2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Honda Passport

$34,490 · Crossover

$44,750 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid thrills with efficiency, achieving a stellar 48 MPG combined and offering an impressive 33 miles of all-electric driving, while the 2026 Honda Passport captures the raw energy enthusiast with 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. This comparison pits efficiency against brute force; the Niro commands efficiency, boasting a huge 27 MPG advantage over the Passport’s 21 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the Passport overwhelms the Kia with 105 more horsepower, leveraging its 285 hp output versus the Niro's 180 hp. Furthermore, the Passport’s $44,750 MSRP positions it significantly higher than the Niro’s starting price of $34,490, a gap of $10,260. While the Niro is nimble at 174.0 inches long, the Passport offers nearly double the utility with 44 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Niro's 19.4 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Niro PHEV wins for commuters due to its exceptional 48 MPG combined fuel economy and 33-mile electric range for daily zero-emission trips.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda Passport

The 2026 Honda Passport is the superior choice for families, offering significantly more room with 44 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Niro's 19.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Passport

Enthusiasts will prefer the raw power delivery of the 2026 Honda Passport, which delivers 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, far exceeding the Niro's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid delivers superior overall value given its $10,260 lower starting MSRP and vastly better fuel economy metrics.

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

Your budget is firm, as the Niro starts $10,260 lower than the Passport at $34,490.
Maximum fuel economy is essential; the Niro achieves 48 MPG combined, crushing the Passport's 21 MPG.
You can utilize daily electric-only travel, thanks to its dedicated 33-mile electric range.

Choose the Honda Passport if...

You require serious pulling power, as the Passport boasts 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
Maximum hauling space is non-negotiable; the Passport offers 44 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer the security and traction of standard All-Wheel Drive paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid	Honda Passport
Length	174.0"	191.5"
Width	71.8"	79.4"
Height	60.8"	73.1"
Wheelbase	107.1"	113.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Honda
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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	180 hp	285 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	195 lb-ft	262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Honda
Transmission Type	6-speed automated manual	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	49/47 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	48 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	480.2/460.6 mi.	351.5/462.5 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.	18.5 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Honda
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	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Honda
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	9
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Stereo Power	—	225W
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Honda
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	40.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.2 in.	61.9 in.
Front Hip Room	53.3 in.	58.3 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	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather/Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Honda
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	40.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	61.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.0 in.	57.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Honda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R H	265/60R
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Honda
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.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Honda Passport.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Honda Passport compared to the 2025 Kia Niro PHEV?

The Passport is significantly more potent, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This is a substantial difference of 105 hp compared to the Kia Niro's 180 hp output.

What is the practical difference in daily driving costs between these two crossovers?

The difference is extreme: the Niro achieves 48 MPG combined, while the Passport is rated at only 21 MPG combined. This 27 MPG advantage means the Niro owner will spend significantly less on fuel.

Is the Kia Niro suitable for long road trips considering its electric range?

Yes, while the Niro offers a 33-mile electric range for city commuting, it functions perfectly as a traditional hybrid afterward, netting 47 MPG in highway driving when the battery is depleted.

Why is the 2026 Honda Passport so much more expensive than the 2025 Kia Niro PHEV?

The Passport carries a premium price of $44,750 compared to the Niro's $34,490, likely due to its larger size (191.5 inches long), standard AWD, and much higher 285 hp output.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling large items?

The 2026 Honda Passport is the clear utility winner, providing 44 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2025 Kia Niro PHEV offers only 19.4 cubic feet, making it much tighter for family gear.

Does the Kia Niro PHEV require premium fuel?

No, one advantage of the efficient Niro is that it only requires regular unleaded fuel, matching the Passport in fuel type requirements despite its advanced powertrain technology.