2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline

$47,990 · Crossover

$40,595 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid sparks excitement with its efficient 261 hp powertrain capable of 30 miles of pure electric driving, aiming squarely at eco-conscious urbanites. Conversely, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline bellows a rugged tune, boasting a superior 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, hinting at potent capability wrapped in a crossover guise. This comparison pits Kia’s PHEV efficiency (33 MPG combined) against Honda’s truck-like versatility, despite the Ridgeline’s thirstier 21 MPG combined rating. The Sorento commands a higher MSRP at $47,990, while the Ridgeline starts significantly lower at $40,595, creating a major $7,395 price gap. While the Sorento offers a superior 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row compared to the Ridgeline’s 7.3 cubic feet in the bed/cabin area, the core battle is between electrifying efficiency and accessible, powerful utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sorento PHEV offers a significant efficiency advantage with 30 miles of electric range and 33 MPG combined, dramatically lowering daily running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento offers a slightly more organized and sealed cargo area with 12.6 cu ft of internal space, which is preferable for keeping family gear secure.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline wins with slightly higher peak performance figures, delivering 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kia's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline starts at $40,595, creating a substantial $7,395 upfront cost savings over the Kia Sorento PHEV.

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

You prioritize fuel savings, evidenced by its superior 33 MPG combined rating and 30-mile electric range.
You prefer a smaller footprint for city maneuvering, with the Sorento measuring 189.6 inches in length.
You need enclosed, protected storage, as its 12.6 cu ft cargo capacity is internal and secure.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You need the maximum power output, as the Ridgeline provides 280 horsepower.
You require the absolute lowest starting price point, saving $7,395 compared to the Kia.
You desire a larger overall presence, with the Ridgeline being significantly longer at 210.2 inches and wider at 78.6 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid	Honda Ridgeline
Length	189.6"	210.2"
Width	74.8"	78.6"
Height	66.9"	70.8"
Wheelbase	110.8"	125.2"

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	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	261 hp	280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Honda
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	33/34 MPG	18/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	33 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	409.2/421.6 mi.	351.0/468.0 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.	19.5 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	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Three 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	7
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Stereo Power	—	215W
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Honda
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	62.0 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	59.1 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	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Honda
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	36.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	61.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	56.6 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	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 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 Ridgeline.

How much more fuel-efficient is the Sorento PHEV compared to the Ridgeline?

The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid boasts a combined MPG of 33, while the Honda Ridgeline achieves a combined MPG of 21; this represents a significant 12 MPG efficiency difference in favor of the Sorento.

Which vehicle has more power for acceleration?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline holds a slight edge in raw power, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Sorento's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

What is the primary benefit of the Sorento's electric range?

The Kia Sorento offers 30 miles of electric-only driving capability, meaning many daily commutes can be completed without using any gasoline, provided your travel distance stays within that limit.

Which vehicle offers better passenger and cargo versatility?

While the Ridgeline is physically larger overall, the Sorento offers more secure internal cargo space at 12.6 cu ft behind the rear seats, whereas the Ridgeline lists its utility as 7.3 cu ft (likely referencing the lockable bed space).

Is there a large difference in price between these two models?

Yes, the comparison highlights a substantial $7,395 MSRP difference, with the 2026 Honda Ridgeline starting significantly lower at $40,595 versus the Sorento PHEV at $47,990.

Do both vehicles utilize All-Wheel Drive?

Both the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and the 2026 Honda Ridgeline come equipped with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, suggesting capability in varying road conditions for both platforms.