2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Acura RDX

$47,990 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid bursts onto the scene with electrified efficiency, promising a dedicated 30 miles of electric range alongside its 261 hp hybrid powertrain. Conversely, the 2026 Acura RDX leans into pure gasoline performance, boasting a punchier 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque delivered through a rapid 10-speed automatic transmission. Driving dynamics favor the RDX with its higher torque output, while the Sorento PHEV shines brightest at the pump, achieving a remarkable 33 combined MPG versus the RDX's 23 combined MPG—a significant 10 MPG gulf. The Sorento starts slightly higher at $47,990, yet offers a lower running cost, whereas the RDX saves $2,790 upfront but requires premium fuel. Cargo utility drastically favors the Acura, offering 29.5 cu ft compared to the Kia's limited 12.6 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Its 30-mile electric range and superior 33 combined MPG significantly slash daily running costs for regular drives.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura RDX

The RDX offers substantially more utility with 29.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura RDX

With 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque channeled through a 10-speed gearbox, the RDX promises a more spirited gasoline-only experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

While pricier at $47,990, the plug-in capability and superior fuel economy offer long-term operating value despite the higher initial cost.

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

Your daily route falls within the 30-mile electric range for zero-emission city driving.
Maximizing fuel economy is paramount, particularly with a 10 MPG advantage over the RDX.
All-wheel drive capability combined with hybrid technology is desired.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You need maximum open storage space, as the RDX provides 29.5 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
Performance metrics like 280 lb-ft of torque and a 10-speed transmission are preferred for enthusiastic driving.
You seek a slightly lower starting MSRP of $45,100, excluding premium fuel requirements.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid	Acura RDX
Length	189.6"	187.4"
Width	74.8"	74.8"
Height	66.9"	65.7"
Wheelbase	110.8"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Acura
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 Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Acura
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	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	280 lb-ft @ 1600 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	Acura
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
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.	359.1/461.7 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.	17.1 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Acura
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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Acura
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	9
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Acura
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Acura
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	55.0 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	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Acura
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	50.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Acura
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Acura
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 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.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Acura RDX.

How much does the PHEV powertrain impact the Sorento's cargo capacity?

The 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid sacrifices significant usable space, offering only 12.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the conventionally powered RDX's 29.5 cu ft.

Does the Acura RDX's premium fuel requirement negate its overall cost-effectiveness?

Yes, the mandatory use of premium unleaded gasoline for the 272 hp engine will likely increase running costs considerably when measured against the Sorento PHEV's regular fuel and electric savings.

Which crossover is physically larger?

The 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is marginally longer at 189.6 inches, though both vehicles share the exact same width of 74.8 inches.

Is the difference in horsepower significant between these two AWD crossovers?

The difference is minimal; the Acura RDX has 272 hp, giving it only 11 more horsepower than the Kia Sorento PHEV's 261 hp output.

How does the gear count affect the driving experience?

The Acura RDX uses a 10-speed shiftable automatic for potentially quicker acceleration and better high-speed efficiency, while the Kia Sorento PHEV employs a 6-speed unit.