2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$37,200 · Crossover

$48,290 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade leaps forward with robust capability, boasting 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, offering sheer traditional power for drivers prioritizing quick acceleration from its 8-speed automatic transmission. In stark contrast, the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid charms with efficiency, pairing its 261 horsepower motor with an impressive 33 MPG combined rating and a vital 30 miles of pure electric range. While the Palisade commands a lower starting price of $37,200, the Sorento PHEV demands a $48,290 investment for its advanced powertrain and standard All-Wheel Drive. This battle pits the Palisade’s generous 196.7-inch length and greater 22 MPG against the Sorento's focused hybrid economy, presenting a compelling choice between raw V6 muscle and cutting-edge electrified flexibility in the crossover segment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento PHEV's 33 MPG combined efficiency and 30-mile electric range offer significant fuel savings for daily driving compared to the Palisade's 22 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade offers superior passenger and utility space due to its 196.7-inch length and larger 18 cu ft of cargo capacity behind the third row.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade delivers higher peak output with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, providing a more immediate, powerful traditional acceleration feel.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade offers substantially lower entry cost at $37,200, translating to a $11,090 savings over the Sorento PHEV upfront.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You need the absolute lowest initial purchase price, starting at $37,200.
Your driving style demands the higher peak output of 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
You frequently haul maximum cargo, as the Palisade offers 18 cu ft compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

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

Maximizing fuel economy is paramount, highlighted by its superior 33 MPG combined rating.
You value electric-only driving capability, afforded by the Sorento's 30-mile electric range.
You prefer the enhanced traction and stability of All-Wheel Drive standard on the Sorento.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Palisade	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Length	196.7"	189.6"
Width	77.8"	74.8"
Height	68.9"	66.9"
Wheelbase	114.2"	110.8"

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	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

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 shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	33/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.2/488.8 mi.	409.2/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 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	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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
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
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	44.1 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	59.1 in.
Front Hip Room	58.1 in.	55.6 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 Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Rear Head Room	40.1 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	40.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.7 in.	55.1 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	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	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 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

How significant is the horsepower difference between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade holds a notable edge with 291 horsepower, compared to the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV's 261 horsepower. This 30 hp difference means the Palisade will likely feel punchier when maximizing acceleration from a stop or passing on the highway.

Which vehicle is better for long highway road trips regarding fuel stops?

The Kia Sorento PHEV is superior for minimizing stops, achieving 33 MPG combined, which significantly outpaces the Palisade’s 22 MPG combined rating. Furthermore, the Sorento can cover the first 30 miles entirely on battery power before needing gasoline.

If cargo capacity is key, which crossover provides more utility?

The larger 2025 Hyundai Palisade offers significantly more storage space with 18 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the Sorento PHEV sacrifices some utility for its batteries, rating at 12.6 cubic feet.

Does the AWD system on the Sorento offset the Palisade's FWD setup?

Yes, the Sorento PHEV comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, offering better grip and stability in adverse weather conditions compared to the standard Front Wheel Drive on the Palisade.

Considering the higher MSRP, what justifies the Sorento PHEV's higher price?

The $48,290 price tag on the Sorento reflects its advanced hybrid powertrain technology, the inclusion of AWD, and the ability to achieve 30 miles of zero-emission driving, features not present on the $37,200 Palisade.