2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV (car1) and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder (car2) is the $11,590 MSRP difference, with the Sorento starting at $47,990 versus the Pathfinder’s $36,400. This price dictates a trade-off in efficiency versus size and raw power. The Sorento PHEV delivers a substantial 33 MPG combined, substantially eclipsing the Pathfinder's 23 MPG combined, supported by an electric range of 30 miles for daily electric-only commuting. However, the Pathfinder boasts higher power figures, producing 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque compared to the Sorento's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Pathfinder offers greater physical capacity, with a length of 197.7 inches and 16.6 cu ft of cargo space, significantly larger than the Sorento's 189.6-inch length and 12.6 cu ft cargo volume.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The Sorento PHEV's 30-mile electric range and 33 MPG combined efficiency clearly favor daily low-cost commuting.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder offers a larger physical footprint, evidenced by its 197.7-inch length and superior 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder offers a slight performance edge with 284 horsepower and a higher torque output of 259 lb-ft.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder presents a considerably lower entry cost at $36,400 compared to the Sorento's $47,990 MSRP.
Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Your primary concern is fuel economy, benefiting from the 33 MPG combined rating and 30 miles of pure electric driving range.
- You prefer the added stability of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability.
- You are willing to pay the $11,590 premium for advanced hybrid technology and efficiency.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- Maximum usable interior space is needed, highlighted by its 16.6 cu ft cargo capacity versus Car 1's 12.6 cu ft.
- Achieving the lowest possible initial purchase price, starting $11,590 cheaper at $36,400, is essential.
- You require slightly more conventional power output from the 284 hp engine.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid | Nissan Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.6" | 197.7" |
| Width | 74.8" | 77.9" |
| Height | 66.9" | 70.9" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 114.2" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 284 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 259 lb-ft @ 4800 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 | 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 | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 33 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 409.2/421.6 mi. | 370.0/499.5 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. | 18.5 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 | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 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 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.3 in. | 42.3 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. | 58.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Manual |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 35.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 59.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 56.3 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 | 255/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 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 Pathfinder.
How does the drivetrain differ between the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?
The Kia Sorento PHEV comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the Nissan Pathfinder utilizes a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Which vehicle offers better utility based on external dimensions?
The Pathfinder is physically larger overall, measuring 197.7 inches long and 70.9 inches tall, compared to the Sorento's 189.6-inch length and 66.9-inch height. This contributes to the Pathfinder's superior 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Is the difference in horsepower significant in real-world driving?
The Pathfinder holds a 23 hp advantage with 284 hp versus the Sorento’s 261 hp, accompanied by slightly higher torque at 259 lb-ft. While the Pathfinder is marginally more powerful, the Sorento's electric assist mitigates low-end lag.
What is the long-term fuel cost implication of choosing the Pathfinder over the Sorento PHEV?
Given the Sorento PHEV's 33 MPG combined rating and 30-mile electric range, compared to the Pathfinder's 23 MPG combined, the Sorento is projected to incur significantly lower annual fuel expenses, despite its higher upfront cost.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, which is a cost-saving factor for both models.
How does the electric-only capability affect the Sorento's efficiency metrics?
The Sorento PHEV's 30 miles of electric range allows many short-distance commutes to be completed without using gasoline, contributing to its impressive 33 MPG combined rating, a metric the gasoline-only Pathfinder cannot match.
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