2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$36,495 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee bursts onto the scene with a robust 293 hp from its standard engine, promising that classic, go-anywhere ruggedness, even with a base MSRP of only $36,495. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid grabs attention with its incredible efficiency, boasting a combined 36 MPG and an all-electric range of 33 miles, though it starts at a higher $40,490. The Jeep counters the Kia’s efficiency edge with a healthier 22 MPG combined and a significant 25 hp advantage over the Kia's 268 hp output. While the Kia leverages AWD for assured grip, the Jeep's RWD architecture caters to a different dynamic preference. Ultimately, the choice pits raw, readily available power (Jeep's 260 lb-ft of torque) against sophisticated fuel savings and electric versatility (Kia's 14 MPG fuel economy edge), packaged in two distinct physical footprints.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of pure electric driving capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a larger overall footprint and slightly more cargo space at 37.7 cu ft, which is crucial for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Enthusiasts will prefer the Jeep's higher 293 hp output and the traditional feel of its RWD-based platform over the Kia's PHEV system.

💰 Best Value

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep commands a $3,995 lower MSRP while delivering 25 more horsepower and a slightly larger overall exterior package.

Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee if...

You prioritize upfront cost savings, as the Jeep's MSRP starts $3,995 lower than the Kia.
Maximum on-road horsepower is a key factor, with the Jeep delivering 293 hp compared to the Kia's 268 hp.
You need the maximum interior flexibility, benefiting from the Jeep's 37.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.

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

Achieving 36 combined MPG and running 33 miles strictly on electricity is essential for your driving routine.
All-wheel drive security is mandatory, which the Kia provides standard.
You prefer a more compact exterior length of 184.4 inches for easier city parking.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	193.5"	184.4"
Width	77.5"	73.4"
Height	70.8"	66.9"
Wheelbase	116.7"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Jeep	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	✓	✓
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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Jeep	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	293 hp @ 6400 rpm	268 hp
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	271 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Jeep	Kia
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Locking
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Jeep	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	437.0/598.0 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.0 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	Jeep	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Jeep	Kia
Infotainment Display	8.4 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Jeep	Kia
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	57.4 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Jeep	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.2 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Jeep	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 6.5 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P245/70R17	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Jeep	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more efficient is the Kia Sportage PHEV than the standard Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid offers a significant fuel economy advantage, achieving 36 combined MPG, which is 14 MPG better than the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 22 combined MPG rating.

Which vehicle provides a more potent driving experience based on horsepower?

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the more powerful vehicle, delivering 293 hp from its standard engine, creating a 25 hp gap over the 268 hp produced by the Kia Sportage PHEV system.

Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee significantly larger than the Kia Sportage PHEV?

Yes, the Jeep is notably larger in all dimensions, featuring a length of 193.5 inches compared to the Kia's 184.4 inches, and it offers more height (70.8 inches vs. 66.9 inches).

Does the Kia's PHEV system offer electric-only driving capability?

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is equipped with an electric range of 33 miles, allowing for zero-emission commuting before the hybrid system engages.

Which crossover has the better base price and price-to-power ratio?

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at $36,495, undercutting the Kia by $3,995, and offers more horsepower for its lower initial investment.

Do these vehicles utilize the same fuel type?

Both the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying refueling decisions despite their vastly different powertrains.