2025 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Kia Sportage
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Maverick bursts onto the scene with its impressive utilitarian charm, delivering a stellar 38 combined MPG, far outstripping the 2026 Kia Sportage’s 28 combined MPG—a significant 10 MPG advantage for the budget-conscious driver. While the Maverick offers a higher fuel economy, the Kia Sportage, despite its slightly higher MSRP of $28,690 compared to the Maverick’s $28,145, compensates with a beefier torque figure of 178 lb-ft versus the Ford's 155 lb-ft. Enthusiasts might find the Maverick’s 191 hp slightly more potent than the Sportage's 187 hp, though both are FWD crossovers. The Sportage offers a more traditional cargo space of 39.6 cu ft, while the Maverick’s dimensions—199.8 inches long—speak to its unique crossover-truck appeal. Ultimately, the efficiency of the Maverick sets it apart in this comparison.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Maverick
The 2025 Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its exceptional 38 combined MPG rating.
2026 Kia Sportage
The 2026 Kia Sportage takes the family crown by offering a substantial 39.6 cu ft of dedicated cargo capacity.
2025 Ford Maverick
The Maverick edges out the competition with a slightly higher 191 hp output compared to the Sportage's 187 hp.
2025 Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick provides better long-term running costs by achieving 10 more MPG than the Kia Sportage.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- Your top priority is maximizing fuel economy, as the Maverick delivers 38 combined MPG.
- You prefer the slight power advantage offered by the 191 hp engine.
- You want the lower entry price point at an MSRP of $28,145.
Choose the Kia Sportage if...
- You require more traditional storage space, as the Sportage boasts 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer the responsiveness of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You favor higher low-end grunt with 178 lb-ft of torque, despite the lower overall MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Maverick | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.8" | 184.4" |
| 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 | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 38 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 579.6/483.0 mi. | 357.5/471.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 13.2 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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 2026 Kia Sportage.
What is the major fuel economy difference between the 2025 Maverick and the 2026 Sportage?
The 2025 Ford Maverick is significantly more efficient, achieving a combined 38 MPG (42 City/35 Highway). This provides a massive 10 MPG advantage over the 2026 Kia Sportage, which is rated for only 28 combined MPG.
Which crossover has more inherent hauling capability based on specs?
While the Maverick has unique utility, the 2026 Kia Sportage is explicitly rated with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. Since detailed cargo specs for the Maverick were not provided, the Sportage’s known capacity makes it the technically more defined hauler.
Is there a meaningful performance difference between these two FWD crossovers?
The performance metrics are close; the Maverick leads marginally with 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Sportage's 187 hp and higher 178 lb-ft of torque. Both utilize regular unleaded fuel.
How do their physical sizes compare?
The Ford Maverick is physically longer at 199.8 inches, whereas the Kia Sportage is slightly wider at 73.4 inches versus the Ford's 72.6 inches. The Sportage is also notably lower, standing at 65.4 inches tall compared to the Maverick's 68.8 inches.
Which vehicle costs less upfront?
The 2025 Ford Maverick has the lower starting MSRP at $28,145. The 2026 Kia Sportage begins slightly higher, listed at $28,690, making the Maverick the more economical initial purchase.
Do these crossovers offer different transmission types?
Yes, they employ different automatic setups; the Maverick uses an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the Sportage features a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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