2025 Ford Maverick vs 2025 Kia Sportage

$28,145 · Crossover

$27,390 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant difference between the 2025 Ford Maverick and the 2025 Kia Sportage is fuel economy, with the Maverick achieving a combined 38 MPG compared to the Sportage's 28 MPG, a substantial 10 MPG advantage. Pricing is closely matched, with the Sportage holding a slight edge at $27,390 versus the Maverick's $28,145 MSRP. Performance figures show the Maverick generating 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, slightly edging out the Sportage’s 187 hp but lagging behind its 178 lb-ft of torque. Dimensionally, the Maverick is longer at 199.8 inches compared to the Sportage’s 183.5 inches, though the Sportage is wider (73.4 inches vs. 72.6 inches). While both are FWD crossovers, the Maverick uses an electrically variable transmission while the Sportage utilizes an 8-speed automatic.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Maverick

The 2025 Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 38 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Kia Sportage is favored for families because it offers a larger published cargo capacity of 39.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Kia Sportage is the winner here as its 178 lb-ft of torque surpasses the Maverick's 155 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Kia Sportage presents better overall value with a lower starting MSRP of $27,390 compared to $28,145 for the Maverick.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

Fuel efficiency is the primary concern, as the Maverick delivers 38 combined MPG.
A slightly higher power output of 191 hp is desired over torque figures.
You prefer the dimensions of a longer vehicle, measuring 199.8 inches in length.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

Maximum enclosed storage space is needed, benefiting from the 39.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
A lower purchase price is critical, as the Sportage starts at $27,390.
Higher low-end grunt is preferable, evidenced by 178 lb-ft of torque versus 155 lb-ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Maverick	Kia Sportage
Length	199.8"	183.5"
Width	72.6"	73.4"
Height	68.8"	65.4"
Wheelbase	121.1"	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	✓	✓
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 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	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 5600 rpm	187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
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	electrically variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	42/35 MPG	25/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	38 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	579.6/483.0 mi.	357.5/457.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.8 gal.	14.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Kia
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	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Kia
Infotainment Display	13.2 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Kia
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.8 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	55.4 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.9 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.1 in.	53.4 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R17	235/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Kia
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Maverick and 2025 Kia Sportage.

Which vehicle is genuinely more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

The 2025 Ford Maverick is significantly more efficient, rated at 38 combined MPG (42 City/35 Highway). The 2025 Kia Sportage lags behind with a 28 combined MPG rating (25 City/32 Highway).

Does the smaller Maverick offer less interior space than the Sportage?

While the comparison provided focuses on exterior size and cargo volume, the Sportage lists a measurable cargo capacity of 39.6 cu ft, whereas specific interior passenger volume metrics for the Maverick were not provided.

How do the standard engine power outputs compare?

The Maverick's standard engine produces 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. The Sportage produces slightly less horsepower at 187 hp but generates higher torque at 178 lb-ft.

Which vehicle has a lower initial cost of entry?

The 2025 Kia Sportage is the more affordable option starting at $27,390 MSRP. The 2025 Ford Maverick has a slightly higher base MSRP of $28,145.

Are there differences in the transmission type between these FWD crossovers?

Yes, the 2025 Ford Maverick utilizes an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2025 Kia Sportage is equipped with a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.