2025 INFINITI QX50 vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$43,000 · Crossover

$48,290 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between a premium gasoline crossover and a newer, more efficient PHEV can be tough when balancing budget and daily driving. The 2025 INFINITI QX50 starts appealingly at $43,000, offering a sportier 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque from its standard AWD system. However, it only manages 25 MPG combined and mandates premium fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV costs $5,290 more, landing at $48,290, but rewards that investment with a compelling 33 MPG combined using regular unleaded, plus a useful 30-mile electric range. While the QX50 boasts superior cargo space at 31.4 cu ft compared to the Sorento’s 12.6 cu ft, the Kia's efficiency gains offer substantial long-term savings for drivers covering significant daily distances.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV wins for commuters due to its 30-mile electric range and superior 33 MPG combined efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 INFINITI QX50

The 2025 INFINITI QX50 offers significantly more usable space with 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 INFINITI QX50

The QX50 provides a slight edge in power output, delivering 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque compared to the Sorento's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Despite the initial $5,290 higher price, the Sorento PHEV's 8 MPG better combined fuel economy and electric driving offset the cost over time.

Choose the INFINITI QX50 if...

You prioritize maximum cargo capacity, as the QX50 offers 31.4 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
You prefer a slightly higher peak output with 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque from the standard powertrain.
You want the lower starting MSRP of $43,000 and wish to avoid hybrid technology.

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

You can take advantage of the 30 miles of pure electric range for daily errands using cheaper energy.
You want to save money on fuel long-term due to the 33 MPG combined efficiency, even though it requires premium fuel less often.
You want a slightly larger vehicle exterior, as the Sorento is 189.6 inches long compared to the QX50's 184.7 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	INFINITI QX50	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Length	184.7"	189.6"
Width	74.9"	74.8"
Height	66.0"	66.9"
Wheelbase	110.2"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	INFINITI	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic 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 Ventilated 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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	INFINITI	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	268 hp @ 5600 rpm	261 hp
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 4800 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	INFINITI	Kia
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	INFINITI	Kia
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/28 MPG	33/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	352.0/448.0 mi.	409.2/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.0 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	INFINITI	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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	INFINITI	Kia
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	INFINITI	Kia
Front Head Room	41.0 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	39.6 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	59.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	55.6 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	INFINITI	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	40.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.8 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	INFINITI	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/55R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	INFINITI	Kia
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	INFINITI	Kia
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ unlimited mi.	—
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 INFINITI QX50 and 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more does the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV cost than the 2025 INFINITI QX50?

The Sorento PHEV has an MSRP of $48,290, which is $5,290 more expensive than the QX50's starting price of $43,000. This difference must be weighed against the Sorento's fuel savings.

Which car is better for long road trips regarding fuel?

The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV offers better overall fuel economy at 33 MPG combined compared to the QX50’s 25 MPG combined. However, the QX50 might require more frequent stops since it lacks the Sorento's 30-mile electric-only driving capability.

Does the QX50 or the Sorento PHEV have more space for luggage?

The 2025 INFINITI QX50 is the clear winner for cargo, offering 31.4 cubic feet. The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV provides substantially less space, measuring only 12.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Are there differences in the fuel requirements for these crossovers?

Yes, the INFINITI QX50 recommends premium unleaded fuel for its 268 hp engine, whereas the Kia Sorento PHEV uses regular unleaded fuel, potentially saving money at the pump between fill-ups.

How do their horsepower ratings compare?

The 2025 INFINITI QX50 is slightly more powerful on paper, producing 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, while the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV delivers 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Which crossover provides a more modern powertrain setup?

The Sorento PHEV utilizes an advanced plug-in hybrid system with 30 miles of EV range and a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, contrasting with the QX50's conventional continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.