2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$40,470 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the familiar comfort of a traditional crossover like the 2025 Nissan Murano and embracing new technology with the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid can be tough. The Murano starts at an MSRP of $40,470 and offers a respectable 241 hp, but its Achilles' heel is efficiency, achieving only 23 combined MPG. Conversely, the Sportage PHEV, priced nearly identically at $40,490, boasts superior power with 268 hp and a massive fuel economy advantage, delivering 36 combined MPG. While the Murano is slightly larger at 192.9 inches long with 32.9 cu ft of cargo space, the Kia provides 34.5 cu ft for gear. This comparison boils down to immediate fuel savings and hybrid benefits versus the larger footprint of the traditional V6-powered Murano.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV is the clear winner for commuters due to its 33 miles of electric range and superior 36 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage PHEV offers slightly more usable storage, with 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Murano's 32.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Despite the Murano’s presence, the Sportage PHEV wins for performance enthusiasts due to its slightly higher output of 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia offers significant long-term savings by achieving 13 more combined MPG while delivering comparable initial pricing and more horsepower.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

You prefer the slightly larger exterior footprint, with a length of 192.9 inches for a more substantial road presence.
You are looking for a standard front-wheel-drive crossover that uses a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission.
You want a vehicle that relies solely on regular unleaded fuel without needing to plug in for daily use.

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

You want to drastically cut fuel costs by leveraging the 33 miles of electric range and achieving 36 combined MPG.
You prioritize slightly higher output, as the Kia delivers 268 hp compared to the Murano's 241 hp.
You need standard All-Wheel Drive capability for better traction in varied weather conditions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Murano	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	192.9"	184.4"
Width	78.0"	73.4"
Height	67.9"	66.9"
Wheelbase	111.2"	108.5"

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	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
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	268 hp
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4400 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	Nissan	Kia
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Locking
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.7/504.9 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.7 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	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	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
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	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.9 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	6-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.9 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

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

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 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more efficient is the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV than the 2025 Nissan Murano?

The difference in fuel economy is significant; the Kia Sportage PHEV achieves 36 combined MPG, while the Nissan Murano is rated for only 23 combined MPG, offering the Kia a 13 MPG advantage.

Does the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV have enough electric-only driving range for my commute?

The Kia is rated for 33 miles of pure electric range. If your typical one-way commute is less than 33 miles, you might cover most local trips without using gasoline, though the EPA estimates 21 city MPG for the Murano.

Which vehicle is bigger for carrying cargo?

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV is technically better for cargo volume, offering 34.5 cu ft compared to the 2025 Nissan Murano's 32.9 cu ft, even though the Murano is physically longer on the outside.

Is the 2025 Nissan Murano more powerful than the Sportage PHEV?

No, the Kia Sportage PHEV holds the edge in raw power, producing 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, beating the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

How close are the starting prices of these two crossovers?

The starting prices are nearly identical; the 2025 Nissan Murano has an MSRP of $40,470, while the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV is listed at $40,490.

Why does the Murano get better highway MPG (27 MPG) than city MPG (21 MPG) if the Kia is a hybrid?

The Murano is a conventional gasoline vehicle, which often sees slightly better mileage at steady highway speeds. The Kia's fuel economy figures (35 city/36 highway) are homogenized by its plug-in hybrid system, which excels in stop-and-go city driving thanks to regenerative braking and electric assist.