2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Buick Envision
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid bursts onto the scene with 261 hp and an impressive 34 miles of pure electric range, immediately promising efficiency without sacrificing punch. Conversely, the 2026 Buick Envision offers a more serene, premium take, featuring a smoother 9-speed automatic transmission and slightly more width at 74.1 inches, appealing to those prioritizing quiet luxury. However, the power gap is notable: the Kia packs 33 more horsepower than the Buick's 228 hp, which translates directly to better acceleration. Efficiency is where the Sportage dominates; it achieves a phenomenal 35 MPG combined compared to the Envision's 24 MPG combined, representing an 11 MPG difference that saves substantial running costs. Starting at $39,890, the Kia undercuts the Buick’s $41,000 MSRP while offering superior electric driving potential and significantly better fuel economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sportage PHEV's 34-mile electric range makes daily commuting almost entirely gas-free, yielding superior running costs.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Sportage offers 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly more usable room than the Envision's 25.2 cubic feet.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
With 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Kia offers notably higher output than the Envision’s 228 hp.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia provides higher horsepower, better fuel economy (35 MPG vs 24 MPG), and a lower MSRP of $39,890.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prioritize ultimate fuel savings, benefiting from a 35 combined MPG rating versus the Envision's 24.
- You need maximum cargo hauling capacity, as the Sportage provides 34.5 cubic feet.
- You want the immediate torque and responsiveness offered by 261 horsepower in an AWD setup.
Choose the Buick Envision if...
- You prefer the refinement of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission for highway cruising.
- You desire a slightly wider stance (74.1 inches) and a lower overall height (64.6 inches) for a different visual profile.
- You are willing to pay a premium for an unspecified level of luxury and typically use premium unleaded fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid | Buick Envision |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 182.7" |
| Width | 73.4" | 74.1" |
| Height | 66.9" | 64.6" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 109.0" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 228 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Kia | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Locking | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 36/35 MPG | 22/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/388.5 mi. | 354.2/450.8 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. | 16.1 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 | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate 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 | 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 |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Bose |
| 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. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 55.1 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 | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 38.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 47.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
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 | P235/60R18 |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside 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 Envision.
What is the primary advantage of the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV over the 2026 Buick Envision?
The Kia's biggest advantage is its plug-in hybrid capability, offering 34 miles of electric range, drastically reducing gasoline use for shorter trips. Furthermore, its combined MPG is 35, significantly beating the Envision's 24 MPG.
How much more powerful is the Kia compared to the Buick?
The 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV boasts 261 hp, giving it a 33 hp advantage over the 2026 Buick Envision's 228 hp. Both vehicles, however, share the same 258 lb-ft of torque rating.
Is the Buick Envision better suited for hauling cargo?
No, the Kia Sportage PHEV is the clear winner for utility, offering 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Buick Envision offers substantially less space at 25.2 cubic feet.
How do the starting prices compare between these two AWD crossovers?
The 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV has a lower entry price point at $39,890 MSRP. The 2026 Buick Envision is positioned slightly higher with an MSRP of $41,000.
Which vehicle has a more refined transmission setup?
The 2026 Buick Envision utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which may offer smoother shifting characteristics compared to the Kia’s 6-speed automatic.
Do both vehicles require the same type of fuel?
The Kia Sportage PHEV runs happily on regular unleaded gasoline. The Buick Envision, conversely, recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.
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