2025 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$38,995 · SUV

$48,290 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Ford Bronco blasts onto the scene ready for pure, visceral adventure, powered by a 300 hp engine mated to a thrilling 7-speed manual transmission, embodying rugged capability. Contrast this with the technologically advanced 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, which offers sophisticated efficiency with 33 combined MPG and a 30-mile electric-only range. The Bronco, priced sharply lower at $38,995 compared to the Kia's $48,290, trades efficiency for raw power, delivering 325 lb-ft of torque directly to its four-wheel-drive system. While the Sorento excels in fuel economy, bridging a 14 MPG gap, and boasts greater interior length (189.6 inches), the Bronco’s rugged dimensions (71.9 inches high) and enthusiast-focused powertrain make it the clear choice for untamed exploration, despite its slightly lower 20.6 cu ft cargo capacity versus the Kia’s segment-focused hauling.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid wins commuting due to its superior 33 combined MPG and 30 miles of all-electric running, significantly reducing operational costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento provides a larger, smoother, and more conventional crossover package with better fuel economy for daily family duties.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco is the clear choice for driving enthusiasts, offering a higher 300 hp output paired with an engaging 7-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Bronco

The Bronco offers significantly better raw power for $9,295 less than the Sorento, delivering superior performance per dollar spent.

Choose the Ford Bronco if...

You crave the tactile engagement of a 7-speed manual transmission paired with 300 hp.
Your budget is firm, as the Bronco starts at $38,995, nearly $9,300 less than the Sorento PHEV.
You prioritize robust off-road capability via its standard four-wheel drive and commanding 71.9-inch height.

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

Minimizing stops at the pump is crucial, thanks to its 33 combined MPG rating.
You utilize short, local trips where the 30 miles of pure electric range can cover most errands.
You need a slightly longer body (189.6 inches) and generally prefer a smooth, shiftable automatic transmission.

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	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	—	✓
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	—	✓
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 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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
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.	40.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.8 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	43.3 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 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 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Ford Bronco than the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV?

The Ford Bronco holds a notable advantage in power, producing 300 hp, which is 39 hp more than the Kia Sorento PHEV's 261 hp output. This difference is amplified by the Bronco's 325 lb-ft of torque versus the Kia's 258 lb-ft.

What is the primary trade-off when choosing the Bronco over the Sorento PHEV?

The primary trade-off is fuel economy; the Bronco manages only 19 combined MPG, while the Sorento PHEV achieves 33 combined MPG, representing a 14 MPG efficiency advantage for the Kia.

Which vehicle is more affordable to purchase initially?

The 2025 Ford Bronco has a significant starting price advantage, listed at $38,995 compared to the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV's MSRP of $48,290.

Can the Sorento operate without gasoline for short trips?

Yes, the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid features an electric range of 30 miles, meaning local commuting can potentially be done solely on battery power.

Which vehicle offers a more engaging driving experience?

Enthusiasts will strongly prefer the Bronco because it features a raw, direct 7-speed manual transmission, something rarely seen against the Sorento’s 6-speed shiftable automatic.

How do the cargo capacities and overall sizes compare?

The Bronco is slightly taller (71.9 inches) and offers 20.6 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the longer Sorento (189.6 inches) provides slightly less utility at 12.6 cu ft.