2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Honda CR-V

$47,990 · Crossover

$30,920 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid ignites the segment with its robust 261 hp output and 30 miles of pure electric cruising ability, making city drives emissions-free before engaging the efficient gas engine. Conversely, the 2026 Honda CR-V champions practicality with its cavernous 39.3 cu ft of cargo space, offering superb utility at a compelling starting price point. The Sorento PHEV boasts significantly more thrust at 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the CR-V's 179 lb-ft, suggesting a much more spirited drive despite sharing a similar combined MPG around 30-33. The sheer $17,070 MSRP gap highlights a major divergence: the CR-V prioritizes accessibility, while the Sorento delivers premium plug-in power, packing 71 more horsepower into its AWD package for a higher entry point.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento PHEV offers 30 miles of pure electric range, drastically cutting daily fuel consumption for consistent city driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V provides substantially more usable space with 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

With 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Kia delivers vastly superior acceleration and power delivery over the 190 hp Honda.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda CR-V

The CR-V's significantly lower MSRP of $30,920 offers excellent efficiency and utility for nearly $17,000 less than the Kia.

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

You prioritize performance and want 261 horsepower routed through an All-Wheel Drive system.
Your daily commute fits within the 30-mile all-electric range for near-zero local emissions.
You need the smoother gear transitions offered by the 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

Budget is paramount, given the significant $17,070 lower starting MSRP.
Maximum utility is necessary, as its 39.3 cu ft of cargo room dwarfs the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
Front-Wheel Drive efficiency is sufficient for your driving conditions and you prefer a lighter, shorter footprint at 184.8 inches long.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid	Honda CR-V
Length	189.6"	184.8"
Width	74.8"	73.5"
Height	66.9"	66.2"
Wheelbase	110.8"	106.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Honda
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	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	261 hp	190 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	179 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Honda
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	33/34 MPG	28/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	33 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	409.2/421.6 mi.	392.0/462.0 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.	14.0 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Honda
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	Honda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Stereo Power	—	160W

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Honda
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	55.6 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: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Honda
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	41.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	52.6 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Honda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/65R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	✓
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Honda
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.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Honda CR-V.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV compared to the 2026 Honda CR-V?

The Kia Sorento PHEV offers a compelling advantage with 261 horsepower, which is 71 hp more than the 190 hp rating of the Honda CR-V. This power difference is reflected in the torque figures, where the Kia produces 258 lb-ft versus the Honda's 179 lb-ft.

What is the primary trade-off when choosing the more affordable Honda CR-V?

The primary trade-off is performance and electric capability. The CR-V lacks the Sorento's PHEV system, offering only a 30 Combined MPG hybrid economy, and it is limited to Front-Wheel Drive, whereas the Kia features AWD.

Can the Kia Sorento PHEV truly save money on fuel despite its higher price tag?

Yes, the Sorento PHEV offers 30 miles of electric range before needing gasoline, allowing many commuters to significantly reduce their weekly fuel consumption. This operational saving must be weighed against the $47,990 MSRP compared to the CR-V's $30,920.

Which vehicle has superior hauling capabilities for road trips?

The 2026 Honda CR-V is the clear winner for hauling capacity, providing 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV trails significantly in this area, offering only 12.6 cubic feet for gear.

Are there significant differences in size between these two crossovers?

The Kia Sorento is the larger vehicle, measuring 189.6 inches in length and 74.8 inches in width. The Honda CR-V is slightly more compact at 184.8 inches long and 73.5 inches wide, potentially making it easier to maneuver in tight urban settings.

Do both vehicles use premium gasoline?

Fortunately, both the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and the 2026 Honda CR-V are engineered to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying fueling costs for both models.