2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse

$47,990 · Crossover

$40,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV and the newly redesigned 2026 Chevrolet Traverse involves balancing immediate savings against long-term efficiency and size. Buyers face a $7,190 decision point right at the dealership, as the Traverse starts at $40,800 while the Sorento PHEV begins at $47,990. If minimizing trips to the pump is key, the Sorento is the clear leader, delivering 33 combined MPG and an all-electric range of 30 miles, whereas the larger Traverse manages only 23 combined MPG. However, for sheer presence and hauling capacity, the Traverse boasts significantly more room with 22.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft, and it packs an extra 67 horsepower, putting out 328 hp. The choice boils down to whether the fuel savings and electric capability of the smaller Kia outweigh the Traverse's superior power and expansive dimensions.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV is the winner for commuters due to its 30-mile electric range and superior 33 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse takes the family win by offering substantially more cargo space at 22.9 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse because it offers significantly more power with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Despite the higher initial cost, the Sorento PHEV offers better long-term value through its 33 combined MPG efficiency.

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

You prioritize maximizing fuel economy, targeting 33 combined MPG and the ability to cover 30 miles solely on electricity.
Your budget dictates avoiding the extra $7,190 required for the larger Traverse model.
You appreciate the maneuverability and slightly smaller footprint, evidenced by its 189.6-inch length.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

You need maximum utility, as the Traverse offers 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, almost double the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
Performance is a priority, where the Traverse's 328 hp outperforms the Sorento's 261 hp.
You need the added footprint, as the Traverse is larger in length (204.5 inches), width (79.6 inches), and height (69.6 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid	Chevrolet Traverse
Length	189.6"	204.5"
Width	74.8"	79.6"
Height	66.9"	69.6"
Wheelbase	110.8"	121.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
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	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
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	Chevrolet
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	Chevrolet
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	Chevrolet
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	✓	✓
Tilt Steering Wheel	—	✓
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	Chevrolet
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	17.7 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
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	62.3 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	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	62.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	58.6 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	255/65R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
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 Chevrolet Traverse.

How much more spacious is the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse compared to the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV?

The Traverse is significantly larger, providing 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, while the Sorento PHEV offers only 12.6 cu ft in the same configuration. This nearly 10 cubic feet difference is substantial for family hauling.

Which vehicle offers better running costs based on fuel consumption?

The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV is the clear winner here with a combined efficiency of 33 MPG, compared to the 2026 Traverse's 23 combined MPG. Additionally, the Kia can cover 30 miles on electric power alone before needing gas.

Is the power difference between the two crossovers noticeable in daily driving?

Yes, the 2026 Traverse delivers 328 hp, which is 67 hp more than the Sorento's 261 hp, meaning the Traverse should feel noticeably punchier when accelerating onto highways.

What is the price difference if I opt for the plug-in hybrid Kia versus the standard Chevy?

The 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid carries an MSRP of $47,990, making it $7,190 more expensive than the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse starting price of $40,800.

Do both cars require the same fuel type?

Both the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV and the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse use regular unleaded fuel, which is a benefit for the Sorento considering its hybrid components.