2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
$39,890 · Crossover
$40,075 · Crossover
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV is tough since they sit almost side-by-side in price and performance. Both start near the $40,000 mark and offer capable AWD systems with similar efficiency, netting both a 35 MPG combined rating. The Kia edges out the Tucson slightly in pure electric driving, offering 34 miles of range compared to the Tucson's 32 miles. However, the newer Tucson pushes back with slightly better raw output, boasting 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Kia’s 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. Practicality leans toward the Sportage, which offers a more generous 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Tucson's 31.9 cu ft. Ultimately, the choice boils down to prioritizing a bit more electric hustle and cargo room (Kia) versus marginally superior power figures (Hyundai).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV wins for commuters due to its slightly superior 34-mile electric range versus the Tucson's 32 miles.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Families will appreciate the Kia Sportage's larger 34.5 cu ft cargo capacity over the Tucson's 31.9 cu ft.
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Enthusiasts will favor the 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV for its higher output of 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sportage PHEV offers a lower entry price at $39,890 while providing better EV range and cargo volume.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You want the maximum usable electric range, as the Sportage offers 34 miles versus 32 miles.
- Cargo space is critical, since the Kia provides 34.5 cu ft compared to the Hyundai's 31.9 cu ft.
- You want the lowest starting MSRP, as the Sportage is priced at $39,890.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prefer slightly higher power figures, headlined by the Tucson's 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque.
- You like the smoothness of a shiftable automatic transmission over the Kia's standard 6-speed automatic.
- You prefer the slightly shorter body length, as the Tucson measures 182.7 inches versus the Sportage's 183.5 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid | Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 182.7" |
| Width | 73.4" | 73.4" |
| Height | 66.9" | 66.3" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 108.5" |
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 | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | plug-in hybrid |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 268 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 271 lb-ft |
| 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 | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Locking | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 36/35 MPG | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/388.5 mi. | 388.5/388.5 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 88/79 MPGe | 80/73 MPGe |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 84 MPGe | 77 MPGe |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 34 mi. | 32 mi. |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 40 | 44 |
| Charging Time (240V) | 2.0 hr. | 2.0 hr. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.1 gal. | 11.1 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 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) | — | ✓ |
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. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 54.5 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 | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
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 |
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. | 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 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.
Are the electric ranges very different between the two PHEVs?
They are quite similar, which is common for vehicles in this segment. The 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV has a slight edge, offering 34 miles of all-electric driving. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV is right behind it with 32 miles of electric range.
Which vehicle is better for hauling groceries or gear?
The 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV is the clear winner for cargo needs. It offers 34.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV provides 31.9 cubic feet, a difference you might notice on big shopping trips.
Do I need premium fuel for these plug-in hybrids?
No, neither vehicle requires premium gasoline, which helps keep running costs down. Both the Sportage and the Tucson specifically call for regular unleaded fuel.
Is there a noticeable performance gap in horsepower?
While both are strong, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV is marginally punchier. It delivers 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, slightly ahead of the Kia Sportage's 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
How do their MSRPs compare for budget-conscious buyers?
The pricing is very competitive, with both vehicles hovering near $40,000. The Kia Sportage PHEV starts slightly lower at $39,890, making it the marginally better value proposition straight out of the gate.
Are both models equipped with All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV come standard with an all-wheel drive system, ensuring good traction in various conditions.
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