2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport arrives as the rugged, adventure-ready compact CUV, touting standard All-Wheel Drive and a commanding 70.2-inch height for trail readiness, powered by 181 horsepower. Contrast this with the sleek 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, which unleashes a substantial 261 horsepower, offering superior on-road grunt and impressive efficiency, netting 35 MPG combined. The Kia demands a $8,195 premium, starting at $39,890 compared to the Bronco Sport's $31,695. While the Bronco Sport is nimbler at 172.7 inches long, the Sportage PHEV offers slightly more hauling space at 34.5 cubic feet versus 32.5 cu ft. For those prioritizing outright power, the Kia’s 80 hp advantage is undeniable, but the Bronco Sport counters with lower entry cost and a more classic, durable aesthetic built for conquering unpaved roads.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sportage PHEV wins for commuters due to its excellent 35 MPG combined efficiency and 34 miles of pure electric range.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Sportage PHEV offers slightly more utility with 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity and superior power for highway merging.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Sportage PHEV boasts a significant performance edge, delivering 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the Bronco Sport's output.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport is the clear value leader, undercutting the PHEV model by $8,195 while still providing standard AWD.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- Your budget is strict, as the MSRP starts $8,195 lower at $31,695.
- You prefer a taller, more upright stance, as the Bronco Sport stands 70.2 inches high.
- You prioritize standard AWD capability on a slightly more compact frame (172.7 inches long).
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is paramount, with its 35 MPG combined rating and 34 miles of electric-only driving.
- You demand greater acceleration from the impressive 261 horsepower output.
- You need extra hauling capability, featuring 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco Sport | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.7" | 183.5" |
| Width | 74.3" | 73.4" |
| Height | 70.2" | 66.9" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 108.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | plug-in hybrid |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 261 hp |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 258 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Locking |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/30 MPG | 36/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 400.0/480.0 mi. | 399.6/388.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 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 | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 41.7 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.9 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | 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 Ford Bronco Sport and 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.
How much more powerful is the Kia Sportage PHEV than the Bronco Sport?
The Kia Sportage PHEV is significantly more powerful, delivering 261 horsepower compared to the Ford Bronco Sport’s 181 hp, a difference of 80 horsepower. This added power translates to better acceleration and highway passing capability for the Kia.
What is the real-world cost advantage of choosing the Bronco Sport?
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport offers an immediate savings of $8,195, starting at $31,695 compared to the Kia’s $39,890 MSRP. While the Kia saves more on gas, the upfront savings make the Bronco Sport a much better initial value proposition.
Which crossover is better for long-distance highway cruising based on MPG?
The Kia Sportage PHEV is the clear winner for efficiency on long trips, achieving 35 MPG combined. Even without charging, its gas-only efficiency surpasses the Bronco Sport's 27 MPG combined rating.
Can the Bronco Sport handle rougher terrain better than the Sportage PHEV?
While both have AWD, the Bronco Sport's distinct design suggests off-road focus, evidenced by its taller 70.2-inch height and rugged styling, compared to the slightly lower and longer 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV.
How does the electric range of the Kia impact daily driving?
The Sportage PHEV provides 34 miles of electric range, which is substantial enough for many drivers to cover daily commutes without using any gasoline. This makes its fuel cost savings highly practical for routine local driving.
Is the cargo space noticeably different between these two crossovers?
Yes, the Kia Sportage PHEV edges out the Ford Bronco Sport in capacity, offering 34.5 cubic feet versus the Bronco Sport’s 32.5 cubic feet. This nearly 2-cubic-foot difference might matter when loading larger items.
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