2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 GMC Terrain
Comparison Overview
The $9,790 MSRP difference between the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid ($39,890) and the 2026 GMC Terrain ($30,100) is the most significant divergence, immediately signaling different market positioning. Performance metrics strongly favor the Kia, boasting 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the Terrain's 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, an 86 hp deficit for the GMC. Efficiency is another key split, where the Sportage PHEV achieves 35 combined MPG and a 34-mile electric range, significantly overshadowing the Terrain's 27 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Kia offers superior utility with 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Terrain's 29.8 cu ft. While the Terrain defaults to FWD, the Sportage includes standard AWD, adding capability for a premium price point.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sportage PHEV's 34-mile electric range allows for substantial zero-emission daily driving, yielding better overall running costs.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia provides 34.5 cu ft of cargo space, which is substantially more usable volume than the 29.8 cu ft offered by the Terrain.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
With 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Sportage PHEV vastly outperforms the Terrain's 175 hp output.
2026 GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain secures the value verdict by offering a significantly lower initial entry price of $30,100 compared to the Kia's $39,890 MSRP.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prioritize maximum power, evidenced by the 261 hp engine.
- You want the benefit of an electric-only driving mode, as it offers a 34-mile range.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability combined with high efficiency.
Choose the GMC Terrain if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing initial purchase cost, saving $9,790 off the MSRP.
- You frequently use your vehicle in conditions where lower torque (184 lb-ft) is sufficient.
- You prefer the slightly wider body profile at 74.5 inches for potential shoulder room.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid | GMC Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 181.0" |
| Width | 73.4" | 74.5" |
| Height | 66.9" | 65.8" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Kia | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Locking | โ |
| Hill Descent Control | โ | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 36/35 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/388.5 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 88/79 MPGe | โ |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 84 MPGe | โ |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 34 mi. | โ |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 40 | โ |
| Charging Time (240V) | 2.0 hr. | โ |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.1 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | โ |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 15.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | โ | โ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | โ |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.8 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 44.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | โ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | โ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | โ |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | โ | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 51.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | โ | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | โ | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
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. | โ |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | โ |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | โ | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 GMC Terrain.
What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 Sportage PHEV and the 2026 Terrain?
The Kia Sportage is a Plug-In Hybrid producing 261 hp and offering 34 miles of pure electric range before utilizing its 35 combined MPG gasoline engine. Conversely, the GMC Terrain operates purely on gasoline, achieving a lower 27 combined MPG with a lower power output of 175 hp.
How significant is the price gap between the two models?
The MSRP difference is substantial, with the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV starting at $39,890, making it $9,790 more expensive than the 2026 GMC Terrain, which has an MSRP of $30,100.
Which vehicle offers better cargo-hauling capability?
The Kia Sportage PHEV is superior for utility, providing 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The GMC Terrain offers less room, maxing out at 29.8 cubic feet.
Does the drivetrain configuration differ between these two crossovers?
Yes, the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The 2026 GMC Terrain comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
Which vehicle uses a different type of automatic transmission?
The Kia utilizes a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission paired with its hybrid system. The GMC Terrain employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
Is there a notable difference in physical dimensions?
The Kia is slightly longer at 183.5 inches compared to the Terrain's 181.0 inches, but the GMC is marginally wider at 74.5 inches versus the Kia's 73.4 inches.
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