2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$40,050 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the muscle of traditional power and the savings of electrification is the core challenge when comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid. If raw power is your priority, the Explorer leads with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmuscling the Sportage's 268 hp. However, the Kia presents a compelling fiscal argument, boasting a combined 36 MPG compared to the Explorer's 24 MPG, a difference of 12 MPG that adds up quickly. Furthermore, the Sportage offers substantial utility, providing 34.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the Explorer's smaller 18.2 cu ft, despite the Kia being shorter overall at 184.4 inches compared to the Ford's 198.8 inches. While the Explorer uses RWD and the Kia utilizes AWD, the efficiency gap and practicality make the Sportage a strong contender for daily driving.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Sportage PHEV wins for commuters due to its superior 36 combined MPG, offering significant fuel savings over the Explorer's 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Families will prefer the Sportage due to its substantially larger 34.5 cu ft cargo capacity, nearly double the Explorer's 18.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Explorer appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher output of 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Kia's figures.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a similar MSRP ($40,490 vs $40,050), the Sportage's drastically better fuel economy and 33 miles of EV range offer better long-term running value.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You prioritize maximum straight-line power, as the Explorer offers 300 hp.
You prefer a rear-wheel-drive platform for driving dynamics.
You need a longer, larger footprint vehicle measuring 198.8 inches long.

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

Your primary concern is minimizing fuel costs, benefiting from 36 combined MPG.
You want the flexibility of electric driving, courtesy of the 33-mile electric range.
You need maximum packing volume, given the Sportage’s 34.5 cu ft of cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	198.8"	184.4"
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	268 hp
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 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	10-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable 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	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
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
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

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

How much further can I drive on fuel savings with the Kia Sportage PHEV?

The Kia Sportage PHEV achieves a combined 36 MPG, while the Ford Explorer manages 24 MPG; this 12 MPG advantage means significant savings annually on fuel costs.

Is the Ford Explorer's extra power worth the fuel penalty?

The Explorer delivers 300 hp versus the Kia's 268 hp, giving it 32 more horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which might be noticeable during quick acceleration runs.

Which crossover offers more practical space for loading gear?

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid provides significantly more usable cargo volume at 34.5 cu ft, nearly double the 18.2 cu ft offered by the 2025 Ford Explorer.

Does the Kia Sportage PHEV run purely on electricity for short trips?

Yes, the Kia boasts a dedicated 33-mile electric range, which should cover most daily commuting needs before switching to hybrid operation, whereas the Explorer relies solely on regular unleaded fuel.

What are the basic drivetrain differences between these two SUVs?

The Ford Explorer utilizes a rear-wheel-drive setup paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the Kia Sportage PHEV comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed shiftable automatic.

If I need to fit into tight city parking spots, which vehicle is easier to handle?

The Kia Sportage is smaller overall, measuring 184.4 inches in length compared to the Ford Explorer's substantial 198.8 inches, making the Kia potentially easier to maneuver and park.