2025 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$38,995 · SUV

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between rugged capability and everyday efficiency is tough, especially when comparing the 2025 Ford Bronco and the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid. If your commute relies on saving gas, the Kia offers a massive advantage, boasting a 36 combined MPG versus the Bronco's 19 combined MPG—a difference of 17 MPG that hits your wallet differently. However, the Bronco brings raw power, churning out 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, significantly overshadowing the Kia's 268 hp and 271 lb-ft. For families, the Kia is practically better, offering substantially more space with 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft. Priced similarly, with the Bronco starting at $38,995 and the Kia at $40,490, the choice hinges entirely on whether you prioritize off-road readiness or electric-assisted commuting ease.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuting due to its vastly superior 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of electric-only range.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage offers 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly beating the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft, making it better for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Bronco

The 2025 Ford Bronco appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher 300 hp output and standard 7-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Bronco

Despite having slightly less MSRP ($38,995 vs $40,490), the Bronco provides more raw power and standard 4WD capability for a lower entry price.

Choose the Ford Bronco if...

You absolutely need four-wheel drive capability standard, as the Bronco comes exclusively with 4WD.
You prefer controlling your vehicle with a 7-speed manual transmission.
You want the highest available output of 325 lb-ft of torque.

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

Maximizing fuel economy is crucial, given its 36 combined MPG rating.
You frequently take trips where the 33 miles of electric range can cover most local errands.
You need significantly more storage, as its 34.5 cu ft cargo area dwarfs the competitor's 20.6 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Bronco	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	173.7"	184.4"
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	268 hp
Torque	325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm	271 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	—	Locking

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Kia
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/21 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	304.2/354.9 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.9 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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
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

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.	39.6 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.	39.1 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 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more efficient is the Kia Sportage PHEV compared to the Bronco?

The difference in fuel economy is substantial; the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid achieves a 36 combined MPG, whereas the Ford Bronco only manages 19 combined MPG, giving the Kia a 17 MPG advantage.

Can the Kia Sportage PHEV operate solely on electricity for daily driving?

Yes, the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV has an electric range of 33 miles, which is great for zero-emission local trips before the engine engages.

Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?

The 2025 Ford Bronco is significantly more powerful, delivering 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Kia's 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque.

Is there a big difference in the standard transmission offered?

Yes, the Bronco comes standard with a 7-speed manual transmission, appealing to traditional drivers, while the Sportage utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic.

Which SUV is physically larger and offers better cargo space?

The Kia Sportage is longer (184.4 inches vs. 173.7 inches for the Bronco) and provides 34.5 cu ft of cargo space, considerably more than the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

No, only the 2025 Ford Bronco recommends premium unleaded fuel for its performance figures, whereas the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid runs on regular unleaded.