2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid is tough, especially with a hefty $9,440 MSRP difference between them. If your priority is daily electric driving, the Tucson stands out, offering a dedicated 32 miles of electric range, which the Sportage lacks entirely. However, the Sportage Hybrid dominates on pure fuel economy, achieving an impressive 42 MPG combined versus the Tucson's 35 MPG combined. Power users might lean toward the Tucson's higher output of 268 hp compared to the Sportage's 232 hp, although the Sportage compensates slightly with better torque at 271 lb-ft versus 258 lb-ft. Additionally, the Sportage offers significantly more usable space with 39.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Tucson's 31.9 cubic feet, making it surprisingly practical despite the lower initial cost.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is better for commuters due to its 32 miles of all-electric range, potentially cutting down on gas station visits.
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Hybrid wins for families by offering superior cargo capacity at 39.5 cubic feet, alongside better standard fuel economy.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson delivers more outright performance with 268 horsepower, making it the punchier driver.
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Sportage Hybrid presents better value with a lower MSRP of $30,290 and better standard combined MPG at 42.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You want the advantages of plug-in electric driving capability with 32 miles of range.
- You prioritize higher horsepower, needing the 268 hp available from the Tucson.
- You require all-wheel drive capability standard for varied conditions.
Choose the Kia Sportage Hybrid if...
- Sticking to a tighter budget is key, as the MSRP is $9,440 lower at $30,290.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency on long trips is critical, given its 42 MPG combined rating.
- You need maximum utility, as it boasts 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid | Kia Sportage Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.7" | 184.4" |
| Width | 73.4" | 73.4" |
| Height | 66.3" | 65.4" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 232 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 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 | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable 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 | 41/44 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 42 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.5/388.5 mi. | 561.7/602.8 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. | 13.7 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 | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
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 |
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. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 54.8 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. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.9 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | 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 |
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. | 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid.
How much more expensive is the Tucson PHEV compared to the Sportage Hybrid?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has an MSRP of $39,730, making it $9,440 more expensive than the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid, which starts at $30,290.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy?
The Kia Sportage Hybrid is the clear winner on pure fuel economy, delivering 42 MPG combined (41/44 City/Highway), whereas the Tucson PHEV achieves 35 MPG combined.
Can I drive purely on electricity in the Tucson?
Yes, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is specifically designed for this, offering an EPA-estimated electric range of 32 miles before needing the gasoline engine or higher MPG hybrid mode.
Who wins in terms of horsepower and overall power?
The Tucson PHEV offers substantially more power with 268 horsepower compared to the Sportage Hybrid's 232 horsepower, although the Sportage ekes out a torque advantage at 271 lb-ft.
Does one offer more room for gear and groceries?
The Kia Sportage Hybrid is notably better for hauling cargo, offering 39.5 cubic feet of storage space, significantly more than the Tucson's 31.9 cubic feet.
Are both models available with All-Wheel Drive?
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. The provided specifications list the Kia Sportage Hybrid as Front Wheel Drive only for this comparison set.
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