2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Dodge Durango

$39,890 · Crossover

$38,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the efficiency of an electrified crossover and the raw presence of a traditional SUV leads many buyers to the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid versus the 2026 Dodge Durango. If your primary concern is keeping running costs down, the choice is clear: the Kia delivers an outstanding 35 combined MPG, whereas the Durango manages only 20 combined MPG, a stark 15 MPG difference. However, if muscle is what you crave, the Durango boasts 295 hp compared to the Kia's 261 hp, even though the Kia wins on electric-only usability with its 34-mile range. Furthermore, the Sportage PHEV starts at $39,890, barely edging out the Durango's $38,995 MSRP, but offers significantly less traditional utility with only 34.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the Durango's larger dimensions overall.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

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

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Dodge Durango

Families needing maximum hauling space will prefer the physically larger 2026 Dodge Durango, despite its lower 20 combined MPG.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Dodge Durango

Enthusiasts leaning toward traditional power will enjoy the Durango's 295 hp output and rear-wheel-drive layout.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV offers significantly better long-term value by saving substantially on fuel costs through high MPG figures.

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

You prioritize efficiency and want to drive 34 miles on electricity before needing gas.
Your budget prefers better long-term running costs, benefiting from 35 combined MPG.
You need a smaller footprint for city driving, as the Kia is 17.3 inches shorter in length.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

You need the higher horsepower figure of 295 hp for spirited driving.
You require superior overall bulk and passenger space, evidenced by the Durango’s larger exterior dimensions.
You value traditional rear-wheel-drive dynamics over the Kia's all-wheel-drive setup.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid	Dodge Durango
Length	183.5"	200.8"
Width	73.4"	75.8"
Height	66.9"	72.1"
Wheelbase	108.5"	119.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Dodge
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	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Dodge
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	3.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	261 hp	295 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Dodge
Transmission Type	6-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Locking	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Dodge
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	36/35 MPG	18/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	20 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	399.6/388.5 mi.	442.8/615.0 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.	24.6 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Dodge
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	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Dodge
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	With Real Time Traffic
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Dodge
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	58.5 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	57.0 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	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Dodge
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	57.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Dodge
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	265/60R18
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Dodge
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.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Dodge Durango.

What is the main trade-off between the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV and the 2026 Dodge Durango?

The primary trade-off is efficiency versus size and traditional power. The Kia offers 35 combined MPG and a 34-mile electric range, making it excellent for short trips. Conversely, the Durango provides more raw power at 295 hp but suffers significantly in fuel economy at only 20 combined MPG.

How does the cargo capacity compare between these two crossovers?

The Dodge Durango offers substantially more cargo room for large hauling needs, providing 17.2 cubic feet. The Kia Sportage PHEV, while still practical, offers 34.5 cubic feet, which is nearly double the Durango's listed capacity for that specific measurement, suggesting a potential difference in how cargo space is measured or configuration limitations.

Which vehicle is better suited for high-mileage commuters?

The 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV is the superior choice for high-mileage commuters. Its ability to run on electric power for 34 miles daily, combined with a 35 MPG rating when using gasoline, drastically lowers fuel expenditure compared to the Durango's 25 highway MPG.

Are these vehicles similarly priced for the base models?

Yes, their starting MSRPs are quite close. The 2026 Dodge Durango starts slightly lower at $38,995, while the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV is listed at $39,890, meaning the price difference is minimal for entry.

What is the major difference in driving dynamics (AWD vs RWD)?

The Kia Sportage PHEV comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), offering better stability in slippery conditions. The Dodge Durango utilizes a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup, which enthusiasts often prefer for balanced handling characteristics and power delivery.

Do both vehicles use the same fuel type?

Yes, fortunately, both the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and the 2026 Dodge Durango are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, which keeps fueling costs straightforward.