2025 Ford Bronco vs 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$38,995 · SUV

$39,890 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between rugged capability and fuel-sipping efficiency often leads buyers to a crossroads, and the 2025 Bronco versus the Sportage PHEV perfectly illustrates this divide. The Ford Bronco offers a more adventurous persona with its robust 300 horsepower and standard four-wheel drive, though its 19 MPG combined efficiency and recommended premium fuel will cost more at the pump. Conversely, the Kia Sportage PHEV boasts a substantial combined 35 MPG rating, benefiting from its plug-in technology and 34 miles of electric range, making daily commuting much cheaper. While the Bronco is slightly shorter at 173.7 inches in length, the Kia offers significantly more space with 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft. Ultimately, this choice pits the Bronco's raw mechanical appeal against the Kia's superior daily economy and practicality.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV wins for commuters due to its exceptional 35 MPG combined rating and usable 34 miles of electric range.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Families will benefit more from the Kia's significantly larger 34.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Bronco

The Bronco appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher output of 300 horsepower and unique 7-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Bronco

Despite a lower MSRP of $38,995 versus the Kia's $39,890, the Bronco delivers higher peak power output.

Choose the Ford Bronco if...

You prioritize having 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque for spirited driving.
You specifically desire a 7-speed manual transmission paired with standard four-wheel drive.
You prefer a more compact vehicle size, measuring 173.7 inches in length.

Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...

You want to maximize fuel economy, leveraging the 35 MPG combined rating and 34 miles of electric range.
You need maximum utility, as the Sportage offers 34.5 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer using regular unleaded fuel over the Bronco's recommended premium fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Bronco	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	173.7"	183.5"
Width	75.9"	73.4"
Height	71.9"	66.9"
Wheelbase	100.4"	108.5"

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	3
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	—	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓
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 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	—	Locking

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Kia
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/21 MPG	36/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	304.2/354.9 mi.	399.6/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.9 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	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
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
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Kia
Front Head Room	41.0 in.	37.8 in.
Front Leg Room	43.1 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
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	39.8 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.8 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	43.3 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

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	—
Spare Tire Location	Outside Rear 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 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more fuel-efficient is the Kia Sportage PHEV than the Ford Bronco?

The Kia is substantially more efficient, achieving a combined 35 MPG compared to the Ford Bronco's 19 MPG combined. This results in a significant 16 MPG difference favoring the Kia for daily driving.

Can the Kia Sportage operate purely on electricity for short trips?

Yes, the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid offers an all-electric range of 34 miles. This is excellent for handling most daily errands without using any gasoline.

Which vehicle has better raw power figures?

The Ford Bronco leads in peak output, boasting 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The Kia generates 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Which SUV is better suited for hauling gear?

The Kia Sportage is the superior choice for cargo, offering 34.5 cubic feet of space. The Ford Bronco is noticeably smaller inside, providing only 20.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Does the transmission type affect the driving experience significantly between these two models?

It's a major difference; the Bronco comes standard with a engaging 7-speed manual transmission, while the Kia uses a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission, optimizing for ease of use over driver engagement.

Is the higher MSRP of the Kia justified by its features?

The Kia Sportage PHEV has a slightly higher MSRP ($39,890) than the Bronco ($38,995), but this price covers the hybrid battery system and superior cargo volume, potentially offsetting the fuel savings.