2025 Honda Pilot vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the practical gasoline staple, the 2025 Honda Pilot, and the efficient 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid often boils down to immediate budget versus long-term running costs. The Pilot starts at a tempting $40,200, significantly undercutting the Sorento PHEV's $48,290 sticker price—a difference of over $8,000. However, the Pilot only manages a combined 22 MPG, while the Sorento PHEV rockets ahead with a combined 33 MPG, bolstered by 30 miles of pure electric range. While the Pilot offers slightly more muscle with 285 horsepower compared to the Kia's 261 hp, its larger size (199.9 inches long) might feel less nimble than the Sorento. The Pilot also boasts superior cargo space at 18.6 cu ft versus the Kia's 12.6 cu ft, making it the superior hauler for raw capacity.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The Sorento PHEV wins for commuters due to its excellent 33 MPG combined rating and 30 miles of electric range reducing daily fuel stops.
2025 Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is better for families needing maximum utility, offering significantly more cargo room at 18.6 cu ft compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
2025 Honda Pilot
The Pilot provides more straight-line pep with 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque versus the Sorento's lesser power figures.
2025 Honda Pilot
The Pilot delivers a much lower entry price point at $40,200, creating immediate budget savings over the hybrid counterpart.
Choose the Honda Pilot if...
- You prioritize the lowest possible purchase price, starting at $40,200.
- You frequently haul bulky items and need the best cargo capacity (18.6 cu ft).
- You prefer a slightly more powerful engine offering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Your daily routine is under 30 miles, allowing you to use the 30-mile electric range frequently.
- You want the lowest running costs, benefiting from the 33 MPG combined rating.
- You prefer the added traction and stability of standard All-Wheel Drive.
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 | 3 |
| 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. | 40.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
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 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.
How much more efficient is the Sorento PHEV than the Pilot?
The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV offers a substantial efficiency advantage with a combined 33 MPG rating, whereas the 2025 Honda Pilot achieves only 22 MPG combined. This 11 MPG difference suggests much lower annual fuel spending for the Kia.
Is the Honda Pilot significantly larger than the Kia Sorento?
Yes, the Pilot is noticeably larger, measuring 199.9 inches in length compared to the Sorento’s 189.6 inches. This difference translates directly into the Pilot’s superior cargo volume of 18.6 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
Does the price difference make the Sorento PHEV a poor value?
The Sorento PHEV costs $8,090 more upfront ($48,290 vs $40,200), but its superior fuel economy and potential for gas-free driving might offset this premium over several years of ownership.
Which vehicle has better outright performance specs?
The 2025 Honda Pilot wins on power, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Sorento PHEV yields 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, making the Pilot the faster option.
Do these vehicles require different types of gasoline?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV specify regular unleaded fuel, simplifying fueling choices for owners of either crossover.
How does the transmission differ between these two crossovers?
The Pilot utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission for potentially smoother cruising and efficiency, while the Sorento PHEV employs a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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