2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$34,300 · Crossover

$39,890 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe barrels onto the scene with raw power, boasting 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, making it the immediate choice for drivers prioritizing immediate acceleration, even with a lower combined MPG of 24 on regular unleaded. Contrast this with the technologically advanced 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, which prioritizes efficiency and versatility, offering an impressive 34 miles of pure electric range and a segment-leading combined MPG of 35. While the Santa Fe offers a commanding presence at 190.2 inches long, the Sportage counters with superior utility, hauling 34.5 cu ft of cargo compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft. The $34,300 starting price of the Santa Fe provides immediate cost savings over the Sportage PHEV’s $39,890 MSRP, setting up a dynamic battle between power delivery and electrified savings.

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 34-mile electric range and superior 35 MPG combined efficiency versus the Santa Fe's 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage offers nearly double the cargo capacity at 34.5 cu ft, making it far more practical for family hauling than the Santa Fe.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe delivers the superior performance metrics with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe offers a much lower entry price point at $34,300, representing better immediate value than the $39,890 Sportage PHEV.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

You crave superior raw power, specifically the 277 horsepower output.
You need to save $5,590 upfront, as the Santa Fe starts at $34,300.
You prefer the broader dimensions of the Santa Fe, being 190.2 inches long.

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

Maximizing fuel savings is paramount, leveraging the 35 combined MPG rating.
You want the flexibility of daily electric driving, supported by the 34-mile EV range.
Your lifestyle demands substantial utility, utilizing the massive 34.5 cu ft of cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Fe	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	190.2"	183.5"
Width	74.8"	73.4"
Height	67.7"	66.9"
Wheelbase	110.8"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 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	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	277 hp @ 5800 rpm	261 hp
Torque	311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	258 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	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 automated manual	6-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Locking

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	36/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	354.0/513.3 mi.	399.6/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 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	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	37.8 in.
Front Leg Room	44.4 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Rear Head Room	40.6 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.3 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.9 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 Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—

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 Santa Fe and 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

Which vehicle has better overall power and acceleration?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is the performance winner, producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Kia Sportage PHEV's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

How significant is the difference in fuel economy between the two models?

The efficiency gap is substantial; the Sportage PHEV achieves 35 combined MPG, while the standard-fuel Santa Fe is rated for only 24 combined MPG, translating to major long-term savings for the Kia.

Is the added cost of the Kia justifiable based on its electric capability?

The Kia costs $5,590 more but offers 34 miles of pure electric driving before switching to hybrid operation. This range is ideal for covering daily commutes without using gasoline.

Which crossover provides more room for cargo?

The Kia Sportage PHEV dominates in hauling capacity, offering 34.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the significantly smaller 14.6 cu ft available in the Hyundai Santa Fe.

What are the differences in drivetrain and transmission?

The Santa Fe uses a conventional FWD setup paired with an 8-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the Sportage PHEV features an All-Wheel Drive system mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Does the shorter length of the Sportage impact passenger comfort?

While the Sportage is 6.7 inches shorter overall (183.5 inches vs. 190.2 inches for the Santa Fe), passenger comfort depends on interior packaging; however, the Santa Fe's larger footprint suggests potentially more shoulder or legroom in certain dimensions.