2026 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$34,200 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most striking quantitative divergence between the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer and the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid lies in fuel economy, with the Kia offering a combined 36 MPG compared to the Blazer’s 25 MPG—a substantial 11 MPG advantage. This efficiency boost comes despite the Sportage PHEV possessing 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Blazer’s 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. However, the Blazer maintains an MSRP advantage at $34,200 versus the Kia’s $40,490. The Blazer offers 191.9 inches of length, making it physically larger than the 184.4-inch Sportage, although the Kia edges out the Chevy in utility with 34.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Blazer's 30.5 cu ft. Furthermore, the Kia offers 33 miles of electric-only range, a capability entirely absent in the standard Blazer.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV provides superior daily running costs due to its 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of pure electric range.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV offers greater utility with 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage PHEV delivers 40 more horsepower (268 hp vs 228 hp) and higher torque (271 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft).

💰 Best Value

2026 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2026 Chevrolet Blazer starts $6,290 lower at an MSRP of $34,200 while still offering a respectable 25 MPG combined.

Choose the Chevrolet Blazer if...

Total purchase price is the primary constraint, as the Blazer starts $6,290 cheaper.
Maximum straight-line exterior length is needed (191.9 inches vs 184.4 inches).
The driver prefers a front-wheel-drive configuration paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

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

Fuel efficiency is paramount, due to the 36 combined MPG rating.
The buyer prioritizes outright power, benefiting from 268 hp and standard AWD.
A plug-in hybrid component, including 33 miles of electric range, is a requirement.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Blazer	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	191.9"	184.4"
Width	76.7"	73.4"
Height	67.0"	66.9"
Wheelbase	113.0"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	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	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	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	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	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	228 hp @ 5000 rpm	268 hp
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Chevrolet	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	Chevrolet	Kia
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	426.8/562.6 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 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	Chevrolet	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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Infotainment Display	10.2 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 Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
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	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.6 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.6 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.2 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/65R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	19 x 7.5 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer and 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How does the real-world fuel cost compare between these two crossovers?

The Kia Sportage PHEV has a significant operational advantage, achieving 36 combined MPG versus the Blazer's 25 combined MPG, meaning lower routine spending on gasoline over time. Furthermore, the Kia’s 33 miles of EV range allows for zero-emission short commutes using grid power.

Is the higher MSRP of the Kia justified by its performance metrics?

The $40,490 Kia commands a $6,290 premium, but this investment buys 40 more horsepower (268 hp) and 271 lb-ft of torque, making it significantly quicker than the 228 hp Blazer.

Which vehicle is physically larger inside for cargo?

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV offers slightly more maximum utility, providing 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space, whereas the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer accommodates 30.5 cubic feet.

What is the fuel type requirement difference?

The Chevrolet Blazer recommends premium unleaded fuel, which adds to long-term ownership costs. Conversely, the Kia Sportage PHEV operates efficiently on regular unleaded fuel.

Does the drivetrain configuration differ between the models?

Yes, the base Chevrolet Blazer comes standard with front-wheel drive, while the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid features standard all-wheel drive, providing enhanced traction.