2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$36,400 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary quantitative distinction between the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid lies in fuel economy, with the Kia achieving 36 combined MPG compared to the Nissan's 23 combined MPG—a significant 13 MPG advantage. The Pathfinder, however, offers superior physical presence, measuring 197.7 inches long versus the Kia's 184.4 inches, suggesting greater overall volume. Power output is close, with the Pathfinder generating 284 hp against the Kia's 268 hp, although the Kia compensates with greater torque at 271 lb-ft versus the Nissan's 259 lb-ft. The Kia also boasts substantially more cargo volume at 34.5 cu ft compared to the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft in the specified configuration. Despite the efficiency gains, the Sportage PHEV commands a $4,090 premium, starting at $40,490 versus the Pathfinder's $36,400 MSRP.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV wins due to its superior 36 combined MPG rating and 33 miles of all-electric range, drastically lowering daily operational costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia offers more than double the cargo capacity at 34.5 cu ft compared to the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft, making it more practical for gear and luggage.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder provides a higher peak output of 284 horsepower and utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission, suggesting a more traditionally powerful driving experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder offers a lower entry cost at $36,400 MSRP, providing a significant $4,090 cost advantage over the Kia.

Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...

Your budget mandates a lower initial outlay, as the MSRP is $36,400.
You require the larger physical footprint, evidenced by its 197.7-inch length.
You prefer the output from a higher horsepower figure, boasting 284 hp.

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

Fuel efficiency is paramount, given the 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of electric range.
You need superior storage, as the 34.5 cu ft cargo capacity is significantly larger.
You prioritize All-Wheel Drive capability over the Pathfinder's standard Front Wheel Drive configuration.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Pathfinder	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	197.7"	184.4"
Width	77.9"	73.4"
Height	70.9"	66.9"
Wheelbase	114.2"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row 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 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 Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	284 hp @ 6400 rpm	268 hp
Torque	259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm	271 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	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)	20/27 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	370.0/499.5 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 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	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
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	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Front Head Room	42.3 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	58.3 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Manual	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	59.6 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/60R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
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 Pathfinder and 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more expensive is the Kia Sportage PHEV compared to the Nissan Pathfinder?

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV has an MSRP of $40,490, which is $4,090 more than the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's starting price of $36,400.

Which vehicle offers better daily usability in terms of cargo space?

The Kia Sportage PHEV provides substantially more space, measuring 34.5 cu ft, while the Pathfinder offers only 16.6 cu ft in the specified configuration.

Is the Nissan Pathfinder significantly more powerful than the Kia PHEV?

The Pathfinder leads marginally in peak horsepower with 284 hp versus the Kia's 268 hp; however, the Kia generates more torque at 271 lb-ft compared to the Nissan's 259 lb-ft.

How do the drive types differ between these two crossovers?

The standard configuration for the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is Front Wheel Drive, whereas the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid comes equipped with All Wheel Drive.