2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Comparison Overview
The most significant divergence between the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV (car1) and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe (car2) is fuel economy, with the Kia offering a substantial 11 MPG combined advantage (35 MPG vs. 24 MPG) and an independent 34-mile electric range. However, the Santa Fe leads in raw power, delivering 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Kia's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. This performance edge comes despite a $5,090 lower starting MSRP for the Santa Fe at $34,800 compared to the Sportage PHEV's $39,890. The Kia prioritizes efficiency and utility with a taller profile (66.9 inches vs. 67.7 inches) and greater cargo space (34.5 cu ft vs. 14.6 cu ft), while the larger Santa Fe offers a longer chassis at 190.2 inches, though it sacrifices PHEV advantages for a lower base cost.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sportage PHEV wins for commuting due to its 34 miles of pure electric range and superior 35 MPG combined rating.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Sportage PHEV offers significantly more storage with 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cubic feet.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Santa Fe appeals more to performance enthusiasts by producing 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Kia's output.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe offers a $5,090 lower starting MSRP and superior peak horsepower for drivers prioritizing upfront cost and power over electrification.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Your daily driving commute is reliably under 34 miles to maximize electric-only travel.
- Achieving 35 combined MPG is essential for minimizing running costs.
- You require maximum utility, utilizing the Sportage's 34.5 cu ft of cargo volume.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- You desire higher baseline power figures, specifically the 311 lb-ft of torque.
- A lower entry price point of $34,800 is a primary purchasing driver.
- You prefer the standard 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a 6-speed hybrid automatic.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 190.2" |
| Width | 73.4" | 74.8" |
| Height | 66.9" | 67.7" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 110.8" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | 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 | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/388.5 mi. | 354.0/513.3 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. | 17.7 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 | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate 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 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.8 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 44.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | 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. | 40.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 54.9 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 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 235/60R18 |
| 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 Santa Fe.
What is the fundamental difference in powertrain technology between these two crossovers?
The Kia Sportage (car1) is a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), enabling 34 miles of all-electric driving before engaging the hybrid system for a 35 MPG combined rating. The Hyundai Santa Fe (car2) is presented here as a conventional gasoline model, achieving a 24 MPG combined rating.
How does the larger size of the Santa Fe translate to interior usability compared to the Sportage?
Despite the Santa Fe being physically longer at 190.2 inches versus the Sportage's 183.5 inches, the Kia offers vastly superior cargo capacity. The Sportage boasts 34.5 cu ft, while the Santa Fe only lists 14.6 cu ft.
Is the Kia Sportage PHEV less powerful despite being more expensive?
Yes, the Kia Sportage PHEV produces 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is slightly lower than the Santa Fe's 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
Which vehicle is cheaper to fuel over a typical year based on the provided MPG ratings?
The Kia Sportage PHEV (35 MPG combined) will be substantially cheaper to fuel than the Santa Fe (24 MPG combined), especially if the driver utilizes the 34-mile electric range regularly.
Do the vehicles share a similar transmission type?
No, the Sportage uses a 6-speed automatic optimized for its hybrid system, whereas the Santa Fe utilizes a larger capacity 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Are both vehicles exclusively All-Wheel Drive?
No, the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, as specified, utilizes a Front Wheel Drive layout.
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