2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Acura RDX

$39,890 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and the 2026 Acura RDX is fuel economy, registering a 12 MPG variance in combined ratings (35 MPG vs. 23 MPG). Pricing also presents a clear divergence, with the Kia Sportage PHEV starting at an MSRP of $39,890, significantly lower than the Acura RDX's $45,100 entry point—a $5,210 separation. Power output favors the RDX, which delivers 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kia's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Sportage PHEV provides 34 miles of pure electric range, a metric unavailable to the RDX. In terms of physical footprint, the RDX is marginally larger at 187.4 inches long, though the Kia offers superior utility with 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Acura's 29.5 cu ft. Transmission complexity also differs, with the RDX utilizing a 10-speed automatic while the Kia employs a 6-speed automatic.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

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

Maximum fuel savings over ownership lifecycle are a priority, benefiting from 35 combined MPG.
Consistent short-distance electric-only driving (up to 34 miles) is required daily.
Budgetary constraints favor a sub-$40,000 MSRP crossover.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Maximum achievable engine output (272 hp and 280 lb-ft) is desired for performance.
A sophisticated 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission is preferred.
Willingness exists to use premium unleaded fuel for peak performance.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid	Acura RDX
Length	183.5"	187.4"
Width	73.4"	74.8"
Height	66.9"	65.7"
Wheelbase	108.5"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Acura
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	✓	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Acura
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	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	280 lb-ft @ 1600 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	Acura
Transmission Type	6-speed automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Locking	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	36/35 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	399.6/388.5 mi.	359.1/461.7 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.	17.1 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Acura
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	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Acura
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	9
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Acura
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Acura
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	55.0 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
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Acura
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Acura
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Acura
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 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.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Acura RDX.

How much more will the Acura RDX cost annually to fuel compared to the Sportage PHEV?

Based purely on the 12 MPG difference (35 combined vs. 23 combined), the RDX will require significantly more fuel purchases annually, assuming similar mileage and current fuel prices. The Kia also benefits from using regular unleaded fuel versus the RDX's premium recommendation.

Does the Kia Sportage's electric range impact its highway fuel economy figures?

The 35 combined MPG figure for the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid accounts for its operation using the battery and gasoline engine together. The 34-mile electric range applies only when operating purely on battery power before the gasoline engine engages.

Which crossover offers better practical hauling capability based on specifications?

The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid provides 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, substantially exceeding the 29.5 cubic feet offered by the 2026 Acura RDX.

Is the Acura RDX's performance increase substantial given its higher price?

The RDX produces 11 more horsepower and 22 more lb-ft of torque than the Kia, which corresponds with its more powerful powertrain setup and 10-speed transmission.

How do the physical dimensions affect maneuverability between the two vehicles?

The Acura RDX is 3.9 inches longer and 1.4 inches wider than the Kia Sportage, suggesting the Kia may be marginally easier to navigate and park in tight urban environments.