2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Deciding between rugged capability and fuel efficiency is a common headache when cross-shopping compact SUVs. The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport starts at an MSRP of $31,695, offering a stout 70.2 inches in height, promising better ground clearance for adventurous weekends, paired with standard all-wheel drive. However, the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid seriously challenges this rugged focus with superior economy, achieving a combined 42 MPG versus the Bronco Sport's 27 MPG—a 15 MPG gap. While the Bronco Sport gives you 32.5 cu ft of cargo space, the Sportage Hybrid boasts an extra 7.0 cu ft, totaling 39.5 cu ft, making it more practical for hauling. Power delivery is also vastly different; the Kia nets a hefty 232 hp compared to the Ford's 181 hp, meaning the Kia has a 51 hp advantage for merging onto busy highways.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Hybrid wins for commuters due to its significantly better 42 MPG combined fuel economy.
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Sportage Hybrid offers more passenger utility with its larger 39.5 cu ft of maximum cargo capacity compared to the Bronco Sport's 32.5 cu ft.
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Enthusiasts will prefer the Sportage Hybrid's higher output of 232 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Hybrid delivers superior fuel savings and more power for a lower starting MSRP of $30,290.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- You prioritize all-weather confidence with standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You need the taller stance, evidenced by its 70.2-inch height.
- You prefer using regular unleaded fuel in a non-hybrid setup.
Choose the Kia Sportage Hybrid if...
- Saving on gas is paramount, given its 42 MPG combined rating.
- You need the extra hauling ability provided by 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
- You want a noticeable boost in power with 232 horsepower.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco Sport | Kia Sportage Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.7" | 184.4" |
| Width | 74.3" | 73.4" |
| Height | 70.2" | 65.4" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 232 hp |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 271 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 | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/30 MPG | 41/44 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 42 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 400.0/480.0 mi. | 561.7/602.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 13.7 gal. |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
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. | 39.6 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 | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 41.7 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.9 in. | 41.3 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 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 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 Sportage Hybrid.
How much better is the gas mileage between the 2025 Bronco Sport and the 2026 Sportage Hybrid?
The difference in efficiency is substantial; the Kia Sportage Hybrid achieves 42 MPG combined, whereas the Ford Bronco Sport only manages 27 MPG combined. That is a 15 MPG advantage in favor of the hybrid.
Which vehicle is more powerful for highway passing?
The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid is significantly more powerful, producing 232 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. This stacks up against the Bronco Sport’s 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque.
Which crossover is physically larger inside for cargo?
The Kia Sportage Hybrid offers more storage with 39.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, compared to the Bronco Sport’s 32.5 cubic feet.
Is the entry price significantly different between these two models?
Yes, the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid has a slightly lower starting MSRP at $30,290 compared to the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport’s $31,695.
Does the Bronco Sport offer standard AWD, while the Kia does not?
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid model compared here uses front-wheel drive.
How do the exterior dimensions compare, specifically height?
The Bronco Sport is taller, standing at 70.2 inches high, which is almost 5 inches taller than the Sportage Hybrid's height of 65.4 inches.
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