2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference is the 11 MPG gap in combined fuel economy, favoring the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid (Car 1) at 35 MPG compared to the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander (Car 2) at 24 MPG. Car 1 also offers 34 miles of pure electric range, a critical advantage over Car 2, which lacks PHEV capability. Performance specs show minimal divergence, with Car 2 generating slightly more torque at 310 lb-ft versus Car 1's 258 lb-ft, though Car 1 has a lower starting MSRP of $39,890 versus Car 2's $40,860. Furthermore, the Grand Highlander (Car 2) is substantially larger, measuring 201.4 inches in length, while the Sportage PHEV is significantly more practical in tight storage, boasting 34.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to Car 2's 20.6 cu ft. This comparison pits efficiency and compact utility against sheer size and marginally higher peak power.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Sportage PHEV's 34 miles of electric range and 35 combined MPG offer superior daily cost savings for typical commutes.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander provides significantly greater exterior dimensions (201.4 inches long) and presumably superior interior volume for larger families.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander delivers higher peak torque output at 310 lb-ft compared to the Sportage PHEV's 258 lb-ft.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Car 1 has a lower MSRP of $39,890 and provides PHEV capability with 35 MPG, indicating better long-term fuel cost value.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Your primary concern is maximizing fuel economy, indicated by the 35 combined MPG rating.
- You prioritize lower upfront cost, as the MSRP is $39,890, saving $970 over Car 2.
- Daily driving needs are fully covered by the 34 miles of dedicated electric range.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Maximum utility and passenger/cargo space are mandatory, evidenced by its 201.4-inch length.
- You require the higher peak output of 310 lb-ft of torque for towing or acceleration.
- A traditional 8-speed automatic transmission is preferred over Car 1's 6-speed automatic.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 201.4" |
| Width | 73.4" | 78.3" |
| Height | 66.9" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Locking | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 36/35 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/388.5 mi. | 373.8/498.4 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. | 17.8 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 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 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.8 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 56.5 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 255/65R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.
What is the true impact of the MPG difference on ownership costs?
The 11 MPG difference in combined efficiency means the Kia Sportage PHEV (35 MPG) will require substantially less fuel for equivalent mileage than the Grand Highlander (24 MPG), leading to lower annual refueling expenses.
How does the electric range of the Sportage PHEV affect the Grand Highlander comparison?
The Kia Sportage PHEV offers 34 miles of all-electric driving, which covers many daily commutes without using gasoline, a feature the Toyota Grand Highlander entirely lacks.
Is the Grand Highlander significantly larger than the Sportage PHEV?
Yes, the Toyota Grand Highlander is 17.9 inches longer (201.4 vs 183.5 inches) and 4.9 inches wider (78.3 vs 73.4 inches), making it a substantially larger vehicle overall.
Which vehicle offers better raw cargo capacity?
The Kia Sportage PHEV offers 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly outpacing the Toyota Grand Highlander’s 20.6 cubic feet, despite the Grand Highlander being the physically larger vehicle overall.
Do both vehicles require the same fuel type?
Both the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander specify regular unleaded fuel compatibility for their respective powertrains.
Is there a notable difference in horsepower between the two crossovers?
The power output is nearly identical; the Grand Highlander has 265 hp while the Sportage PHEV produces 261 hp, meaning horsepower alone will not dictate performance differences.
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