2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$40,470 · Crossover

$48,290 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is fuel economy, with the Sorento achieving a combined 33 MPG versus the Murano's 23 MPG, equating to a 10 MPG advantage. This efficiency gain comes at a premium, as the Sorento PHEV commands an MSRP of $48,290, $7,820 more than the Murano's $40,470 base price. Power output is similar, with the Sorento offering 261 hp compared to the Murano's 241 hp, although the Murano slightly leads in torque with 260 lb-ft versus the Kia's 258 lb-ft. Dimensional differences show the Murano is longer at 192.9 inches, though the Sorento PHEV compensates with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard, unlike the Murano's Front Wheel Drive (FWD). Finally, cargo volume presents a massive disparity: 32.9 cu ft for the Murano versus a significantly restricted 12.6 cu ft for the plug-in hybrid variant.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid offers a superior 33 MPG combined rating and 30 miles of electric-only driving, drastically lowering daily running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano provides substantially more utility with 32.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Sorento PHEV's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento PHEV provides 261 hp and standard AWD, offering superior traction and slightly more power output than the Murano's 241 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano offers a much lower entry cost at $40,470 and superior space efficiency for the price point.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

Cargo volume is a primary concern, as the Murano provides 32.9 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
The initial purchase price must be kept below $41,000, as the Murano starts at $40,470.
Optimal highway cruising efficiency is prioritized over hybrid benefits, delivering 27 MPG highway with FWD.

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

Fuel efficiency is paramount, given the Sorento PHEV's combined 33 MPG rating.
Daily commuting routes fall within the 30-mile electric range, leveraging zero-emission travel.
All-Wheel Drive capability is required for handling varied weather conditions, as the Sorento features it standard.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Murano	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Length	192.9"	189.6"
Width	78.0"	74.8"
Height	67.9"	66.9"
Wheelbase	111.2"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Kia
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	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	241 hp @ 5600 rpm	261 hp
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4400 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	Nissan	Kia
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	33/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.7/504.9 mi.	409.2/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.7 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	Nissan	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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Infotainment Display	12.3 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	Nissan	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	59.1 in.
Front Hip Room	56.9 in.	55.6 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	6-way	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	40.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.9 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	235/55R19
Wheel Size	—	19 x 7.5 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

How does the standard drive type affect ownership between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Nissan Murano comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), which is typically more economical regarding initial cost and maintenance. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard equipment, providing better traction capabilities right out of the box.

Is the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV worth the extra $7,820 over the Murano?

The premium price tag on the Sorento is justified by its plug-in hybrid system delivering 33 MPG combined and 30 miles of electric range. If maximizing fuel savings outweighs the upfront $7,820 difference from the Murano's $40,470 MSRP, the Sorento presents long-term savings.

Which vehicle is physically larger for overall road presence?

The 2025 Nissan Murano is physically larger, measuring 192.9 inches in length compared to the Sorento's 189.6 inches, and is also slightly wider at 78.0 inches.

How do their cargo capacities compare for hauling goods?

The Murano offers significantly more cargo utility with 32.9 cubic feet available. The Sorento PHEV's battery placement restricts its space dramatically, leaving only 12.6 cu ft for cargo behind the rear seats.

Do the horsepower differences translate to faster acceleration?

The Sorento PHEV has a slight edge in horsepower with 261 hp versus the Murano's 241 hp, though the Murano retains a minimal torque advantage at 260 lb-ft compared to the Kia's 258 lb-ft.

What transmission technology differs between the two models?

The Murano utilizes a modern 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission to manage its conventional powertrain. The Sorento PHEV employs a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired specifically with its hybrid components.