2025 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$38,495 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Dodge Durango bursts onto the scene flexing classic American muscle, delivering a robust 295 horsepower and standard rear-wheel drive that appeals to the driver craving visceral feedback, despite its thirsty 20 MPG combined rating. Contrast this with the technologically advanced 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, which shines with efficiency, netting an exceptional 36 combined MPG and offering 33 miles of pure electric range. While the Durango boasts superior outright power, its larger footprint (200.8 inches long) might feel cumbersome compared to the nimble, yet highly practical Kia, which offers a cavernous 34.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the Durango's 17.2 cu ft. The price gap is small, with the Durango starting at $38,495 and the Kia at $40,490, but the Kia's immediate savings on fuel dramatically alter the long-term cost equation, balancing the Durango's higher 295 hp output.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of electric-only driving capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia provides significantly more utility with 34.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Durango's 17.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Dodge Durango

The 2025 Dodge Durango appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 295 hp output and traditional rear-wheel drive platform.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a slightly higher MSRP, the Kia's massive fuel savings elevate its overall long-term value proposition over the Durango.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

You prioritize raw power, as the Durango delivers 295 horsepower versus the Kia's 268 hp.
You prefer the traditional handling dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive system.
You need the substantial stature offered by the Durango's 200.8-inch length.

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

You seek maximum efficiency, boasting a 36 combined MPG rating, 16 MPG better than the Durango.
You prioritize hauling capacity, given the Kia's expansive 34.5 cu ft of cargo room.
You can utilize the 33 miles of daily electric range to cut gasoline consumption significantly.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Durango	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	200.8"	184.4"
Width	75.8"	73.4"
Height	72.1"	66.9"
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	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
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	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	295 hp @ 6400 rpm	268 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	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Locking
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.8/615.0 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.6 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	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	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

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	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

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	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	39.5 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	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R18	235/55R19
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 Plug-In Hybrid.

How much power difference is there between the Durango and the Sportage PHEV?

The 2025 Dodge Durango holds the advantage in outright power, generating 295 horsepower from its engine. The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid offers 268 horsepower, resulting in a 27 hp gap favoring the Dodge.

Which vehicle is substantially better on fuel for long highway drives?

The Kia Sportage PHEV is dramatically superior for fuel economy, achieving 36 combined MPG compared to the Durango's 20 combined MPG. This difference of 16 MPG will result in significant long-term savings.

Is the Durango's RWD better than the Kia's AWD for traction?

For performance driving excitement, the Durango's RWD offers a specific feel enthusiasts prefer. However, the Kia's standard All-Wheel Drive system usually provides superior traction and stability in varied road conditions.

What is the real-world difference in size and utility between these crossovers?

The Durango is notably larger in dimensions (200.8 inches long) but offers less usable storage with only 17.2 cu ft of cargo capacity. Conversely, the smaller Kia boasts almost double that utility with 34.5 cu ft of space.

Can the Kia truly operate without gasoline during a daily commute?

Yes, the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid can cover up to 33 miles solely on electric power, which could cover many daily commuting routes without needing its regular unleaded fuel.

How do the starting prices compare for these two vehicles?

The starting MSRPs are relatively close, with the 2025 Dodge Durango beginning at $38,495. The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV is priced slightly higher at $40,490.