2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$40,050 · Crossover

$39,890 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between traditional power and future-forward efficiency is tough when looking at these two crossovers. If your dilemma is raw performance versus lower running costs, the 2025 Ford Explorer packs a punch with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, backed by its rear-wheel-drive platform. However, the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid offers serious savings, achieving 35 combined MPG compared to the Explorer's 24 combined MPG, creating an 11 MPG swing in efficiency. The Kia is also significantly smaller at 183.5 inches long versus the Explorer's 198.8 inches, which matters for parking. Despite having 39 fewer horsepower, the Kia boasts nearly double the cargo space at 34.5 cu ft versus the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft, making utility a major talking point for the hybrid option, even though the Explorer starts at a slightly higher $40,050 MSRP.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 35 combined MPG and 34 miles of electric-only range, drastically cutting fuel costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Families will prefer the Kia because it offers substantially more cargo capacity at 34.5 cu ft compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

The Explorer appeals more to enthusiasts because its 300 hp engine and RWD layout provide significantly more outright power and a sportier driving dynamic.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia provides better long-term value by combining a lower $39,890 MSRP with significantly lower fueling expenses due to its hybrid technology.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You prioritize maximum engine output, as the Explorer offers 300 hp.
You prefer the dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle.
You need the longer vehicle footprint, measuring 198.8 inches in length.

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

You want to maximize fuel economy, leveraging the 35 combined MPG rating.
You frequently use shorter trips and can utilize the 34 miles of all-electric range.
You need substantial utility, benefitting from the 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	198.8"	183.5"
Width	78.9"	73.4"
Height	69.9"	66.9"
Wheelbase	119.1"	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 (with Head Protection Chamber)	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row 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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated 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
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

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 @ 5500 rpm	261 hp
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 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	10-speed automatic	6-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear 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)	20/29 MPG	36/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	399.6/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
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
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Infotainment Display	—	12.3 in

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Kia
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	37.8 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Kia
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	53.4 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/65R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody 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 Explorer and 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

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

The difference is quite significant for daily driving; the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid achieves 35 combined MPG, whereas the 2025 Ford Explorer is rated for 24 combined MPG. That 11 MPG advantage can translate to hundreds of dollars saved annually.

Which car is better equipped for hauling gear?

The Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid clearly leads in utility, offering 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. The Ford Explorer only provides 18.2 cubic feet in the same configuration.

Does the difference in horsepower impact daily driving feel?

The Explorer has 39 more horsepower (300 hp vs. 261 hp), meaning it will feel quicker off the line and during highway merging maneuvers. However, the Sportage’s instant torque from the electric motors helps mask some of that deficit in city driving.

Are both vehicles restricted to premium fuel?

No, fortunately, both the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid specify regular unleaded fuel, keeping routine fueling costs down for both options.

Which crossover is physically larger for passenger comfort?

The Ford Explorer is substantially larger overall; it is nearly 15 inches longer (198.8 inches vs. 183.5 inches) and 5.5 inches taller than the Kia. This size likely translates to more passenger space inside the Explorer.

What is the primary driving difference between the two transmissions?

The Explorer utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission, designed for smooth performance paired with its powerful engine, while the Kia uses a 6-speed automatic that is optimized more for efficiency and integrating the hybrid system.