2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport excites with its classic British AWD ruggedness, boasting 246 horsepower, but trails significantly in efficiency. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid grabs attention by blending electric versatility with traditional power, delivering an impressive 33 combined MPG alongside 261 horsepower. The Discovery Sport offers a respectable 32.2 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the Sorento, despite its PHEV tech, is notably longer at 189.6 inches compared to the Land Rover's 180.9 inches. This comparison boils down to two distinct philosophies: the Land Rover demands a premium for its traditional luxury SUV feel and standard AWD setup, while the Kia leverages a significant 13 MPG advantage in overall efficiency, even though its cargo capacity drops to 12.6 cu ft due to the battery. The Land Rover holds a torque advantage at 269 lb-ft against the Kia's 258 lb-ft, creating an intriguing dynamic between established capability and cutting-edge economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The Sorento's outstanding 33 combined MPG offers substantial long-term savings for daily driving compared to the Discovery Sport's 20 combined MPG.
2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Land Rover Discovery Sport provides significantly more accessible storage volume with 32.2 cu ft compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport offers higher peak torque (269 lb-ft vs. 258 lb-ft) and a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission, appealing to a more traditional driving engagement.
2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sorento starts at a lower MSRP ($48,290 vs $48,900) while delivering superior fuel economy and 30 miles of electric-only range.
Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...
- You prioritize maximum cargo utility, as the Discovery Sport offers 32.2 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
- You prefer a slightly higher torque output, with the Land Rover delivering 269 lb-ft compared to the Kia’s 258 lb-ft.
- You value the familiar, tried-and-true 9-speed automatic transmission for consistent power delivery.
Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, given the Sorento's class-leading 33 combined MPG and 30 miles of electric range.
- You need the lowest entry price point, with the Sorento having an MSRP of $48,290.
- You want the benefit of hybrid driving without compromising the 261 horsepower output.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Land Rover Discovery Sport | Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.9" | 189.6" |
| Width | - | 74.8" |
| Height | 67.9" | 66.9" |
| Wheelbase | 107.9" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Land Rover | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Land Rover | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | plug-in hybrid |
| Horsepower | 246 hp @ 5500 rpm | 261 hp |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm | 258 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 | Land Rover | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Land Rover | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/23 MPG | 33/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 33 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 336.3/407.1 mi. | 409.2/421.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | — | 77/71 MPGe |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | — | 74 MPGe |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | — | 30 mi. |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | — | 45 |
| Charging Time (240V) | — | 3.4 hr. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | — | SAE J1772 |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Land Rover | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Land Rover | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Meridian Speakers | ✓ | — |
| Stereo Power | 380W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Antenna Type | Diversity | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 12.3 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Land Rover | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Land Rover | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 39.1 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Land Rover | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.7 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 55.1 in. |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Land Rover | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | N/A | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
Suspension
| Feature | Land Rover | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Land Rover | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| EV Battery Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy between these two crossovers?
The difference is substantial; the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid achieves 33 combined MPG, giving it a 13 MPG advantage over the Land Rover Discovery Sport’s 20 combined MPG rating.
Which vehicle offers more practical hauling capability for trips?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the clear winner for space, boasting 32.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row. The Sorento PHEV compromises this space for its hybrid components, offering only 12.6 cubic feet.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport and the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, helping to keep running costs predictable.
What are the respective horsepower and torque outputs?
The Kia Sorento PHEV has a slight horsepower edge with 261 hp compared to the Land Rover's 246 hp. However, the Discovery Sport counters with more torque, delivering 269 lb-ft versus the Kia’s 258 lb-ft.
What is the size disparity between the two AWD crossovers?
The Kia Sorento is significantly longer, measuring 189.6 inches, while the Land Rover Discovery Sport is shorter at 180.9 inches, though the Kia is slightly lower in height at 66.9 inches.
Is the Discovery Sport’s AWD system better suited for rough terrain than the Sorento’s hybrid system?
While both offer AWD, the Land Rover badge generally implies a greater focus on off-road capability, supported by its robust structure and higher ground clearance assumption, which contrasts with the Sorento's PHEV focus on pavement efficiency.
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