2025 GMC Acadia vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$42,900 · Crossover

$48,290 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical differentiator between the 2025 GMC Acadia and the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is fuel economy, with the Sorento PHEV achieving a 33 MPG combined versus the Acadia's 23 MPG combined, a substantial 10 MPG advantage. Power figures also diverge sharply; the Acadia generates 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Sorento's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. However, the Acadia commands a smaller footprint in some dimensions while offering superior utility, measuring 204.0 inches long with 23 cu ft of cargo space, compared to the Sorento's 189.6 inches in length and 12.6 cu ft of cargo volume. The Sorento PHEV carries an MSRP of $48,290, which is $5,390 higher than the Acadia's starting price of $42,900, reflecting the added PHEV technology and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid offers superior efficiency, achieving 33 MPG combined and providing 30 miles of pure electric driving range.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 GMC Acadia

The 2025 GMC Acadia offers substantially more utility with 23 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 GMC Acadia

The Acadia delivers 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, clearly outperforming the Sorento's 261 hp output for quicker acceleration.

💰 Best Value

2025 GMC Acadia

Despite a $5,390 lower MSRP, the Acadia provides 10 more MPG when the PHEV's electric range is depleted and possesses significantly greater cargo volume.

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

Your priority is maximizing raw power, evidenced by its 328 hp engine.
You require maximum utility, benefiting from 23 cu ft of dedicated cargo space.
You prefer a lower entry cost, starting at $42,900 compared to the PHEV's $48,290.

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

Minimizing fuel stops is critical, due to its 33 MPG combined rating and 30-mile electric range.
All-Wheel Drive capability is essential for your climate or driving needs.
You prioritize smaller exterior dimensions, as the Sorento is 14.4 inches shorter in length than the Acadia.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Acadia	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Length	204.0"	189.6"
Width	79.6"	74.8"
Height	70.1"	66.9"
Wheelbase	120.9"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	261 hp
Torque	326 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	GMC	Kia
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	33/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	409.2/421.6 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	77/71 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	74 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	30 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	45
Charging Time (240V)	—	3.4 hr.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	12.4 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	GMC	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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Kia
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	12	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	GMC	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Kia
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	59.1 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	55.6 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Kia
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	40.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.4 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	GMC	Kia
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	GMC	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Acadia and 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

How does the towing capability compare between the 2025 Acadia and the 2026 Sorento PHEV?

Towing specifications were not provided for either model, so a direct comparison based on hardware ratings cannot be made from the available data. However, the Acadia's higher torque output (326 lb-ft vs. 258 lb-ft) suggests a potential advantage in towing capacity.

What is the practical difference between the 30 miles of electric range and the 23 MPG combined rating?

The 30 miles of electric range means the Sorento can cover daily short commutes emission-free, using only battery power before switching to hybrid mode for 33 MPG combined. The Acadia begins consuming gasoline immediately, achieving only 23 MPG combined.

Is the Acadia's larger size beneficial for interior passenger space?

While the Acadia is significantly longer (204.0 inches vs. 189.6 inches) and wider, the data only confirms superior cargo volume (23 cu ft vs. 12.6 cu ft). Passenger volume figures would be needed to confirm better overall cabin accommodation.

Why is the Sorento PHEV nearly $5,400 more expensive than the Acadia?

The higher MSRP of $48,290 for the Sorento reflects the incorporation of the plug-in hybrid powertrain and the standard inclusion of All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The Acadia starts at $42,900 with standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and a conventional gasoline engine.

Which transmission offers better refinement, the 8-speed or the 6-speed automatic?

The Acadia utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which typically provides smoother ratio changes and potentially better efficiency during highway cruising compared to the Sorento's 6-speed shiftable automatic.

If I drive primarily in the city, should I choose the higher horsepower or better efficiency?

For city driving, the Sorento PHEV's efficiency (33 MPG city) and 30 miles of pure electric driving outweigh the Acadia's higher peak horsepower (328 hp), making the PHEV the more economical choice for stop-and-go traffic.