2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport ignites the adventurous spirit with its rugged stance and accessible $31,695 starting MSRP, promising go-anywhere capability straight from the factory with 190 lb-ft of torque. Contrasting this is the high-tech polish of the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, boasting a potent 268 hp and an impressive 33 miles of pure electric driving. While the Bronco Sport offers a respectable 27 MPG combined on regular unleaded, the Kia PHEV surges ahead, delivering an outstanding 36 MPG combined, though at a premium $40,490 entry cost. That significant $8,795 price gap separates the simplicity of the Bronco Sport's 181 hp offering from the complex hybrid power, but the Kia compensates with an extra 2.0 cubic feet of cargo space (34.5 cu ft vs 32.5 cu ft) and a considerable 87 hp advantage for quicker highway merging.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Sportage Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior efficiency, achieving 36 MPG combined and offering 33 miles of silent electric running.
2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sportage PHEV offers slightly more utility with 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Bronco Sport's 32.5 cubic feet.
2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sportage PHEV delivers superior performance metrics, generating 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport offers significant capability at a much lower entry point, costing $8,795 less than the Kia.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- Your budget is strictly under $32,000, as the MSRP starts at $31,695.
- You prioritize off-road readiness combined with better fuel economy in non-electric driving (25/30 MPG City/Highway).
- You prefer a vehicle that maintains a more compact footprint at 172.7 inches long.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You need maximum power, evidenced by the 268 hp output, significantly beating Car 1’s 181 hp.
- You can take advantage of the 33 miles of all-electric range for daily zero-emission driving.
- You value high efficiency, as the 36 MPG combined rating significantly surpasses Car 1's 27 MPG combined.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco Sport | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.7" | 184.4" |
| 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 | 268 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 | 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 | 35/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 36 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 400.0/480.0 mi. | 388.5/399.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 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 | 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
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. | 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 | — |
| 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. | 39.1 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 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.
How much more powerful is the Kia Sportage PHEV than the Bronco Sport?
The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid boasts a substantial lead with 268 horsepower, which is an 87 hp advantage over the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport’s 181 hp rating.
What is the difference in the base price of these two crossovers?
The entry price for the Kia Sportage PHEV is $40,490, meaning the Ford Bronco Sport at $31,695 is $8,795 less expensive upfront.
Which vehicle offers better raw fuel economy metrics?
The Kia PHEV wins overall efficiency with 36 MPG combined, whereas the Bronco Sport achieves 27 MPG combined, though the Kia's numbers depend on utilizing its 33-mile electric range.
Do both vehicles use the same fuel type?
Yes, surprisingly, both the Ford Bronco Sport and the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid utilize regular unleaded gasoline, despite their performance differences.
How do the size and cargo areas compare?
The Kia is longer at 184.4 inches compared to the Bronco Sport’s 172.7 inches, and it provides slightly more storage with 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus 32.5 cubic feet.
Which drivetrain configuration is standard?
Both crossovers come equipped standard with all-wheel drive systems, ensuring traction regardless of which model you select.
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