2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$39,995 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant difference between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is fuel economy, with the Kia achieving a combined 36 MPG compared to the Subaru's 22 MPG—a 14 MPG advantage. Although the Kia starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $40,490 versus the Ascent's $39,995, the Kia offers superior power with 268 horsepower against the Subaru's 260 hp, although the Ascent leads marginally in torque at 277 lb-ft. Size also separates them significantly: the Ascent is physically larger, measuring 196.8 inches long and offering 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space, whereas the shorter, 184.4-inch Sportage PHEV boasts nearly double the cargo capacity at 34.5 cubic feet. Furthermore, the Kia introduces a 33-mile electric range capability, which the standard AWD Ascent cannot match, making the Kia potentially much cheaper for daily short trips.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid's superior 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of electric-only range offers significantly lower operating costs for regular commuting.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia provides substantially more accessible cargo space at 34.5 cu ft compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft, despite being physically shorter.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent delivers greater pulling power with 277 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kia's 271 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a $495 higher MSRP, the Kia's 36 combined MPG and electric range offer long-term fuel savings that outweigh the initial cost difference.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You require maximum stability and traction regardless of weather, relying solely on standard all-wheel drive.
You prefer a higher peak torque figure of 277 lb-ft for heavy-duty scenarios.
You prioritize the greater overall vehicle dimensions, specifically the 196.8-inch length and 71.6-inch height.

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

Fuel efficiency is paramount, leveraging the 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of electric range.
You need maximum accessible utility, as the 34.5 cu ft cargo capacity is nearly double that of the Ascent.
You prefer a slightly higher horsepower rating of 268 hp from the hybrid powertrain.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	196.8"	184.4"
Width	76.0"	73.4"
Height	71.6"	66.9"
Wheelbase	113.8"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	268 hp
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Subaru	Kia
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Locking
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 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	Subaru	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	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.
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How much greater is the fuel efficiency difference between the two crossovers?

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV achieves 36 combined MPG, significantly outperforming the 2025 Subaru Ascent's 22 combined MPG. This results in a 14 MPG advantage for the Kia, which will heavily influence annual fuel expenditure.

Which vehicle offers better utility and cargo capacity?

The Kia Sportage PHEV offers superior accessible cargo space, reporting 34.5 cu ft. This is nearly double the 17.8 cu ft available in the Subaru Ascent, despite the Ascent being dimensionally larger overall.

Does the Subaru Ascent offer any electric driving capability?

No, the 2025 Subaru Ascent operates exclusively on regular unleaded gasoline, delivering 260 horsepower through its standard all-wheel drive system. In contrast, the Kia Sportage PHEV can operate for 33 miles purely on electric power before utilizing gasoline.

How do the performance metrics (HP and Torque) compare between the two?

The Kia edges out the Subaru in peak horsepower, 268 hp versus 260 hp. However, the Subaru retains a slight advantage in peak pulling force with 277 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kia's 271 lb-ft.

Is the Subaru Ascent less expensive than the Kia Sportage PHEV?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent has a slightly lower MSRP at $39,995 compared to the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV at $40,490. However, buyers must weigh this $495 difference against the Kia's substantial fuel savings.

Which vehicle has a more conventional transmission setup?

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the 2025 Subaru Ascent relies on a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).