2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 GMC Acadia

$39,890 · Crossover

$43,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the smaller, highly efficient hybrid or the larger, more powerful SUV is a classic crossover dilemma. The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid starts at a compelling $39,890 and offers exceptional daily running costs, boasting a 34-mile electric range and 35 combined MPG. Conversely, the significantly larger 2026 GMC Acadia enters at $43,700, commanding an extra $3,810 upfront, but it delivers substantially more capability with 328 hp versus the Kia's 261 hp. This power boost comes at a real fuel expense; the Acadia only manages 23 combined MPG, a 12 MPG deficit compared to the Kia. While the Acadia provides greater dimensions (204.0 inches long vs. 183.5 inches for the Sportage), the Sportage’s plug-in nature prioritizes efficiency for the daily grind over sheer size and horsepower for weekend hauling.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage PHEV's 34-mile electric range and 35 combined MPG make it vastly superior for daily, cost-effective commuting.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 GMC Acadia

The 2026 Acadia wins for families needing space due to its much larger exterior dimensions and 204.0-inch length.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 GMC Acadia

The Acadia appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher output of 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage PHEV offers better long-term value by saving $3,810 upfront and delivering significantly better fuel economy.

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

You prioritize minimizing fuel costs, benefiting from 35 combined MPG and a 34-mile all-electric range.
Your budget cap is strictly under $40,000, as the MSRP starts at $39,890.
You prefer a more maneuverable vehicle with a shorter length of 183.5 inches for easier city parking.

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

You need substantial passenger and cargo room, reflected in the larger overall dimensions and potentially larger interior volume.
You prefer the superior acceleration provided by 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
You need the added flexibility of a 67 hp advantage over the Kia, despite the lower 23 combined MPG rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid	GMC Acadia
Length	183.5"	204.0"
Width	73.4"	79.6"
Height	66.9"	71.0"
Wheelbase	108.5"	120.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	GMC
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	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	GMC
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	GMC
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	GMC
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.	0/0 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.	—
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	GMC
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	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Digital Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	GMC
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	15.0 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	GMC
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	GMC
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	62.0 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	59.2 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	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	GMC
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	62.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	58.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	GMC
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	255/65R18
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	GMC
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 GMC Acadia.

How significant is the size difference between the two crossovers?

The difference is notable; the 2026 GMC Acadia is much larger, measuring 204.0 inches long and 79.6 inches wide, whereas the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV is substantially smaller at 183.5 inches long and 73.4 inches wide.

Is the added cost of the Acadia worth the extra power?

The Acadia costs $3,810 more at MSRP and offers 67 more horsepower (328 hp vs. 261 hp). However, this power trades directly for efficiency, as the Acadia gets 23 combined MPG compared to the Sportage PHEV's 35 combined MPG.

Can the Sportage handle my all-electric driving needs?

Yes, the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid provides a dedicated 34-mile electric range, which should cover most daily errands without burning any gasoline.

Which vehicle is better suited for highway cruising regarding fuel economy?

The Kia Sportage is more efficient on the highway, achieving 35 MPG, while the Acadia rates slightly better on the highway (27 MPG) than the city (20 MPG) but still lags behind the Kia's combined 35 MPG rating.

Do both vehicles come with All-Wheel Drive?

No, the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, while the 2026 GMC Acadia model listed utilizes a Front Wheel Drive setup.

How does cargo capacity compare if I need to move large items?

While the Acadia is physically larger overall, the Sportage PHEV actually offers more stated cargo capacity at 34.5 cubic feet versus the Acadia’s 23 cubic feet.