2026 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$38,995 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

When facing the choice between raw power and daily running costs, the decision between the 2026 Dodge Durango and the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid gets real interesting. Buyers often grapple with needing a vehicle that hauls or one that saves significantly at the pump. The Durango kicks things off at a slightly lower MSRP of $38,995 and boasts a stout 295 horsepower, positioning it as the muscle in this duo. However, its 20 MPG combined efficiency pales next to the Sportage PHEV’s impressive 36 combined MPG rating. Furthermore, the Kia’s electric range of 33 miles offers massive savings for short commutes. The Durango is substantially larger, measuring 200.8 inches long, while the Sportage prioritizes utility with double the standard cargo space at 34.5 cubic feet versus the Durango's 17.2 cu ft behind the last row. This comparison highlights a classic trade-off between traditional V6 performance and cutting-edge hybrid practicality.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV wins for commuters due to its superior 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of pure electric range, drastically lowering running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Families benefit more from the Kia’s 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Durango's 17.2 cu ft, offering much better hauling space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Dodge Durango

Enthusiasts will prefer the Dodge Durango for its higher 295 horsepower output and traditional rear-wheel-drive configuration.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a slightly higher starting price of $40,490, the significant fuel savings offered by the Sportage PHEV's 36 MPG provides better long-term value.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

You absolutely need the higher power rating of 295 horsepower for towing or performance driving.
You prefer the traditional driving dynamics and larger footprint of a 200.8-inch long vehicle with RWD.
You rely solely on regular unleaded fuel and do not want to deal with charging infrastructure.

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

Maximizing fuel economy is key, benefiting from the 16 MPG advantage (36 vs 20 combined).
You prioritize interior utility, as the Kia offers nearly double the cargo space at 34.5 cubic feet.
You can leverage the 33 miles of electric range to cover most daily errands without using gasoline.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Dodge Durango	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	200.8"	184.4"
Width	75.8"	73.4"
Height	72.1"	66.9"
Wheelbase	119.8"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
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
Brake Drying	✓	—
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 Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	295 hp @ 6400 rpm	268 hp
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Dodge	Kia
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Locking
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.8/615.0 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.6 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	Dodge	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Infotainment Display	10.1 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	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	57.0 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: 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
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Dodge	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/60R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Dodge	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	5 yr./ 60000 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 2026 Dodge Durango and 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Durango compared to the Sportage PHEV?

The 2026 Dodge Durango offers 295 horsepower, which is a clear advantage over the Kia Sportage PHEV’s 268 horsepower. While the Durango has more power, the Kia counters with slightly more torque at 271 lb-ft versus the Durango's 260 lb-ft.

Is the price difference between the two crossovers significant for buyers?

The base MSRPs are very close; the Durango starts at $38,995 while the Sportage PHEV is $40,490. However, the long-term cost savings from the Kia’s significantly better MPG will quickly offset this initial $1,495 difference.

Which vehicle is better for tight urban parking and maneuverability?

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV is easier to manage in tight spots, as it is considerably smaller, measuring 184.4 inches long and 73.4 inches wide. The Durango is bulkier at 200.8 inches long and 75.8 inches wide.

Does the Durango offer better space for hauling gear behind the rear seats?

No, the Durango is surprisingly limited here, offering only 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The Kia Sportage PHEV doubles this utility, providing 34.5 cubic feet, making it superior for large family hauls.

What fuel type do both the Durango and the Sportage PHEV use?

Both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline at the pump. This simplicity in fueling keeps running costs predictable for both the V6 engine in the Durango and the hybrid system in the Kia.

Why does the Durango use RWD while the Kia has AWD?

The Durango’s rear-wheel-drive configuration is typically favored for performance driving and handling its higher power output. The Kia Sportage PHEV comes standard with all-wheel drive, offering better traction security in various weather conditions.