2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Kia Sorento

$39,730 · Crossover

$31,990 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid (car1) and the 2025 Kia Sorento (car2) often boils down to balancing electric convenience against sheer size and upfront savings. The primary sticking point is the substantial $7,740 MSRP gap, with the Sorento starting much lower at $31,990 versus the Tucson PHEV's $39,730. However, the Tucson fights back with significant efficiency gains, offering 35 MPG combined versus the Sorento's 26 MPG. If daily driving involves short trips, the Tucson's 32 miles of all-electric range could dramatically cut gas station visits. Power figures also heavily favor the Hyundai, boasting 268 hp compared to the Sorento's 191 hp. While the Sorento offers a longer body at 189.6 inches, the Tucson provides more usable space in its cargo area with 31.9 cu ft available.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson PHEV is the clear winner for daily commuters due to its 32 miles of electric range and superior 35 MPG combined efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is better suited for larger families as its greater overall length and presumably larger interior volume (though cargo specs are lower, its body style suggests more overall cabin capacity) will manage more people.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

Enthusiasts will prefer the Tucson PHEV's significantly higher output of 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento

The Sorento wins on initial affordability, costing $7,740 less upfront than the Tucson PHEV.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

You prioritize cutting-edge efficiency and can utilize the 32 miles of pure electric range regularly.
You desire significantly more power, as the Tucson delivers 268 hp versus the Sorento's 191 hp.
You prefer better cargo hauling capability, as the Tucson offers 31.9 cu ft compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

Keeping the initial purchase price down is crucial, given the Sorento's $31,990 MSRP is $7,740 cheaper.
You need the slightly larger vehicle footprint, as the Sorento is longer at 189.6 inches.
You don't require plug-in capability and are satisfied with a respectable 23/31 MPG city/highway split.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid	Kia Sorento
Length	182.7"	189.6"
Width	73.4"	74.8"
Height	66.3"	66.7"
Wheelbase	108.5"	110.8"

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	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	268 hp	191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
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	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front 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)	35/35 MPG	23/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.5/388.5 mi.	407.1/548.7 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	80/73 MPGe	—
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	77 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	32 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	44	—
Charging Time (240V)	2.0 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.1 gal.	17.7 gal.
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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Extended Cabin Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	59.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	55.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.9 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 Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/65R17
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	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.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Kia Sorento.

How much money can I actually save on gas by choosing the Tucson PHEV over the Sorento?

The Tucson PHEV boasts a 35 MPG combined rating, substantially better than the Sorento's 26 MPG combined figure, which translates to lower yearly fuel expenses, especially if you utilize the Tucson's 32 miles of electric range daily.

Is the 2025 Kia Sorento a three-row vehicle compared to the Tucson?

Based on typical segment expectations, the Sorento's larger size (189.6 inches long) suggests it likely offers a third row, making it better for hauling extra passengers than the standard two-row Tucson, even though the Tucson has more standard cargo space at 31.9 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

What is the performance difference between the two crossovers?

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is significantly punchier, producing 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, whereas the standard Sorento manages with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque; this extra power is immediately noticeable.

Since the Tucson is a PHEV, does it require special fueling?

No, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid uses regular unleaded fuel, meaning you can use regular gas if you run out of electric range, offering great flexibility.

Which car is physically bigger for parking?

The Kia Sorento is slightly larger in almost every dimension, being 189.6 inches long and 74.8 inches wide, compared to the Tucson's 182.7-inch length and 73.4-inch width, making the Sorento marginally harder to fit into tight spaces.

Does the Tucson's plug-in setup restrict its capability in bad weather?

No, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid comes equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the base Sorento listed comes in Front Wheel Drive (FWD), giving the Tucson better capability in slippery conditions.