2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

$39,890 · Crossover

$36,400 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid captivates with its electric allure, boasting a 34-mile electric range and an outstanding 35 MPG combined, making daily driving almost silent. Conversely, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder unleashes brute strength with 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque, appealing to those who prioritize traditional engine muscle. The Kia is substantially cheaper on fuel economy, demanding only regular unleaded while offering 36 MPG in the city, significantly overshadowing the Pathfinder's 23 MPG combined rating. However, the Pathfinder offers superior grunt and a greater overall length of 197.7 inches compared to the Kia's 183.5 inches. With a price gap of only $3,490 separating the $39,890 Sportage PHEV and the Pathfinder's $36,400 starting price, the choice hinges on whether maximum efficiency or maximum raw power dictates your drive.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV wins for commuters due to its ability to cover 34 miles on electricity alone, drastically cutting daily running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder is better suited for families needing more sheer size, offering a greater overall length of 197.7 inches and higher capability, despite less cargo space shown.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder edges out the Kia in raw output with 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque versus the Kia's 261 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia offers significant long-term savings, achieving 35 MPG combined versus the Pathfinder's 23 MPG, justifying its slightly higher initial MSRP.

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

You commute less than 34 miles daily and can utilize the plug-in electric range extensively.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, with an outstanding 36 MPG city rating.
You prefer the lower running costs associated with regular unleaded fuel and superior hybridization.

Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...

You require the highest available power output, leveraging 284 horsepower.
You need the physical presence of a larger vehicle, evident in its 70.9-inch height.
You prioritize a more traditional, torque-rich, non-hybrid driving experience with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid	Nissan Pathfinder
Length	183.5"	197.7"
Width	73.4"	77.9"
Height	66.9"	70.9"
Wheelbase	108.5"	114.2"

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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Nissan
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	284 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
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 automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Locking	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	36/35 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	399.6/388.5 mi.	370.0/499.5 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.	18.5 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Nissan
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	✓	—
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	42.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	60.8 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	58.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Manual
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	35.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	59.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	56.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

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	255/60R18
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Nissan Pathfinder.

What is the primary difference in powertrain technology between these two crossovers?

The Kia Sportage PHEV utilizes a plug-in hybrid system providing 34 miles of pure electric range and achieving 35 MPG combined. In contrast, the Nissan Pathfinder uses a standard gasoline engine delivering 284 hp but only manages 23 MPG combined.

Is the Pathfinder significantly larger than the Sportage PHEV?

Yes, the Pathfinder offers a more substantial footprint, measuring 197.7 inches long and 70.9 inches tall. The Sportage PHEV is notably more compact at 183.5 inches in length and 66.9 inches in height.

How much more expensive is the efficiency leader, the Kia Sportage PHEV?

The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid has an MSRP of $39,890, positioning it $3,490 higher than the base 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's $36,400 price tag.

Which vehicle provides better performance figures for spirited driving?

The Pathfinder wins on peak horsepower and torque, generating 284 hp and 259 lb-ft, slightly ahead of the Kia’s 261 hp and 258 lb-ft, making the Pathfinder the slightly more potent traditional performer.

Does the reduced cargo capacity in the Sportage PHEV affect its usability?

The Sportage PHEV offers 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is significantly more than the Pathfinder's listed 16.6 cubic feet, making the PHEV surprisingly practical despite the hybrid components.

Which vehicle requires less frequent fuel stops for long highway drives?

While the Pathfinder has higher highway MPG (27 MPG) than the Kia's 35 MPG highway rating when running on gas, the Kia's 34-mile electric cushion means daily stops will be fewer for the EV-capable Kia driver.