2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is fuel efficiency, with the Kia offering a 36 combined MPG compared to the Toyota's 24 combined MPG, representing a 12 MPG advantage. Priced nearly identically, the Grand Highlander ($40,860 MSRP) is substantially larger, measuring 201.4 inches in length versus the Kia's 184.4 inches, which translates directly into superior utility; the Toyota provides 20.6 cu ft of cargo space, while the Sportage PHEV boasts a much larger 34.5 cu ft capacity. Performance figures are closely matched, with the Kia providing 268 hp versus the Toyota's 265 hp, although the Grand Highlander generates higher torque at 310 lb-ft compared to the Kia's 271 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Kia's plug-in capability adds a 33-mile electric range to its fuel economy figures, a feature absent in the conventionally powered Toyota.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV wins for commuters due to its superior 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of all-electric range.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is superior for families due to its substantially larger exterior dimensions and greater passenger capacity implied by its size.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander is preferred by enthusiasts seeking stronger acceleration characteristics, evidenced by its higher 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Kia's 271 lb-ft.
2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Sportage PHEV offers better overall operational value given its $40,490 MSRP, significantly better MPG, and plug-in hybrid technology.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Maximum physical size is required, as the Grand Highlander has a length of 201.4 inches.
- Higher torque output (310 lb-ft) is prioritized for hauling or towing applications.
- Traditional crossover architecture without the complexity of a plug-in hybrid system is preferred.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is critical, boasting a 36 combined MPG rating.
- Significant cargo capacity (34.5 cu ft) in a smaller footprint is needed.
- The driver prioritizes electric-only driving capability with a 33-mile range.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 184.4" |
| Width | 78.3" | 73.4" |
| Height | 70.1" | 66.9" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 108.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | plug-in hybrid |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 268 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Locking |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/28 MPG | 35/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 36 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 373.8/498.4 mi. | 388.5/399.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 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 | Toyota | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | 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 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.2 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 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 |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.8 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
| EV Battery Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.
Which vehicle has better fuel economy for daily driving?
The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid offers significantly better fuel efficiency with a combined 36 MPG compared to the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander's 24 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Kia allows for up to 33 miles of purely electric driving before engaging the gasoline engine.
How does the cargo space compare between these two crossovers?
The Kia Sportage PHEV provides substantially more standard cargo capacity at 34.5 cubic feet, despite being physically smaller than the Toyota. The Grand Highlander offers 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, indicating a major difference in usable storage.
Is the Toyota Grand Highlander more powerful than the Kia Sportage PHEV?
The Kia edges out the Toyota in peak horsepower, delivering 268 hp versus the Toyota's 265 hp. However, the Grand Highlander compensates with higher torque figures, achieving 310 lb-ft to the Kia's 271 lb-ft.
What is the price difference between the two models?
The two vehicles are priced very closely, with the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV having a slightly lower MSRP of $40,490. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is listed at $40,860, a difference of just $370.
Which vehicle has a larger overall physical footprint?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the larger vehicle, measuring 201.4 inches in length and 78.3 inches in width. The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV is considerably more compact at 184.4 inches long and 73.4 inches wide.
What drive train differences exist between the two standard configurations?
The standard configurations show differences in the drivetrain layout; the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is listed as front-wheel drive, whereas the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV comes equipped with all-wheel drive.
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