2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Buick Enclave

$47,990 · Crossover

$46,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV ignites the segment with its efficient, electrified punch, boasting 261 hp and an impressive 30 miles of all-electric range, making daily driving nearly silent. Contrast that with the commanding presence of the completely redesigned 2026 Buick Enclave, which unleashes a substantial 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. While the Kia achieves a superior combined 33 MPG, the larger Enclave sacrifices some efficiency for size, delivering 23 MPG combined, yet offers significantly more utility. The Enclave dwarfs the Sorento in physical footprint, measuring 207.6 inches long compared to the Kia's 189.6 inches. For budget-conscious drivers, the Sorento's $47,990 MSRP offers PHEV technology, while the gasoline-only Enclave starts lower at $46,200 but loses out on efficiency gains, highlighting a critical trade-off between power and pavement preservation.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento PHEV’s 30 miles of electric range drastically cuts daily fuel expenses, making its 33 MPG combined rating superior for routine commutes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Buick Enclave

The 2026 Enclave is the clear winner for space, offering significantly larger dimensions and 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Enclave

The Enclave dominates in raw performance, delivering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, easily overshadowing the Sorento's 261 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

While pricier initially at $47,990, the Sorento PHEV’s combined 33 MPG translates to lower long-term running costs than the 23 MPG Enclave.

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

You prioritize maximizing fuel economy and can leverage the 30 miles of pure EV range for daily driving.
Your budget mandates better long-term operational savings, leveraging the 33 combined MPG figure.
You prefer the versatility of All-Wheel Drive standard in the Sorento PHEV setup.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

You need maximum passenger volume and utility, benefiting from the Enclave's large 22.9 cu ft cargo area.
You demand superior on-demand power, easily accessed by the Enclave's dominant 328 horsepower.
You prefer a larger road presence, as the Enclave is substantially longer (207.6 inches) and wider (79.6 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid	Buick Enclave
Length	189.6"	207.6"
Width	74.8"	79.6"
Height	66.9"	71.0"
Wheelbase	110.8"	120.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Buick
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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	261 hp	328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	Buick
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Buick
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.	388.0/523.8 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.	19.4 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Buick
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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Buick
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	30.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	12
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Buick
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Buick
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	62.2 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	58.7 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
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Buick
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	62.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	58.5 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Buick
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	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Buick
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.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Buick Enclave.

What is the main difference in performance between the 2025 Sorento PHEV and the 2026 Enclave?

The 2026 Buick Enclave is significantly more powerful, boasting 328 horsepower compared to the Kia Sorento PHEV's 261 horsepower. While the Kia offers efficiency, the Enclave prioritizes acceleration and muscle with its 326 lb-ft of torque.

How much further can the 2026 Enclave take a family compared to the Sorento PHEV?

The 2026 Enclave provides substantially more usable space, offering 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. This is nearly double the 12.6 cubic feet available in the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV.

Is the higher efficiency of the Sorento PHEV worth the lower horsepower rating?

That depends on your driving priorities; the Sorento PHEV achieves 33 combined MPG and 30 miles of electric range, while the Enclave manages only 23 combined MPG, offering superior long-term fuel savings.

Since the Enclave is larger, does it come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

No, the 2026 Buick Enclave is specified here with Front Wheel Drive, whereas the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid includes an All-Wheel Drive system as standard equipment.

What are the MSRP differences, and which one offers better immediate value?

The 2026 Enclave has a lower starting MSRP at $46,200 compared to the Kia Sorento PHEV at $47,990. However, the Sorento offers plug-in technology, which may provide better long-term ownership value.