2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Subaru Ascent

$39,890 · Crossover

$39,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Picking between the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and the 2025 Subaru Ascent often boils down to prioritizing electric capability versus sheer size. If you commute less than 34 miles daily, the Sportage PHEV, starting at $39,890, lets you conquer most trips solely on electric power, offering a combined 35 MPG once the battery depletes. Conversely, the Ascent, priced slightly higher at $39,995, focuses on maximum interior space and passenger hauling. While both offer standard All-Wheel Drive, the Kia delivers 261 hp and is significantly more efficient. The Ascent provides more torque at 277 lb-ft versus the Kia's 258 lb-ft and is physically larger, measuring 196.8 inches long compared to the Sportage's 183.5 inches. However, that size penalty comes with a steep trade-off in fuel economy, netting only 22 combined MPG.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage PHEV offers an impressive 34 miles of electric range, drastically reducing gas use for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent's significantly larger overall dimensions and presumably greater passenger capacity make it the better choice for hauling bigger families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage PHEV provides slightly more horsepower (261 hp vs 260 hp) and superior acceleration potential due to the electric motor assist.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Given its PHEV technology and 35 combined MPG rating, the Sportage offers substantially lower running costs than the Ascent’s 22 combined MPG.

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

Your typical daily driving is under 34 miles, allowing for frequent zero-emission commutes.
Maximizing fuel economy is critical, as the 35 combined MPG easily beats the Ascent’s 22 MPG rating.
You prefer a slightly tighter vehicle footprint (183.5 inches in length) that is easier to navigate and park.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You regularly need maximum cargo utility, as the Ascent offers 17.8 cu ft of space, prioritizing rear hauling capability.
You prefer more low-end grunt for towing or heavy loads, thanks to its higher 277 lb-ft of torque.
Larger families need the extra interior volume provided by the Ascent's larger exterior dimensions (76.0 inches wide).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid	Subaru Ascent
Length	183.5"	196.8"
Width	73.4"	76.0"
Height	66.9"	71.6"
Wheelbase	108.5"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Subaru
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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	261 hp	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	277 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Subaru
Transmission Type	6-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Locking	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	36/35 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	399.6/388.5 mi.	386.0/501.8 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.	19.3 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.6 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	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	57.8 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	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	245/60R
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Subaru
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 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Subaru Ascent.

How much more fuel-efficient is the Kia Sportage PHEV than the Subaru Ascent?

The difference in efficiency is substantial; the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV achieves a 35 combined MPG rating, whereas the 2025 Subaru Ascent manages only 22 combined MPG, translating to significantly lower annual fuel spending for the Kia.

Can I use the Kia Sportage PHEV for long road trips without frequent stops?

Yes, the Sportage retains a respectable 35 MPG combined rating even after the 34-mile all-electric range is used up, meaning long trips are managed effectively by the hybrid system, unlike a full EV.

Which vehicle is physically bigger for passengers and cargo?

The Subaru Ascent is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 196.8 inches long compared to the Sportage’s 183.5 inches. This translates to greater cabin space, although the Kia surprisingly wins on maximum stated cargo capacity at 34.5 cu ft versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft (note: this likely reflects the Sportage's space with the rear seats up versus the Ascent's spec with seats down, based on typical segment configurations).

Are both vehicles suitable for snowy conditions?

Both vehicles come equipped with All-Wheel Drive systems, making both competent choices for areas experiencing snow or light off-road driving.

Is the difference in horsepower significant between the two crossovers?

The difference is negligible on paper; the Kia Sportage PHEV has 261 hp, just one pony more than the Ascent’s 260 hp, but the Kia’s electric torque delivery might make it feel quicker off the line in city driving.

Does the Sportage PHEV require premium fuel?

No, both the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and the 2025 Subaru Ascent are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep running costs down for both models.