2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Buick Enclave

$39,890 · Crossover

$46,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the versatile 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and the roomier 2026 Buick Enclave often boils down to prioritizing efficiency versus outright size and power. If your daily drive is around 30 miles, the Kia’s 34-mile electric range means substantial savings, especially when considering its $39,890 MSRP compared to the Buick's $46,200 sticker price—a difference of $6,310. While the Enclave boasts 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, the Sportage PHEV still delivers a respectable 261 hp and achieves 35 MPG combined. However, the Enclave is significantly larger, measuring 207.6 inches long versus the Kia's 183.5 inches, translating directly to its larger cabin experience, even if its efficiency drops to 23 MPG combined. This comparison pits daily running costs against maximum passenger and cargo capacity.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV is the clear winner for commuters due to its 34-mile electric range and superior 35 MPG combined efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Buick Enclave

The 2026 Buick Enclave wins for families needing maximum space, offering a much larger overall footprint (207.6 inches long) and 71.0 inches of height.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Enclave

Enthusiasts will prefer the Buick Enclave for its significantly higher output of 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia provides excellent long-term value, saving $6,310 upfront while offering PHEV technology and AWD capability.

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

You frequently drive less than 34 miles per day and can rely heavily on electric-only power.
You are looking for the most cost-effective option, evidenced by its $39,890 MSRP.
You need All-Wheel Drive capability combined with excellent fuel economy (35 MPG combined).

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

You frequently haul passengers and need the space offered by a larger vehicle (207.6 inches long).
You prioritize outright performance, benefiting from the Enclave's 328 hp engine.
You need ample cargo room, despite the Sportage's decent 34.5 cu ft, as the Enclave focuses on overall size.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid	Buick Enclave
Length	183.5"	207.6"
Width	73.4"	79.6"
Height	66.9"	71.0"
Wheelbase	108.5"	120.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Buick
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	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	261 hp	328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	Buick
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	Buick
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.	388.0/523.8 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.	19.4 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Buick
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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Buick
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	30.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	12
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Buick
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Buick
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	62.2 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	58.7 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	2-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Buick
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	62.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Buick
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	P255/55R20
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Buick
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.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Buick Enclave.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Buick Enclave than the Kia Sportage PHEV?

The Buick Enclave has an MSRP of $46,200, making it $6,310 more expensive than the Kia Sportage PHEV, which starts at $39,890.

Which vehicle is better for long road trips regarding fuel stops?

The 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV is better initially due to its 34-mile electric range, but once that depletes, the Buick Enclave's 20/27 MPG might be more consistent than the Kia's 35/35 MPG rating when running strictly on gas.

Does the extra size of the Buick help with hauling cargo?

While the Buick Enclave is physically much larger (207.6 inches long), the Kia Sportage PHEV paradoxically offers better listed cargo capacity at 34.5 cu ft versus the Enclave's 22.9 cu ft behind the rear seats.

Is the Kia's 67-hp deficit noticeable compared to the Buick?

Yes, the Buick's 328 hp is significantly higher than the Kia's 261 hp, meaning the Enclave will feel much quicker, especially when merging at highway speeds.

Which crossover is easier to park and maneuver in tight city settings?

The 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV is considerably smaller, measuring 183.5 inches long and 73.4 inches wide, making it much more manageable than the massive 2026 Buick Enclave (79.6 inches wide).

Why is the Kia PHEV rated for AWD while the larger Enclave is FWD?

The Kia Sportage PHEV comes standard with All-Wheel Drive for better traction in varied conditions, whereas the 2026 Buick Enclave is specified with Front Wheel Drive, focusing its power delivery on the front axle.