2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Dodge Durango

$34,490 · Crossover

$38,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Niro PHEV (car1) and the 2026 Dodge Durango (car2) is fuel economy, with the Niro achieving 48 MPG combined versus the Durango's 20 MPG combined, representing a substantial 28 MPG advantage. Power output is also markedly different; the Durango delivers 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, substantially exceeding the Niro's 180 hp and 195 lb-ft. The price differential stands at $4,505, with the Niro starting at $34,490 compared to the Durango’s $38,995 MSRP. While the Niro offers an electric range of 33 miles, it trails the Durango in overall size, evidenced by its 174.0-inch length against the Durango's 200.8 inches. Furthermore, the Niro prioritizes efficiency with its FWD system and 6-speed automated manual, whereas the Durango features a more powerful RWD setup utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission, impacting its utility focus.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Niro PHEV is the clear commuter winner due to its 33 miles of pure electric range and superior 48 MPG combined efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Dodge Durango

The 2026 Dodge Durango's larger dimensions, including its 200.8-inch length and RWD architecture, suggest greater capability for passenger and cargo hauling despite slightly less specific cargo volume (17.2 cu ft vs 19.4 cu ft for the Niro is close, but size implies better overall family footprint).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Dodge Durango

The 2026 Dodge Durango offers significantly higher output with 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, far exceeding the Niro’s 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Niro PHEV is the better value proposition, offering a $4,505 lower MSRP and dramatically lower running costs due to its 48 MPG combined rating.

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

Your budget must remain under $35,000, as the MSRP is $34,490.
Minimizing fuel stops is critical, benefiting from the 33 miles of all-electric range.
You prioritize low operational costs, leveraging the 48 MPG combined rating versus the Durango's 20 MPG combined.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

Maximum engine performance is required, as the Durango provides 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
A larger, more imposing vehicle structure is necessary, evidenced by its 200.8-inch length and 72.1-inch height.
Rear-Wheel Drive architecture and an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission are preferred for driving dynamics.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid	Dodge Durango
Length	174.0"	200.8"
Width	71.8"	75.8"
Height	60.8"	72.1"
Wheelbase	107.1"	119.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Dodge
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Dodge
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	3.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	180 hp	295 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	195 lb-ft	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Dodge
Transmission Type	6-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Dodge
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	49/47 MPG	18/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	48 MPG	20 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	480.2/460.6 mi.	442.8/615.0 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	113/102 MPGe	—
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	108 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	33 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	31	—
Charging Time (240V)	2.8 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	9.8 gal.	24.6 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Dodge
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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Dodge
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	With Real Time Traffic
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Dodge
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.2 in.	58.5 in.
Front Hip Room	53.3 in.	57.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette/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	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Dodge
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	57.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.0 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Dodge
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R H	265/60R18
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Dodge
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Dodge Durango.

How much more fuel-efficient is the Niro compared to the Durango?

The 2025 Kia Niro PHEV is significantly more efficient, achieving 48 MPG combined, while the 2026 Dodge Durango is rated at only 20 MPG combined. This 28 MPG difference translates to substantial savings over ownership years.

Does the Niro offer any electric-only driving capability?

Yes, the 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is rated for 33 miles of electric-only range. This capability means many daily commutes under 33 miles can potentially be completed without using gasoline, unlike the gasoline-only Durango.

What is the primary performance gap between these two crossovers?

The power difference is substantial; the Durango produces 295 horsepower, which is 115 more than the Niro's 180 horsepower. Additionally, the Durango has higher torque at 260 lb-ft versus the Niro's 195 lb-ft.

Which vehicle provides more overall interior space?

While the Niro offers slightly more listed cargo capacity at 19.4 cu ft compared to the Durango's 17.2 cu ft, the Durango is the physically larger vehicle overall, measuring 200.8 inches long versus the Niro's 174.0 inches.

How does the starting price compare between the two models?

The 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid has a lower starting MSRP of $34,490. The 2026 Dodge Durango starts $4,505 higher at $38,995.

What are the main drivetrain differences?

The Niro uses Front Wheel Drive paired with a 6-speed automated manual transmission focused on efficiency. Conversely, the Durango utilizes Rear Wheel Drive paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission designed to manage its higher power output.