2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Comparison Overview
Choosing between plug-in efficiency and luxury cachet is a common headache for crossover buyers. The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid starts at a very competitive $39,890, undercutting the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport, priced at $48,900, by a significant $9,010. If fuel costs are top of mind, the difference is stark: the Kia boasts a combined 35 MPG and an electric range of 34 miles, while the Land Rover manages only a combined 20 MPG. While the Kia leads on efficiency, the Land Rover offers slightly more torque at 269 lb-ft versus the Kia's 258 lb-ft, despite having 15 fewer horsepower (246 hp vs. 261 hp). Both are AWD, but the Kia's PHEV system makes a compelling case for budget-conscious daily driving versus the Land Rover's more premium proposition.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Sportage PHEV wins for commuters due to its 34-mile electric range and superior 35 MPG combined fuel economy.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia offers more utility with 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Land Rover's 32.2 cubic feet.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Despite having less torque, the Kia's higher 261 horsepower output gives it a slight edge in performance capability.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia undercuts the Land Rover by $9,010 and delivers drastically better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You want to significantly lower your running costs with a 34-mile all-electric driving capability.
- Your budget is firm, as the $39,890 MSRP is substantially lower than the Land Rover's entry price.
- You prefer a higher output of 261 horsepower paired with the benefits of hybrid efficiency.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...
- You prioritize the luxury feel associated with the Land Rover brand over pure cost savings.
- You value slightly more pulling power delivered by the 269 lb-ft of torque, despite the lower overall power.
- You prefer the smooth shifting action of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the Kia's 6-speed automatic.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid | Land Rover Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 180.9" |
| Width | 73.4" | - |
| Height | 66.9" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 107.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 246 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft @ 1300 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 | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Locking | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 36/35 MPG | 19/23 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/388.5 mi. | 336.3/407.1 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 88/79 MPGe | — |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 84 MPGe | — |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 34 mi. | — |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 40 | — |
| Charging Time (240V) | 2.0 hr. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.1 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 10 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Meridian Speakers | — | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 380W |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
| Antenna Type | — | Diversity |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.8 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.8 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 Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | N/A |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| EV Battery Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport.
How much money can I save annually by choosing the Kia Sportage PHEV over the Discovery Sport?
The difference is huge, primarily driven by fuel economy. The Kia achieves 35 MPG combined, while the Discovery Sport only manages 20 MPG combined. This 15 MPG difference translates directly into hundreds of dollars saved annually on fuel costs alone, even before considering the $9,010 lower starting MSRP.
Which crossover is better for hauling gear, the Kia or the Land Rover?
The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid offers slightly better standard hauling capacity. It provides 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, edging out the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport's 32.2 cubic feet.
Does the Land Rover Discovery Sport's extra torque help it accelerate better than the Kia?
While the Discovery Sport has higher torque (269 lb-ft vs. 258 lb-ft), the Kia Sportage PHEV counters with a higher peak horsepower rating of 261 hp versus the Land Rover's 246 hp, suggesting the Kia might feel quicker overall.
Is the Kia Sportage PHEV truly plug-in capable, and how far can it drive on battery alone?
Yes, the Kia is a true Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) offering an all-electric range of 34 miles on a full charge. This allows many daily commuters to cover their travel distance without using any gasoline.
Are both vehicles similar in size, as they are both listed as crossovers?
They are similar in footprint, but the Kia is slightly longer at 183.5 inches compared to the Land Rover's 180.9 inches. Conversely, the Land Rover is slightly taller, measuring 67.9 inches high versus the Kia's 66.9 inches.
What transmission differences might affect the driving experience between these two AWD vehicles?
The Kia utilizes a 6-speed automatic transmission, which is often tuned for efficiency in hybrid setups. The Land Rover employs a more advanced 9-speed automatic transmission, which typically offers finer control over gear selection, especially at highway speeds.
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