2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid ignites the efficiency segment with its electrifying 34-mile EV range and a segment-leading 35 combined MPG, perfectly blending eco-consciousness with capable performance from its 261 hp powertrain. Conversely, the sheer presence and raw power of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade command attention, boasting 287 hp and a more imposing 199.2-inch length suitable for grander hauls. The Sportage PHEV offers a clear technological edge, sipping fuel while the Palisade leans into traditional V6 muscle, reflected in its 21 combined MPG versus the Kia’s impressive figure. While the Palisade is substantially larger, providing a 19.1 cu ft cargo area, the Kia manages a respectable 34.5 cu ft despite its smaller footprint. The $39,890 Sportage challenges the $39,435 Palisade by offering technological savings against brute-force output, making this a classic showdown between mileage mastery and sheer size advantage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Sportage PHEV's 34-mile electric range significantly reduces daily running costs compared to the less efficient Palisade.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade's significantly larger dimensions (199.2 inches long vs 183.5 inches) imply superior overall passenger and third-row accommodation, even if cargo space data suggests otherwise.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade offers higher peak power with 287 hp and more gear ratios via its 8-speed automatic transmission for a more engaging drive when maximizing output.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Sportage PHEV offers substantial fuel savings with 35 combined MPG and significant electric-only driving potential for nearly the same MSRP.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Your daily driving is under 34 miles and you prioritize minimizing fuel stops.
- You need the greater utility of 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space in a compact AWD package.
- You prefer the efficiency gains derived from the 261 hp Plug-In Hybrid powertrain.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You require the absolute maximum output, featuring 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
- You need the commanding presence and interior space afforded by the longer 199.2-inch body.
- You are satisfied with the 19/25 MPG split from the standard AWD powertrain.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 199.2" |
| Width | 73.4" | 78.0" |
| Height | 66.9" | 69.5" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 116.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 287 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft @ 5000 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 36/35 MPG | 19/25 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/388.5 mi. | 361.0/475.0 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. | 19.0 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 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) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.8 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 44.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 61.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 58.8 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 61.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 235/65R |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| EV Battery Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Kia Sportage PHEV compared to the Hyundai Palisade?
The difference is substantial: the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid achieves 35 combined MPG, whereas the standard Palisade manages only 21 combined MPG, resulting in a 14 MPG efficiency gap.
Which vehicle offers better acceleration and engine output?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade pulls ahead in peak power with 287 hp, surpassing the Sportage PHEV's 261 hp, despite the Kia's electric assist.
Does the smaller Kia Sportage have better cargo capacity?
Surprisingly, yes; the Kia Sportage PHEV offers 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly exceeding the larger Hyundai Palisade's 19.1 cubic feet.
What is the main trade-off when choosing the Sportage PHEV over the Palisade?
The trade-off is primarily size and peak power; the Kia is shorter by over 15 inches and less powerful than the Palisade's 287 hp output.
Are both vehicles similar in base price?
Yes, they are very close in entry price; the Palisade starts at $39,435, only slightly undercutting the Sportage PHEV's $39,890 MSRP.
How does the electric driving capability affect daily commuting?
The Kia Sportage PHEV includes a dedicated 34-mile electric range, meaning many short commutes can be completed without using any regular unleaded fuel, a feature the Palisade lacks entirely.
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