2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid

$40,150 · Crossover

$38,890 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 Honda Ridgeline ($40,150 MSRP) and the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid ($38,890 MSRP) is fuel economy, with the Sorento Hybrid achieving a 37 combined MPG compared to the Ridgeline's 21 combined MPG—a substantial 16 MPG delta. Power output also shows a clear contrast; the Ridgeline produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Sorento Hybrid's 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While the Ridgeline offers a longer 210.2-inch frame, the Sorento Hybrid counters with superior utility, boasting 12.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft. Furthermore, the Ridgeline utilizes AWD paired with a 9-speed automatic, while the Sorento Hybrid employs FWD and a 6-speed unit. These metrics establish a trade-off between outright power and operational efficiency for the prospective buyer.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid wins for commuters due to its class-leading 37 combined MPG rating, leading to lower operational costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid

Families favor the Sorento Hybrid for its larger 12.6 cu ft cargo capacity, which exceeds the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Ridgeline

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline is the choice for enthusiasts, delivering 280 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive capability.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid

The Sorento Hybrid offers greater overall utility and fuel savings starting at a lower MSRP of $38,890 compared to $40,150 for Car 1.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You prioritize maximum engine output, as the Ridgeline offers 280 horsepower.
You require the standard traction benefit of an all-wheel drive system.
Your use case demands the greater overall length of 210.2 inches for larger loads or presence.

Choose the Kia Sorento Hybrid if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, as the Sorento Hybrid delivers 37 combined MPG.
You need more dedicated storage space, benefiting from 12.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
A lower initial investment is preferred, evidenced by the $38,890 MSRP.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Ridgeline	Kia Sorento Hybrid
Length	210.2"	189.6"
Width	78.6"	74.8"
Height	70.8"	66.7"
Wheelbase	125.2"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	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	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Third Row Head 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	hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 6000 rpm	227 hp
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	258 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Kia
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	37/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	37 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/468.0 mi.	654.9/637.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.5 gal.	17.7 gal.

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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Kia
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	215W	—
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Kia
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	59.1 in.
Front Hip Room	59.1 in.	55.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.7 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	19 x 7.5 in

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	1 yr./ 12000 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 Ridgeline and 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid.

How significant is the power deficit between these two vehicles?

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline outputs 280 horsepower, whereas the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid produces 227 horsepower, resulting in a 53 hp advantage for Car 1. While Car 1 has more horsepower, Car 2 is only marginally behind in torque with 258 lb-ft versus Car 1's 262 lb-ft.

Which vehicle is more practical for cargo and utility based on specs?

The Kia Sorento Hybrid offers superior internal cargo volume with 12.6 cu ft, significantly more than the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft. However, the Ridgeline has a larger overall footprint, measuring 210.2 inches long compared to the Sorento Hybrid's 189.6 inches.

Does the Ridgeline’s AWD offer a significant advantage over the Sorento Hybrid’s FWD?

The Ridgeline comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission, suggesting better traction management in varied conditions. Conversely, the Sorento Hybrid operates with front-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic, which contributes to its higher fuel economy figures.

What is the typical annual fuel cost difference between the two?

Based solely on the 16 MPG gap in combined ratings (37 MPG vs. 21 MPG), the Sorento Hybrid will consume substantially less fuel annually. A driver putting 15,000 miles on the odometer would use approximately 405 gallons in the Sorento Hybrid versus 714 gallons in the Ridgeline.

How do the dimensions affect maneuverability or parking?

The Kia Sorento Hybrid is considerably smaller, being 20.6 inches shorter in length (189.6 vs. 210.2 inches) and 3.8 inches narrower (74.8 vs. 78.6 inches). This reduced size typically translates to easier maneuverability and tighter parking.

Is the higher MSRP of the Ridgeline justified by its specifications?

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline has an MSRP of $40,150, while the Sorento Hybrid is priced at $38,890, a difference of $1,260. The Ridgeline justifies its higher cost with 53 more horsepower and standard AWD capability.