2025 Ford Bronco vs 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Choosing between rugged capability and modern efficiency is tough, especially when the sticker price jumps nearly $9,000! The 2025 Ford Bronco starts at an accessible $38,995, while the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid asks for $47,990. Performance enthusiasts will immediately notice the Bronco’s edge, pushing out 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque versus the Kia’s 261 hp. However, the Bronco’s thirst for fuel, averaging 19 combined MPG (using recommended premium), pales next to the Sorento PHEV's stellar 33 combined MPG. While the Kia offers a 30-mile electric range buffer for daily errands, the Bronco provides more accessible cargo space at 20.6 cubic feet compared to the Kia’s 12.6. Ultimately, your daily drive dictates whether you prioritize sheer power and trail readiness or exceptional economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sorento PHEV wins due to its superior 33 combined MPG and 30 miles of electric-only driving, significantly lowering daily running costs.
2025 Ford Bronco
The Bronco offers more outright cargo capacity at 20.6 cu ft compared to the Sorento’s 12.6 cu ft, making it better for hauling gear.
2025 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 300 hp and the engaging control of a 7-speed manual transmission.
2025 Ford Bronco
The Bronco is the clear value winner, saving buyers $8,995 upfront while still offering 300 hp.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You enjoy the engagement of driving a 7-speed manual transmission.
- You need the maximum available cargo volume of 20.6 cu ft.
- Saving $8,995 on the initial purchase price is a top priority.
Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You drive less than 30 miles daily and can utilize the full electric range.
- Achieving 33 combined MPG is crucial for your long-term budget.
- You prefer the smoother operation of an automatic transmission coupled with AWD.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco | Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7" | 189.6" |
| Width | 75.9" | 74.8" |
| Height | 71.9" | 66.9" |
| Wheelbase | 100.4" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid 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 |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | plug-in hybrid |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm | 261 hp |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm | 258 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 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 | 7-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | four wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | Part Time | — |
| Transfer Case Gearing | Electronic Hi-Lo | — |
| Locking Hubs | Automatic | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/21 MPG | 33/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 33 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 304.2/354.9 mi. | 409.2/421.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 7 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.0 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.8 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 43.3 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 16 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/70R16 | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Matching | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Outside Rear Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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 and 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Kia Sorento PHEV than the Ford Bronco?
The difference is significant; the Kia Sorento achieves 33 combined MPG, whereas the Ford Bronco only manages 19 combined MPG, giving the Kia a 14 MPG advantage in fuel economy.
Can the Bronco handle rough roads better than the Sorento?
Yes, the Bronco is designed for off-road use with its standard four-wheel drive and rugged dimensions (71.9 inches tall). The Sorento, being a crossover, is better suited for typical on-road conditions, despite having all-wheel drive.
Which vehicle has more space for luggage?
The Ford Bronco provides substantially more space, boasting 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Kia Sorento PHEV's 12.6 cubic feet.
What is the primary reason the Sorento costs nearly $9,000 more?
The price difference of $8,995 reflects the advanced hybrid technology, including the 30-mile electric range capability and the better overall fuel economy ratings.
If I prioritize performance, which car should I get?
The Bronco is the performance choice, delivering 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, clearly outpacing the Sorento's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Do these vehicles use the same fuel type?
No, the Ford Bronco recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its 300 hp rating, while the Kia Sorento PHEV can run on regular unleaded fuel, which typically costs less per gallon.
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