2025 Lexus NX vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$40,965 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity lies in fuel economy, where the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid achieves a combined 36 MPG, offering an 8 MPG advantage over the 2025 Lexus NX's 28 MPG combined rating. Power output further separates the two crossovers, with the Kia boasting 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, significantly eclipsing the Lexus's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft. However, the Lexus maintains a slight size edge in width (73.4 inches for both, but the NX is 0.9 inches shorter in length) while the Kia offers substantially more utility, evidenced by its 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft. Priced nearly identically at $40,490 (Kia) versus $40,965 (Lexus), the choice hinges on performance and efficiency (Kia) versus conventional refinement (Lexus). The Kia also features a dedicated 33-mile electric range, a metric the Lexus lacks.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV is superior for commuting due to its 33-mile electric range and higher 36 MPG combined rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage offers 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is significantly greater than the Lexus NX's 22.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV provides a decisive advantage in performance metrics, delivering 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia offers superior fuel efficiency, higher power, AWD capability, and more cargo space for a slightly lower MSRP of $40,490.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

You prefer the traditional operation of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You prioritize the specific dimensions and styling associated with the Lexus brand.
You rely on the consistent fuel type of regular unleaded without needing plug-in infrastructure.

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

Maximum fuel economy is paramount, leveraging the 36 MPG combined rating and 33 miles of EV range.
You require superior towing and traction characteristics provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You need significant utility, utilizing the 34.5 cu ft of available cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus NX	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	183.5"	184.4"
Width	73.4"	73.4"
Height	66.1"	66.9"
Wheelbase	105.9"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog 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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	203 hp @ 6600 rpm	268 hp
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	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	Lexus	Kia
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Locking
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	377.0/478.5 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	87/78 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	83 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	33 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	43
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	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	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Kia
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Lexus	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Kia
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 in.	54.8 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 Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.5 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/55R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Kia
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	—
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more powerful is the Kia Sportage PHEV compared to the Lexus NX?

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is considerably more powerful, delivering 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. This substantially outweighs the 2025 Lexus NX's output of 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle provides better long-term fuel savings?

The Kia Sportage PHEV offers better long-term savings due to its superior efficiency, achieving 36 MPG combined and offering an independent 33-mile electric range. The Lexus NX is rated significantly lower at 28 MPG combined.

Is the standard FWD on the Lexus NX a disadvantage against the Kia's AWD?

For varied weather or light off-road capability, the standard Front Wheel Drive on the Lexus NX is less capable than the standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system equipped on the Kia Sportage PHEV.

How large is the cargo space difference between these two crossovers?

The Kia Sportage PHEV provides substantially more usable space with 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Lexus NX trails significantly, offering only 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Are there significant MSRP differences between the two models?

The pricing is very similar; the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV starts at $40,490, whereas the 2025 Lexus NX begins at $40,965. The nominal $475 difference is negligible given the performance variances.

Does the difference in transmission type affect performance?

Yes, the Lexus utilizes an 8-speed automatic, while the Kia uses a 6-speed automatic, which may contribute to the Kia's higher torque figures (271 lb-ft vs. 184 lb-ft) despite having fewer gears.