2025 GMC Terrain vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$30,000 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 GMC Terrain and the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid lies in their starting MSRPs: $10,490 separates the $30,000 Terrain from the Kia's $40,490. This price disparity correlates with substantial performance differences; the Sportage boasts 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Terrain's 175 hp and 203 lb-ft. Efficiency is another major factor, with the Kia PHEV achieving 36 combined MPG versus the Terrain's 27 combined MPG, further enhanced by the Kia's 33 miles of electric-only range. Conversely, the Terrain offers a competitive entry point and standard front-wheel drive configuration. While the Sportage provides superior power and better fuel economy, the Terrain counters with a $10k savings and a slightly larger maximum cargo volume of 34.5 cu ft for the Kia, though the Terrain’s 29.8 cu ft base cargo is competitive for its price bracket. Buyers must weigh the immediate cost savings against the long-term operational savings and superior output of the hybrid.

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 delivers superior fuel economy at 36 combined MPG and offers 33 miles of pure electric driving, reducing fuel expenditure for daily routes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage provides greater utility with 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, compared to the Terrain's 29.8 cu ft, and offers standard all-wheel drive.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV substantially outperforms the Terrain by generating 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Terrain's 175 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 GMC Terrain

The 2025 GMC Terrain offers significantly lower acquisition cost at $30,000, saving $10,490 upfront against the competing model.

Choose the GMC Terrain if...

If minimizing the initial purchase price is the primary concern, as the MSRP is $30,000.
If reliance on electric components or complex hybrid maintenance is undesirable, as it uses regular unleaded fuel and a standard CVT.
If front-wheel drive configuration is sufficient, saving weight and potential complexity over the Kia's standard AWD.

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

If maximizing power output is desired, given its 268 hp is 93 hp more than the competitor.
If minimizing fuel stops is important, benefiting from 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of electric range.
If maximum in-class utility is required, as it offers 34.5 cu ft of cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Terrain	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	181.0"	184.4"
Width	74.5"	73.4"
Height	66.2"	66.9"
Wheelbase	107.5"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
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 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	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	175 hp @ 5800 rpm	268 hp
Torque	203 lb-ft @ 2000 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	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Locking

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/28 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 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	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Kia
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
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	40.0 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	40.6 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	55.3 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.2 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.2 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.0 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—

Suspension

Feature	GMC	Kia
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 Terrain and 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

What is the primary fuel economy benefit of the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV over the 2025 GMC Terrain?

The Kia Sportage PHEV achieves 36 combined MPG, which is a 9 MPG advantage over the Terrain's 27 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Kia provides 33 miles of all-electric driving before engaging the hybrid powertrain.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid compared to the GMC Terrain?

The Kia Sportage PHEV has an MSRP of $40,490, making it $10,490 more expensive than the base price of the 2025 GMC Terrain, which starts at $30,000.

Is the GMC Terrain significantly less powerful than the Kia Sportage PHEV?

Yes, the output difference is substantial; the Terrain produces 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Sportage PHEV delivers 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle offers more physical space for cargo?

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid offers superior maximum cargo volume at 34.5 cubic feet, compared to the 2025 GMC Terrain’s 29.8 cubic feet.

Do both vehicles use the same type of fuel?

Both models are specified to use regular unleaded fuel. However, the Kia requires engaging its system via a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, unlike the Terrain's continuously variable automatic transmission.

Are there any differences in drivetrain layout?

The standard configuration for the 2025 GMC Terrain is front-wheel drive, whereas the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid comes equipped with all-wheel drive.