2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Nissan Murano

$47,990 · Crossover

$41,670 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV fires a warning shot across the bow of traditional crossovers with its electric capability, offering 30 miles of pure EV range to slash daily running costs. Conversely, the redesigned 2026 Nissan Murano brings imposing presence and practicality, boasting a larger overall footprint at 192.9 inches long and a significant cargo advantage of 32.9 cubic feet compared to the Sorento’s 12.6 cu ft (rear seats up). While the Kia delivers a superior combined MPG of 33 thanks to its hybrid nature, the Murano counters with a robust 260 lb-ft of torque, marginally beating the Kia’s 258 lb-ft, despite having 241 hp versus the Sorento's 261 hp. This comparison pits high-tech efficiency against raw passenger space and modern styling, highlighted by the Kia's $47,990 MSRP compared to the Murano's more accessible $41,670.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento PHEV wins for commuters due to its 30-mile electric range and superior 33 combined MPG, drastically lowering fuel expenses.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Murano

The Murano is the family choice because its significantly larger 32.9 cu ft cargo capacity easily outperforms the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento PHEV offers slightly more power at 261 hp and a more advanced drivetrain for a more engaging drive, despite the Murano's superior torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Nissan Murano

The Murano offers substantially more utility and a lower entry price point at $41,670 compared to the Sorento's $47,990.

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

You prioritize efficiency and can take advantage of the 30 miles of all-electric range daily.
You desire the higher output of 261 horsepower in your crossover segment.
You value lower running costs stemming from a 33 combined MPG rating.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

Maximum hauling capability is essential, given the Murano's massive 32.9 cu ft cargo capacity.
You want to save $6,320 upfront with the lower MSRP of $41,670.
A slightly broader vehicle stance (78.0 inches wide) and 9-speed automatic transmission are preferred.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid	Nissan Murano
Length	189.6"	192.9"
Width	74.8"	78.0"
Height	66.9"	67.9"
Wheelbase	110.8"	111.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Nissan
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 Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Nissan
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	241 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	260 lb-ft @ 4400 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	Nissan
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	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	33/34 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	33 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	409.2/421.6 mi.	392.7/504.9 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.	18.7 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Nissan
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	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 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	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	60.8 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	56.9 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	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	56.9 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	P255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Nissan
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Nissan Murano.

How significant is the fuel economy difference between the two crossovers?

The difference is substantial: the Sorento PHEV achieves a 33 combined MPG, whereas the Murano is rated at 23 combined MPG. This 10 MPG advantage means the Sorento owner will visit the pump far less frequently than the Murano driver.

Does the Kia Sorento PHEV offer true electric driving capability?

Yes, the 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid provides an EPA-estimated 30 miles of range using only electric power before the gasoline engine engages. This feature is completely absent in the standard gasoline-powered 2026 Murano.

Which vehicle is physically larger overall?

The 2026 Nissan Murano is longer and wider than the Sorento; it measures 192.9 inches in length compared to the Sorento’s 189.6 inches, and it is significantly wider at 78.0 inches.

How do the torque figures compare, and does it affect performance?

The Murano has a slight edge in torque, boasting 260 lb-ft versus the Sorento's 258 lb-ft, suggesting slightly punchier low-end response off the line. However, the Sorento counters this with 261 horsepower versus the Murano’s 241 hp.

What is the deciding factor for budget-conscious buyers?

Budget buyers should lean toward the 2026 Nissan Murano, as its MSRP starts at $41,670, creating an immediate savings of $6,320 compared to the $47,990 price tag of the Kia Sorento PHEV.

Is the cargo space comparable between the two AWD crossovers?

No, the cargo space is drastically different; the Murano offers 32.9 cubic feet, providing far more utility than the Sorento PHEV, which is listed with only 12.6 cubic feet, likely due to battery packaging limitations.