2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$40,200 · Crossover

$47,990 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid lies in their combined fuel efficiency, where the Sorento achieves 33 MPG compared to the Pilot's 22 MPG, representing an 11 MPG advantage for the hybrid system. However, this efficiency comes at a cost, as the Pilot undercuts the Sorento’s MSRP by $7,790 ($40,200 vs $47,990). Performance metrics favor the Pilot slightly, delivering 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque against the Sorento's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Size disparity is also evident: the Pilot is nearly 10.3 inches longer at 199.9 inches and offers substantially more standard cargo space at 18.6 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft. Despite its larger footprint, the Pilot uses a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the Sorento features a 6-speed automatic accompanying its hybrid powertrain.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid provides superior efficiency with 33 combined MPG and an initial 30 miles of pure electric range, reducing daily fuel reliance.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot offers greater physical utility with a 199.9-inch length and a substantial 18.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Pilot

The Pilot boasts higher raw power output with 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a more traditional 10-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda Pilot

The Pilot secures the value win by being $7,790 less expensive while still offering higher peak horsepower and superior maximum cargo volume.

Choose the Honda Pilot if...

You prioritize a lower initial purchase price, starting at $40,200.
Your primary requirement is maximum physical space, evidenced by its 18.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
You prefer the higher peak output of 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

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

Fuel economy is critical, benefitting from 33 combined MPG.
You can utilize the 30 miles of electric-only range for daily short trips.
All-wheel drive capability is necessary, as the Sorento is equipped standard while the Pilot starts FWD.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Pilot	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Length	199.9"	189.6"
Width	78.5"	74.8"
Height	71.0"	66.9"
Wheelbase	113.8"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Honda	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	285 hp @ 6100 rpm	261 hp
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	258 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Kia
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/27 MPG	33/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/499.5 mi.	409.2/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	12.4 gal.
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.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Kia
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Driver Vanity Mirror	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Kia
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	240W	—
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Kia
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	59.1 in.
Front Hip Room	58.4 in.	55.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
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	4-way	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Kia
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.8 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.7 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.4 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	20 x 8.0 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/50R	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Honda	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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot and 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

What is the primary financial difference between the 2025 Pilot and the 2025 Sorento PHEV?

The 2025 Honda Pilot has a significantly lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $40,200, which is $7,790 less than the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid's starting MSRP of $47,990.

How much more cargo space does the Pilot offer compared to the Sorento PHEV?

The Honda Pilot provides a measurable advantage in cargo hauling, offering 18.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which exceeds the Sorento PHEV's 12.6 cubic feet by a margin of 6.0 cubic feet.

Does the Plug-In Hybrid system make the Sorento significantly slower than the Pilot?

The Sorento PHEV produces 261 horsepower, which is only 24 hp less than the Pilot's 285 hp, resulting in a minor performance gap despite the efficiency focus.

Which vehicle is better suited for highway cruising based on the MPG ratings?

The Kia Sorento PHEV is slightly better on the highway with 34 MPG compared to the Pilot's 27 MPG highway rating, although both require regular unleaded fuel.

What are the dimensional differences between these two crossovers?

The Pilot is physically larger, measuring 199.9 inches long, 78.5 inches wide, and 71.0 inches tall, making it considerably bigger than the Sorento's 189.6-inch length, 74.8-inch width, and 66.9-inch height.

Are the drivetrains fundamentally different between the two models?

Yes, the base 2025 Honda Pilot utilizes a standard Front Wheel Drive setup, whereas the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.