2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Comparison Overview
Picking between the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV (car1) and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport (car2) often boils down to prioritizing electric efficiency over rugged capability and initial cost. The Kia, priced at $39,890, pulls ahead significantly with its 34 miles of electric range, meaning daily commuters might bypass the gas pump frequently, aided by its 35 MPG combined rating. However, the Bronco Sport is substantially cheaper at $31,845, offering immediate savings of $8,045. Power output is another major contrast; the Kia delivers a punchy 261 hp compared to the Ford's 181 hp. While the Bronco Sport sits taller at 70.2 inches, offering a commanding view, the Kia’s superior hybrid powertrain and extra 80 hp make it the more refined daily driver, despite its slightly smaller 34.5 cu ft cargo capacity versus the Bronco Sport's 32.5 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Sportage PHEV wins for commuters due to its 34 miles of dedicated electric range, potentially cutting daily fuel stops entirely.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
While both are crossovers, the Kia’s smoother 6-speed automatic transmission and higher 261 hp provide a more comfortable ride for family trips.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sportage PHEV is the performance choice, boasting 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque versus the Bronco Sport's 181 hp.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport offers significant savings upfront, costing $8,045 less than the Kia while still providing standard AWD.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You want the lowest possible running costs, thanks to the 34 miles of electric-only range.
- You prioritize higher power output, as the 261 hp engine significantly outperforms the Ford's 181 hp.
- You need better overall fuel economy, reflected in the Sportage’s 35 MPG combined rating versus the Ford's 27 MPG.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is critical, as it undercuts the Kia by $8,045.
- You prefer a more rugged aesthetic and a taller stance, with the Bronco Sport standing 70.2 inches high.
- You need a slightly taller driving position, which is supported by the Bronco Sport's greater height and 8-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid | Ford Bronco Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 172.7" |
| Width | 73.4" | 74.3" |
| Height | 66.9" | 70.2" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 105.1" |
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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Locking | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 36/35 MPG | 25/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/388.5 mi. | 400.0/480.0 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. | 16.0 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 | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.8 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 55.2 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 | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 225/65R H |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 Sport.
How much more expensive is the Kia Sportage PHEV than the Bronco Sport?
The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid (MSRP $39,890) costs exactly $8,045 more than the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport (MSRP $31,845) before any options or incentives.
Can the Bronco Sport match the Kia's electric capabilities?
No, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is a traditional gasoline AWD crossover and does not offer any electric range, whereas the Kia Sportage PHEV provides 34 miles on battery power alone.
Which vehicle has better fuel economy once the battery is depleted in the Kia?
Even running on gasoline, the Kia maintains a slight edge with a combined 35 MPG rating compared to the Bronco Sport's 27 MPG combined.
Is the Bronco Sport more powerful than the Sportage PHEV?
Absolutely not; the Kia Sportage PHEV produces 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Bronco Sport’s 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.
Do both models come standard with All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport come equipped standard with All-Wheel Drive systems.
Which crossover offers more space for gear?
The Kia provides slightly more overall cargo volume at 34.5 cubic feet, edging out the Bronco Sport which lists 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
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