2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid electrifies the commute, boasting 261 horsepower and an impressive 30 miles of pure electric range, making its $47,990 price tag appeal to efficiency-minded drivers wanting hybrid benefits. Conversely, the rugged 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, starting significantly lower at $31,845, screams adventure with its taller stance (70.2 inches high) and superior cargo volume of 32.5 cu ft, prioritizing utility over raw power. The Sorento PHEV delivers 80 more horsepower and achieves a higher combined 33 MPG versus the Bronco Sport’s 27 MPG, showcasing superior powertrain performance. However, the $16,145 MSRP gap is substantial, positioning the Bronco Sport as the undeniable budget adventurer ready for the trail, while the Sorento leans into refined, near-silent electric cruising for the daily drive.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The Sorento PHEV's 30 miles of electric range and superior 33 combined MPG drastically reduce daily fuel costs for commuters.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport offers substantially more utility with 32.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The Sorento PHEV provides significantly more thrilling performance with 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport’s $31,845 MSRP is over $16,000 less than the Sorento PHEV, offering AWD capability at a far lower entry cost.
Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prioritize exhilarating power and benefit from 261 horsepower for merging and highway passing.
- You can utilize the 30 miles of pure electric range to cover most daily errands without using gasoline.
- You need the slightly better highway fuel economy rating of 34 MPG, beating the competitor's 30 MPG highway rating.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- Sticker price is paramount, as the $31,845 MSRP is significantly lower than Car 1's $47,990 starting price.
- Maximizing utility is essential, given the Bronco Sport’s massive 32.5 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You prefer a slightly taller stance at 70.2 inches for improved ground clearance and a more upright, commanding driving position.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid | Ford Bronco Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.6" | 172.7" |
| Width | 74.8" | 74.3" |
| Height | 66.9" | 70.2" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 33/34 MPG | 25/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 33 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 409.2/421.6 mi. | 400.0/480.0 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. | 16.0 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.3 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.1 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 225/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Ford Bronco Sport.
How does the power difference affect real-world driving dynamics?
The Kia Sorento PHEV boasts 261 horsepower, offering notably quicker acceleration and response compared to the Ford Bronco Sport's 181 horsepower. This 80 hp advantage makes the Sorento feel much more spirited, especially when passing or needing quick bursts of speed.
Is the Sorento PHEV's higher price justified by its fuel economy?
The Sorento achieves a 33 combined MPG and offers 30 miles of electric range, which justifies its $16,145 higher MSRP for drivers prioritizing long-term fuel savings and lower emissions. The Bronco Sport only manages a 27 combined MPG.
Which crossover is better equipped for hauling gear?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is the clear winner for cargo volume, providing 32.5 cu ft behind the rear seats. The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV is severely limited in this area, offering only 12.6 cu ft behind its second row.
Are both vehicles available with All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport come standard with All-Wheel Drive capability, ensuring traction in varied conditions.
How do the transmissions compare between the two crossovers?
The Sorento PHEV utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with its hybrid system, while the Bronco Sport employs a more modern 8-speed shiftable automatic, which generally aids in smoother power delivery and efficiency.
Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?
Fortunately, neither the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV nor the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport mandates premium fuel, as both are compatible with regular unleaded gasoline.
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