage Hybrid?

Yes, both the 2025 Dodge Durango and the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid specify regular unleaded as their required fuel type, meaning you won't need to budget for premium gasoline in either vehicle.