2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$37,200 · Crossover

$39,890 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is fuel economy, with the Sportage PHEV achieving a 35 combined MPG versus the Palisade's 22 combined MPG, a substantial 13 MPG advantage. The Palisade counters this with a 30 hp power advantage, generating 291 hp compared to the Sportage's 261 hp, though the Kia's electric range of 34 miles offers zero-emission commuting potential. Furthermore, the Sportage PHEV provides nearly double the utility with 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Palisade's 18 cu ft, despite the Palisade being 13.2 inches longer overall (196.7 inches vs. 183.5 inches). The Palisade maintains a lower entry price at $37,200, undercutting the Kia's MSRP of $39,890, demonstrating a clear trade-off between size/power and hybrid efficiency/utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV wins for commuters due to its 35 combined MPG and 34 miles of electric-only range, drastically reducing running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade is better suited for families due to its larger exterior dimensions (196.7 inches long) and higher passenger capacity implied by its size.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Palisade

Enthusiasts will favor the Palisade for its superior power output of 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque compared to the Sportage's 261 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a higher MSRP of $39,890, the Sportage PHEV offers better long-term value through its vastly superior 35 combined MPG.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You require maximum horsepower, specifically 291 hp from the standard gasoline engine.
You prioritize a lower initial purchase price of $37,200 for a larger crossover.
You need a vehicle with a traditional FWD layout and an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

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

Fuel economy is the top priority, leveraging its 35 combined MPG and 34-mile EV range.
Maximum usable cargo space is necessary, offering 34.5 cu ft versus the Palisade's 18 cu ft.
All-wheel drive capability is preferred, as the Sportage PHEV includes this as standard equipment.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Palisade	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	196.7"	183.5"
Width	77.8"	73.4"
Height	68.9"	66.9"
Wheelbase	114.2"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	3.8 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	291 hp @ 6000 rpm	261 hp
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5200 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	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Locking
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	36/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.2/488.8 mi.	399.6/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	88/79 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	84 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	34 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	40
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speaker System	—	6

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	37.8 in.
Front Leg Room	44.1 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	58.1 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Rear Head Room	40.1 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.7 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How much smaller is the Kia Sportage PHEV than the Hyundai Palisade?

The Kia Sportage PHEV is significantly smaller, measuring 183.5 inches in length compared to the Palisade's 196.7 inches, a difference of 13.2 inches. This difference impacts interior volume, although the Sportage PHEV still manages a superior 34.5 cu ft of cargo space over the Palisade's 18 cu ft.

Does the power difference affect real-world driving significantly?

The Palisade offers 30 more horsepower (291 hp vs. 261 hp) and slightly more torque (262 lb-ft vs. 258 lb-ft). While the Palisade has higher peak performance numbers, the Sportage PHEV's instant torque from its electric assist likely mitigates the gap during city driving.

Which vehicle has better towing or off-road capability based on specs?

Based solely on the provided drivetrain specs, the Kia Sportage PHEV is positioned better for varied traction needs as it features All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base Palisade uses Front Wheel Drive. Towing capacity is not specified for either model, limiting a definitive off-road assessment.

What is the primary financial trade-off between these two crossovers?

The trade-off is immediate cost versus running cost; the Palisade has a lower MSRP at $37,200, while the Sportage PHEV, costing $39,890, saves substantial money annually due to its 35 combined MPG rating versus the Palisade's 22 MPG.

Can the Kia Sportage PHEV replace a second car for short commutes?

Yes, the 34 miles of electric range make it excellent for replacing a second car for local errands and short commutes, potentially using very little gasoline over a week if charging is consistent.

Are there differences in their transmissions that impact performance?

The Palisade utilizes a more advanced 8-speed shiftable automatic, likely contributing to smoother highway cruising efficiency for its standard gasoline engine. The Sportage PHEV uses a 6-speed automatic optimized to integrate seamlessly with its hybrid powertrain components.