2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The $16,595 difference in MSRP is the most significant metric separating the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport ($31,695) and the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid ($48,290). The Sorento PHEV offers substantially more power, generating 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the Bronco Sport's 181 hp and 190 lb-ft. Fuel economy favors the Kia slightly, achieving 33 combined MPG versus the Ford's 27 combined MPG, though the Sorento adds a 30-mile electric-only range. Dimensionally, the Sorento is longer at 189.6 inches versus 172.7 inches for the Bronco Sport, yet the Bronco offers more than double the standard cargo space at 32.5 cu ft versus the Kia's 12.6 cu ft. The choice hinges on whether the 80 hp deficit and lower MPG of the Bronco Sport justify its significant $16,595 savings.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV offers superior fuel efficiency at 33 combined MPG and the capability for zero-emission commuting up to 30 miles.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport provides 32.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more usable space than the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The Sorento PHEV delivers 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing 80 more horsepower than the Bronco Sport.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport is priced $16,595 lower while still offering standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing initial purchase cost, saving $16,595 upfront compared to the Sorento PHEV.
- You require maximum usable storage, as the Bronco Sport offers 32.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer a slightly taller profile (70.2 inches height) optimized for off-road presence over length (172.7 inches).
Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prioritize performance, benefiting from the 261 hp engine.
- You can utilize the 30-mile electric range to significantly lower daily gasoline consumption.
- Highway cruising is frequent, supported by the marginally better 33 combined MPG rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco Sport | Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.7" | 189.6" |
| Width | 74.3" | 74.8" |
| Height | 70.2" | 66.9" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 110.8" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| 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 shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/30 MPG | 33/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 33 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 400.0/480.0 mi. | 409.2/421.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | — | 77/71 MPGe |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | — | 74 MPGe |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | — | 30 mi. |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | — | 45 |
| Charging Time (240V) | — | 3.4 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 55.6 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 | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 41.7 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.9 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
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 | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | 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 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.
What is the impact of the 30-mile electric range on the Sorento PHEV’s operating costs?
The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV has an electric-only range of 30 miles, meaning commuters with short daily trips can operate almost entirely on battery power. This drastically reduces the reliance on gasoline, supplementing its base 33 combined MPG rating.
How does the power difference between the two crossovers affect driving dynamics?
The Sorento PHEV produces 261 hp, which is 80 more than the Bronco Sport's 181 hp, suggesting superior acceleration metrics. However, the Bronco Sport compensates with a higher torque rating relative to its output at 190 lb-ft.
Which vehicle offers better practicality for large families or cargo hauling?
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is superior for pure cargo volume, offering 32.5 cu ft. The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV is significantly constrained in this area, providing only 12.6 cu ft behind the second row.
Does the higher price of the Sorento PHEV translate to better fuel economy?
Yes, the Sorento PHEV achieves 33 combined MPG versus the Bronco Sport’s 27 combined MPG, a 6 MPG advantage, augmented by its electric driving capability.
Are both vehicles equally equipped for poor weather conditions?
Both models feature standard All-Wheel Drive capability. However, the Bronco Sport has a significantly taller stance at 70.2 inches compared to the Sorento’s 66.9 inches, which may benefit ground clearance.
What fuel type do both vehicles require?
Both the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying refueling logistics for owners.
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