2025 Lexus UX vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$36,740 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between premium efficiency and versatile plug-in power is tough when comparing the 2025 Lexus UX and the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV. If your main goal is maximizing miles between fill-ups, the Lexus UX shines with a stellar 43 combined MPG, significantly outperforming the Kia's 36 combined MPG rating, despite the Kia offering 33 miles of pure electric range. However, the Kia fights back with sheer capability, boasting 268 hp compared to the Lexus’s 196 hp, which is noticeable on the highway. Furthermore, families will appreciate the Kia’s massive advantage in utility; it offers 34.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the Lexus’s relatively compact 17.1 cu ft. While the Lexus undercuts the Sportage by $3,750 on the MSRP, this price gap might be offset by the Kia’s AWD and plug-in benefits for certain drivers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus UX

The 2025 Lexus UX wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 45 MPG in the city.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is better for families because it offers nearly double the cargo capacity at 34.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus UX

The Lexus UX offers better traditional value based on its lower starting MSRP of $36,740 and better gasoline efficiency.

Choose the Lexus UX if...

You prioritize the lowest running costs and mileage, given the UX’s 43 combined MPG.
You need the most compact footprint, as the UX is shorter at 177.0 inches overall.
Sticking to a lower initial budget is key, with the UX priced $3,750 less than the Kia.

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

You can leverage the 33 miles of electric range for short, emission-free daily trips.
You need true utility, highlighted by the Sportage’s 34.5 cu ft of cargo volume.
You want more assertive power, as the Kia delivers 72 more horsepower (268 hp).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus UX	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	177.0"	184.4"
Width	72.4"	73.4"
Height	60.6"	66.9"
Wheelbase	103.9"	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	✓	✓
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 Multi-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	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	196 hp	268 hp
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Torque	—	271 lb-ft

Drive Train

Feature	Lexus	Kia
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed 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)	45/41 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	43 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	477.0/434.6 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	10.6 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	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Kia
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	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
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Kia
Front Head Room	37.2 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.0 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	53.8 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	✓	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Kia
Rear Head Room	36.3 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.1 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	52.9 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.3 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.0 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	225/50R18	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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How significant is the power difference between the two crossovers?

There is a noticeable power gap; the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV produces 268 hp, while the 2025 Lexus UX is rated at 196 hp. This 72 hp difference means the Kia will feel noticeably punchier during acceleration and passing maneuvers.

Is the higher MSRP of the Kia worth the plug-in hybrid technology?

It depends on your driving habits; the Kia starts at $40,490, which is $3,750 more than the Lexus. If you drive less than 33 miles daily, the Kia's electric range could save you significant money on gasoline, potentially justifying the premium over the Lexus's great 43 MPG.

Which crossover is better equipped for hauling large amounts of gear?

The Kia Sportage PHEV is the clear winner for cargo capacity, offering 34.5 cu ft. The Lexus UX is significantly smaller inside, providing only 17.1 cu ft, making it better suited for small daily loads.

Do both vehicles use the same type of fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Lexus UX and the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, which is convenient for owners who don't want to deal with premium fuel requirements.

How does the driving setup (FWD vs AWD) affect typical use?

The Lexus UX comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), optimized for its high fuel economy. Conversely, the Kia Sportage PHEV features all-wheel drive (AWD), providing better traction and stability in varied or adverse weather conditions.

Which car will cost less at the gas station over a typical week?

The Lexus UX is the more efficient vehicle for gasoline-only driving, netting 43 combined MPG versus the Kia's 36 combined MPG (when running on gas). The Lexus achieves 45 MPG in the city, making it the economical choice if you bypass the Kia's EV range.