2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$34,300 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe rockets ahead with a potent 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, making it the more spirited choice right off the line, though its 24 MPG combined lags behind the efficiency champion. The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, despite having 10 fewer horsepower at 268 hp, offers phenomenal efficiency with a 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of pure electric range, which significantly slashes daily running costs. While the Santa Fe is physically larger at 190.2 inches long, the Sportage compensates with nearly double the usable space, boasting 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft. However, the Santa Fe maintains a compelling $6,190 lower MSRP, starting at $34,300 compared to the Kia's $40,490 entry price, presenting a classic trade-off between immediate performance/affordability and long-term hybrid savings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of electric-only range.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage offers nearly double the utility for family hauling, presenting 34.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe delivers superior raw power with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, offering a more engaging traditional powertrain experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers substantial performance at a much lower entry point, saving buyers $6,190 with an MSRP of $34,300.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

You prioritize immediate, lower upfront cost, as the Santa Fe starts $6,190 cheaper.
You desire the punchiest immediate acceleration derived from 311 lb-ft of torque.
You require the slightly larger external footprint (190.2 inches long) for visual presence or perceived cabin space.

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

You drive daily routes under 33 miles and prioritize running purely on electricity.
You absolutely need maximum hauling capability, indicated by the 34.5 cu ft cargo capacity.
You value long-term fuel economy, highlighted by the 36 combined MPG and All-Wheel Drive capability.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Fe	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	190.2"	184.4"
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	268 hp
Torque	311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	271 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 shiftable 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	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	354.0/513.3 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	87/78 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	83 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	33 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	43
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	—	✓
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

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.	39.6 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.	39.1 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 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

What is the primary difference in efficiency between the 2025 Santa Fe and the 2026 Sportage PHEV?

The Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is significantly more efficient, boasting a 36 combined MPG rating compared to the Santa Fe's 24 combined MPG. Additionally, the Sportage allows for 33 miles of zero-emission driving before needing gasoline.

Does the higher price of the Sportage PHEV justify its cost over the Santa Fe?

The Kia Sportage PHEV costs $6,190 more than the Hyundai Santa Fe. This premium is aimed at offsetting fuel costs significantly through hybridization and potentially higher resale value due to the PHEV technology and AWD system.

Which crossover provides better hauling capacity for weekend trips?

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid crushes the Santa Fe in utility, offering a massive 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is more than double the 14.6 cu ft available in the 2025 Santa Fe.

Is the 2025 Santa Fe notably faster than the Sportage PHEV?

Yes, the Santa Fe offers more raw output with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the Sportage's 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, giving it the edge in sheer performance feel.

How does the drivetrain and fuel type differ between these two models?

The Santa Fe utilizes a standard front-wheel-drive setup paired with an 8-speed automated manual transmission. In contrast, the Sportage PHEV comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and features a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, capitalizing on its hybrid power delivery.