2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the brand-new 2025 Nissan Murano and the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid often boils down to upfront cost versus long-term efficiency. The Murano boasts a significant MSRP advantage at $40,470 compared to the Sorento PHEV's $47,990, a difference of $7,520 right off the bat. However, the Sorento's advanced powertrain delivers a crucial 33 MPG combined versus the Murano's 23 MPG combined, equating to substantial yearly fuel savings. While the Murano offers nearly three times the cargo space at 32.9 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft, the Kia fights back with 261 horsepower, slightly outmuscling the Murano's 241 hp. For city dwellers, the Sorento’s 30-mile all-electric range provides a distinct, daily commuting edge the standard Murano cannot match.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The Sorento PHEV wins for commuters due to its 30 miles of electric range and superior 33 combined MPG.
2025 Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano is better suited for families due to its significantly larger 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Kia's 12.6 cu ft.
2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sorento offers higher output with 261 horsepower and comes standard with all-wheel drive, appealing more to driving enthusiasts.
2025 Nissan Murano
The Murano presents better immediate value with a lower MSRP of $40,470, saving buyers $7,520 upfront.
Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prioritize fuel economy and can benefit from the 30 miles of pure electric range offered by the Plug-In Hybrid system.
- You need the added traction and stability of an all-wheel drive system paired with 261 horsepower.
- You want to maximize efficiency, as the Sorento achieves a 33 MPG combined rating versus 23 MPG for the Murano.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- Your budget is tighter, as the Murano saves you $7,520 with its lower $40,470 MSRP.
- Maximum hauling capability is essential, as the Murano provides 32.9 cu ft of cargo room, significantly more than the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
- You prefer a traditional crossover feel with the efficiency benefits of a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.6" | 192.9" |
| Width | 74.8" | 78.0" |
| Height | 66.9" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 111.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| 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 | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 33/34 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 33 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 409.2/421.6 mi. | 392.7/504.9 mi. |
| 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. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 18.7 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.3 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.1 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 56.9 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 | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | P255/55R20 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 20 in. |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Nissan Murano.
How much more space do I get with the Nissan Murano?
The Nissan Murano is the clear cargo winner, offering 32.9 cubic feet of space behind the second row. This is nearly three times the 12.6 cubic feet available in the rear of the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.
Is the Kia Sorento PHEV's higher price justified by the efficiency?
The Sorento costs $7,520 more, but its 33 MPG combined rating heavily offsets this cost over time compared to the Murano's 23 MPG combined. Additionally, the Sorento offers a 30-mile electric-only buffer for daily driving.
Which crossover has better performance specs?
The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV pulls ahead slightly in horsepower, generating 261 hp versus the Murano's 241 hp. Both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel, and the Kia pairs its power with standard AWD.
Does the Murano handle bad weather better than the Sorento?
No, the Sorento comes standard with all-wheel drive, which generally provides better traction than the front-wheel drive setup standard on the 2025 Nissan Murano.
Are the transmissions significantly different between these two models?
Yes, the Kia uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic, while the Nissan steps up to a more modern 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
How do their sizes compare on the road?
The Murano is slightly larger overall; it is about 3.3 inches longer at 192.9 inches and noticeably wider at 78.0 inches compared to the Sorento’s 189.6-inch length and 74.8-inch width.
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