2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid (Car 1) and the 2025 Toyota Highlander (Car 2) lies in fuel economy, with the Kia achieving 35 combined MPG versus the Highlander's 25 combined MPG. The Kia also offers a 34-mile all-electric range, a metric unavailable in the standard FWD Highlander. Performance specs are closely matched: the Highlander delivers superior torque at 310 lb-ft compared to the Kia's 258 lb-ft, though horsepower is nearly identical (265 hp vs 261 hp). The Highlander is physically larger, measuring 194.9 inches long compared to the Kia's 183.5 inches, yet this size premium translates to a significant penalty in cargo space, with the Kia offering 34.5 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16.0 cu ft. Priced slightly lower at $39,890, the Sportage PHEV presents a distinct efficiency advantage over the $40,320 Highlander.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV is the superior commuter due to its 34 miles of electric range and significantly better 35 combined MPG.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander wins for families based on its superior exterior dimensions (194.9 inches length vs. 183.5 inches) and greater potential passenger capacity, implied by its larger physical footprint.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander appeals more to driving enthusiasts by offering 310 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the Kia's 258 lb-ft.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sportage PHEV offers significantly higher efficiency metrics (35 MPG combined vs 25 MPG) for a slightly lower MSRP of $39,890.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Your primary goal is minimizing fuel costs, benefiting from 35 combined MPG and a 34-mile EV range.
- You require a usable cargo area, as the Kia provides 34.5 cu ft compared to the Highlander's 16.0 cu ft.
- You prefer a lower initial investment, as the Kia is priced at $39,890 versus the Highlander's $40,320.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Maximizing powertrain torque is critical, with the Highlander delivering 310 lb-ft.
- You prioritize larger external dimensions, as the Highlander is 194.9 inches long and 76.0 inches wide.
- A Front-Wheel Drive configuration is preferred over the Kia's standard All-Wheel Drive system.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 194.9" |
| Width | 73.4" | 76.0" |
| Height | 66.9" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 112.2" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
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 shiftable 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 | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/388.5 mi. | 393.8/519.1 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. | 17.9 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 | 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 |
| 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. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 57.2 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. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 58.7 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 | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | P235/65R V |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
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 Highlander.
What is the total electric plus gas range capability of the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV?
The 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV offers 34 miles of electric-only range; when the battery depletes, it operates as a standard hybrid achieving 35 combined MPG.
Does the Toyota Highlander offer hybrid capability like the Sportage?
No, the specifications provided for the 2025 Toyota Highlander show a standard powertrain delivering 25 combined MPG, lacking the plug-in hybrid electric range of the Kia.
Which crossover is physically larger, and how does that impact interior utility?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is substantially larger overall (194.9 inches long vs. 183.5 inches long), yet the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV manages to offer more than double the listed cargo capacity at 34.5 cu ft versus 16.0 cu ft.
How do the horsepower and torque figures compare between the two vehicles?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander holds a slight advantage in power output, achieving 265 hp and a notable 310 lb-ft of torque, while the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV produces 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
What is the MSRP difference between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid has a base MSRP of $39,890, making it $430 less expensive than the 2025 Toyota Highlander's base MSRP of $40,320.
Which vehicle uses an All-Wheel Drive system as standard?
The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive transmission configuration. The 2025 Toyota Highlander is listed with a Front Wheel Drive configuration.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool