2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Jeep Compass

$39,890 · Crossover

$30,595 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid explodes onto the scene with a robust 261 horsepower, offering near-EV driving with its 34-mile electric range, immediately setting it apart from the rugged 2026 Jeep Compass. While the Kia commands a higher MSRP of $39,890, it delivers superior performance metrics, boasting 61 more horsepower than the Compass’s 200 hp setup. The Sportage PHEV also achieves a higher overall efficiency, netting 35 combined MPG compared to the Compass’s 27 MPG. However, the Compass justifies its existence by being the entry point, starting $9,295 cheaper at $30,595, and excels in highway fuel economy at 32 MPG. Performance enthusiasts will lean toward the Kia’s punchy powertrain and 258 lb-ft of torque, while value-seekers will notice the 8 MPG combined efficiency gap bridged only partially by the Jeep’s lower entry price.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV's 34-mile electric range significantly reduces daily fuel stops for commuters.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage offers substantially more usable space with 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Compass's 27.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

With 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Kia provides significantly more immediate and thrilling performance.

💰 Best Value

2026 Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass offers a compelling entry price point, saving buyers $9,295 upfront compared to the Kia.

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

You prioritize rapid acceleration, leveraging the 261 hp available from the hybrid powertrain.
Your daily driving is predominantly short-range, allowing you to utilize the 34-mile all-electric driving range regularly.
Maximum utility is key, as the Sportage offers a superior 34.5 cu ft of cargo volume.

Choose the Jeep Compass if...

Sticking to a stricter budget is paramount, given the Jeep Compass's significantly lower $30,595 MSRP.
You frequently drive long distances where the higher combined MPG of 27 slightly outweighs the PHEV capability.
A more traditional off-road capable setup is desired, indicated by the Compass's Four Wheel Drive system versus the Kia's AWD.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid	Jeep Compass
Length	183.5"	173.4"
Width	73.4"	73.8"
Height	66.9"	64.8"
Wheelbase	108.5"	103.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Jeep
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	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Jeep
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	261 hp	200 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	221 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	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Jeep
Transmission Type	6-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	four wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Locking	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
4WD System Type	—	On Demand

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Jeep
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	36/35 MPG	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	399.6/388.5 mi.	324.0/432.0 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.	13.5 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Jeep
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	✓	—
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Steering Wheel Material	—	Leatherette/Simulated Alloy
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Jeep
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.4 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	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Jeep
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Jeep
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	39.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	54.1 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	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Seat Material	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Jeep
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	55.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	49.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Jeep
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	225/55R18

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Jeep
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.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Jeep Compass.

How much power difference is there between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid boasts 261 horsepower, giving it a significant advantage over the 2026 Jeep Compass, which produces 200 horsepower, resulting in a 61 hp disparity.

What is the cost savings associated with choosing the Jeep Compass over the Kia Sportage PHEV?

The Jeep Compass has an MSRP of $30,595, making it $9,295 cheaper than the Kia Sportage PHEV, which starts at $39,890.

Which vehicle is better for long-distance, non-stop highway travel efficiency?

The 2026 Jeep Compass achieves a slightly better highway fuel economy rating of 32 MPG compared to the Kia Sportage PHEV's 35 MPG combined rating (its highway rating is 35 MPG), but the Jeep runs purely on gas once its battery is depleted.

Does the Kia Sportage PHEV offer enough electric range for the average daily commute?

Yes, the Kia Sportage PHEV offers a dedicated 34-mile electric range, which is ample for many daily commutes before engaging the hybrid system.

Which vehicle offers more practical space for gear and luggage?

The 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV is the more capacious option, providing 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, substantially more than the Jeep Compass's 27.2 cubic feet.

What type of driveline setup does each vehicle employ?

The Kia Sportage PHEV utilizes an All-Wheel Drive system paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Jeep Compass comes standard with Four Wheel Drive mated to an 8-speed shiftable automatic.