2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Ford Bronco
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid explodes onto the scene with electric capability, offering 34 miles of pure EV range while still achieving a solid 35 MPG combined. Contrast that efficiency with the rugged, exhilarating 2026 Ford Bronco, which boasts a muscular 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque channeled through a thrilling 7-speed manual transmission. The Sportage prioritizes practicality, squeezing in 34.5 cu ft of cargo space from its 183.5-inch frame, whereas the taller Bronco, standing at 71.9 inches high, sacrifices some hauling ability for 4WD prowess and off-road stature. While the Kia champions economy with its regular unleaded requirement, the Bronco demands premium fuel for its peak performance figures. This comparison pits plug-in efficiency against raw, traditional V6-like power delivery, making choices clear based on daily driving needs versus weekend adventure readiness.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Sportage PHEV's 34-mile electric range and 35 MPG combined easily surpass the Bronco’s 19 MPG combined for daily driving efficiency.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia offers superior practicality with 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft.
2026 Ford Bronco
The Bronco delivers an emotional connection with its superior 300 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque, and engaging 7-speed manual transmission.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Despite a slightly lower MSRP of $39,890, the Kia's incredible fuel economy offers significantly lower running costs than the Bronco.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prioritize low running costs and need an electric range of 34 miles for daily errands.
- You require maximum utility, as the Sportage provides an impressive 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer using regular unleaded gasoline and achieving a 35 MPG combined rating.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You crave maximum power, enjoying the 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque provided by the engine.
- You insist on a rugged 4WD platform and the interactive fun of a 7-speed manual transmission.
- You frequently drive on trails where the Bronco's greater height of 71.9 inches is advantageous over the Kia's 66.9 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid | Ford Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 173.7" |
| Width | 73.4" | 75.9" |
| Height | 66.9" | 71.9" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | 7-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Locking | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4WD System Type | — | Part Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Electronic Hi-Lo |
| Locking Hubs | — | Automatic |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 36/35 MPG | 18/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/388.5 mi. | 304.2/354.9 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. | 16.9 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 7 |
| 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) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.8 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 51.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 255/70R16 |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 16 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Outside Rear Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ford Bronco.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between these two SUVs?
The difference is massive; the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV achieves 35 MPG combined, while the 2026 Ford Bronco is rated at only 19 MPG combined, representing a 16 MPG gap.
Can the Bronco really compete with the Kia's electric capability?
No, the Bronco offers no plug-in capability; the Kia Sportage PHEV is designed for efficiency, offering an EPA-estimated 34 miles of pure electric range.
Which vehicle has more power for spirited driving?
The Ford Bronco takes the outright power crown, producing 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, noticeably eclipsing the Kia's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Is the Kia or the Bronco more practical for hauling gear?
The Kia Sportage PHEV is far more accommodating inside, offering 34.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft.
What is the transmission difference that affects the driving experience?
The Sportage utilizes a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission focused on smoothness, whereas the Bronco offers a more engaging 7-speed manual transmission for enthusiasts who want full control.
Do the price points reflect the difference in standard fuel?
Yes, the Kia starts at $39,890 and runs on regular unleaded, while the Bronco starts slightly higher at $40,495 and recommends premium unleaded for its superior power figures.
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