2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Buick Envision

$47,990 · Crossover

$41,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV (car1) and the 2026 Buick Envision (car2) lies in fuel economy and electric capability. The Sorento PHEV achieves a combined 33 MPG and offers a 30-mile electric range, substantially outperforming the Envision's 24 MPG combined rating, even though the Envision requires premium unleaded fuel. Power figures also favor the Kia, as it generates 261 hp compared to the Envision's 228 hp, despite both models producing identical torque figures of 258 lb-ft. However, the Envision offers superior utility with nearly double the cargo volume at 25.2 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft. Finally, the Sorento carries a $47,990 MSRP, which is $6,990 more expensive than the Envision's $41,000 starting price, requiring buyers to weigh operational savings against initial expenditure.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento PHEV provides 30 miles of pure electric driving, offering zero-emission commuting potential unmatched by the standard Envision.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Buick Envision

The Buick Envision provides significantly more usable space with 25.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sorento delivers 33 more horsepower (261 hp vs 228 hp) providing superior acceleration dynamics.

💰 Best Value

2026 Buick Envision

The Buick Envision saves the buyer $6,990 upfront, despite the Sorento offering better long-term fuel cost savings via its hybrid system.

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

Your priority is minimizing gasoline consumption, benefiting from the 33 MPG combined rating and 30-mile electric range.
You require the higher power output, as the Sorento produces 261 hp versus the Envision's 228 hp.
You prefer using regular unleaded gasoline exclusively, unlike the Envision which recommends premium fuel.

Choose the Buick Envision if...

Your budget requires a starting MSRP under $42,000, as the Envision is priced $6,990 lower than the Sorento.
Maximum cargo utility is essential, given the Envision’s 25.2 cu ft capacity is nearly double the Sorento’s 12.6 cu ft.
You prefer the slightly smoother shifting of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the Sorento's 6-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid	Buick Envision
Length	189.6"	182.7"
Width	74.8"	74.1"
Height	66.9"	64.6"
Wheelbase	110.8"	109.0"

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	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Buick
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	228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Buick
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	33/34 MPG	22/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	33 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	409.2/421.6 mi.	354.2/450.8 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.	16.1 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	—	✓
Single Zone Climate 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	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
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
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.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	40.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	55.1 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	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Buick
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	38.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	47.4 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
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	P235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 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 Envision.

How does the electric range of the Kia Sorento PHEV compare to the Buick Envision?

The 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid features a dedicated electric range of 30 miles. The 2026 Buick Envision is not a plug-in hybrid, so it has no electric-only range capability.

Is the higher initial cost of the Kia Sorento justified by fuel savings?

The Sorento costs $6,990 more initially ($47,990 vs $41,000), but its 33 MPG combined rating (compared to 24 MPG) will likely offset this difference over several years, especially if utilizing the Sorento's 30 miles of electric driving frequently.

Which crossover offers better performance metrics?

The Kia Sorento provides superior horsepower at 261 hp, significantly outpacing the Buick Envision’s 228 hp, although both vehicles produce an identical 258 lb-ft of torque.

Are there significant differences in physical dimensions between the two crossovers?

Yes, the Sorento is longer (189.6 inches vs 182.7 inches) and slightly taller (66.9 inches vs 64.6 inches), but the Envision wins decisively in usable storage space.

Do either of these crossovers require premium gasoline?

The 2025 Kia Sorento specifies regular unleaded fuel, which is a cost advantage. Conversely, the 2026 Buick Envision explicitly recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal operation.

How does cargo space compare, given the difference in body size?

Despite being physically smaller overall, the Buick Envision offers 25.2 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats. The larger Kia Sorento is substantially limited in this area, providing only 12.6 cu ft.