2025 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Ford Maverick

$27,390 · Crossover

$28,145 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the practical space of the 2025 Kia Sportage and the unmatched efficiency of the 2026 Ford Maverick presents a genuine dilemma for many buyers. If your priority is cabin comfort and established SUV ergonomics, the Sportage starts affordably at $27,390 and offers a competitive 187 horsepower. However, if stretching every drop of fuel is key, the Maverick is the undeniable champion, boasting a staggering 38 MPG combined, which is a full 10 MPG better than the Sportage's 28 MPG combined. While the Sportage is more compact at 183.5 inches long, the Maverick gains an edge in sheer size, measuring 199.8 inches long, though this doesn't necessarily translate to better cargo hauling, where the Sportage offers 39.6 cu ft. Consider which vehicle better matches your daily driving budget and needs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Maverick

The 2026 Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its significantly superior 38 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Kia Sportage is likely better for families as a traditional crossover with 39.6 cu ft of defined cargo space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Maverick

The Maverick offers slightly more horsepower at 191 hp compared to the Sportage's 187 hp, hinting at slightly punchier acceleration.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage provides a lower entry price point at $27,390 compared to the Maverick's $28,145 MSRP.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

You prefer the familiar driving dynamics and slightly taller ride height of a standard crossover body style.
You require more usable, enclosed cargo capacity, as the Sportage offers 39.6 cu ft.
Getting the lowest possible starting MSRP is crucial, as the Sportage begins at $27,390.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

You prioritize fuel savings, given the Maverick's 10 MPG combined advantage (38 MPG vs 28 MPG).
You need a slightly taller vehicle height (68.8 inches) for better visibility or clearance.
You prefer the smoothness of an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission for city driving.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage	Ford Maverick
Length	183.5"	199.8"
Width	73.4"	72.6"
Height	65.4"	68.8"
Wheelbase	108.5"	121.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Ford
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Ford
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6100 rpm	191 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	155 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	Ford
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	electrically variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Ford
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/32 MPG	42/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	38 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.5/457.6 mi.	579.6/483.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	13.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Ford
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Ford
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	13.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Ford
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Ford
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	55.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Ford
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	35.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	54.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Ford
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Steel
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	P225/65R17
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Ford
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Ford
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 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 and 2026 Ford Maverick.

How significant is the fuel economy difference between the 2025 Sportage and 2026 Maverick?

The difference is substantial; the 2026 Ford Maverick achieves 38 MPG combined, which is exactly 10 MPG better than the 2025 Kia Sportage's 28 MPG combined rating.

Which vehicle is physically larger: the Sportage or the Maverick?

The 2026 Ford Maverick is physically longer at 199.8 inches compared to the Sportage's 183.5 inches. The Maverick is also slightly taller at 68.8 inches versus 65.4 inches for the Kia.

Does the Kia Sportage offer more usable storage space than the Maverick?

Based on the provided metrics, yes; the 2025 Kia Sportage lists 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, while the specification sheet for the Maverick does not list comparable internal storage.

How close are their horsepower and torque figures?

The 2026 Maverick has a minor horsepower edge with 191 hp versus the Sportage's 187 hp. However, the Sportage produces more torque (178 lb-ft vs. 155 lb-ft).

Are there any major price differences between the two starting models?

The 2025 Kia Sportage has a slightly lower starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $27,390, compared to the 2026 Ford Maverick at $28,145.

Which car uses a different type of automatic transmission?

The 2025 Kia Sportage uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 Ford Maverick utilizes an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission.