2025 GMC Acadia vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$42,900 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 GMC Acadia bursts onto the scene with commanding presence, boasting 328 hp and a robust 326 lb-ft of torque from its standard turbo engine, positioning it as the powerhouse in this comparison. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid captivates with efficiency, delivering an excellent 36 combined MPG and an all-electric 33-mile range, making long stretches on the pump rare. The Acadia is the larger sibling, stretching 204.0 inches long, while the Sportage PHEV prioritizes maneuverability at 184.4 inches. Power disparity is significant: the Acadia offers 60 more horsepower than the Kia's 268 hp. While the Acadia achieves 20/27 MPG, the PHEV sips fuel for a dramatic 13 MPG advantage overall, appealing to eco-conscious drivers who can utilize its electric capabilities.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid wins for daily commuting due to its superior 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of pure electric driving range.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 GMC Acadia

The 2025 GMC Acadia offers a larger footprint at 204.0 inches long and provides more passenger/cargo flexibility, though its stated cargo space is smaller than the Kia's listed 34.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 GMC Acadia

The 2025 GMC Acadia is the enthusiast's choice, delivering a significant advantage with 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kia's 268 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV offers a better long-term value proposition starting at $40,490 with drastically lower fuel costs inherent in its hybrid system.

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

You prioritize maximum straight-line power, evidenced by its 328 hp engine.
You need the sheer size of a 204.0-inch long crossover for maximum road presence.
You prefer a traditional gasoline-powered experience with 326 lb-ft of torque accessible immediately.

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

Your driving routine allows frequent charging to maximize the 33-mile electric range.
Achieving 36 combined MPG is critical to managing your monthly fuel budget.
You appreciate the inherent traction benefit of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versus the FWD standard of the Acadia.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Acadia	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	204.0"	184.4"
Width	79.6"	73.4"
Height	70.1"	66.9"
Wheelbase	120.9"	108.5"

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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
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	268 hp
Torque	326 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	GMC	Kia
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Locking
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
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.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	11.1 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	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
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	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Kia
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	54.8 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	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Kia
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.4 in.	53.4 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	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody 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 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How does the real-world fuel economy compare between these two models?

The difference is substantial; the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV achieves an excellent 36 combined MPG, while the 2025 GMC Acadia is rated for 23 combined MPG, translating to significantly lower running costs for the Kia.

Is the larger size of the Acadia worth sacrificing the EV capability of the Sportage PHEV?

The Acadia is 204.0 inches long compared to the Kia's 184.4 inches, suggesting more interior room. However, if daily electric driving is a priority, the Kia's 33 miles of electric range offers unique daily utility the Acadia cannot match.

Which crossover is better suited for spirited driving dynamics?

Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Acadia; it commands a 60 horsepower advantage (328 hp vs 268 hp) and 55 more lb-ft of torque, making it feel significantly punchier off the line.

What is the MSRP difference between the 2025 Acadia and the 2026 Sportage PHEV?

The 2025 GMC Acadia starts at $42,900, making it $2,410 more expensive than the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid's $40,490 starting price.

Does the Kia's smaller size affect its usability for families?

While the Kia lists a higher maximum cargo capacity at 34.5 cu ft compared to the Acadia's 23 cu ft (spec provided), the Acadia's overall length suggests potentially more comfortable passenger space for four or five occupants on long trips.

Are both vehicles capable in poor weather conditions?

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, giving it a theoretical advantage in slippery conditions over the FWD standard configuration of the 2025 GMC Acadia.