2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Nissan Murano

$40,490 · Crossover

$41,670 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid immediately grabs attention with its electrified punch, offering 268 hp and a crucial 33 miles of pure electric range, making daily commutes remarkably efficient while still providing standard All-Wheel Drive. Contrasting this is the 2026 Nissan Murano, a larger, more traditional cruiser spanning 192.9 inches long, leaning into established comfort, though it posts a lower 23 MPG combined fuel economy. The Kia commands a slightly lower MSRP at $40,490 compared to the Murano's $41,670, immediately signaling superior long-term running cost advantages thanks to its significant 13 MPG combined efficiency edge. While the Murano utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission, the Kia focuses its 271 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed unit. For sheer power-to-economy balance, the Sportage PHEV pulls ahead, delivering 27 more horsepower alongside its hybrid savings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage PHEV wins for commuters due to its 33-mile electric range, significantly reducing gasoline dependency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage offers marginally better cargo capacity at 34.5 cu ft and better fuel economy for longer family trips.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV delivers a higher peak output with 268 horsepower and superior low-end torque delivery expected from a hybrid system.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia provides substantially lower running costs due to its 13 MPG combined efficiency advantage over the Murano at a lower entry price.

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

You prioritize fuel savings, capitalizing on the 13 MPG combined efficiency gap between the two crossovers.
You want a competitive electric driving experience with a dedicated 33-mile range for daily errands.
You desire a higher output engine, as the Kia boasts 268 hp versus the Murano's 241 hp.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

You prefer a larger footprint, as the Murano is over 8 inches longer, contributing to a commanding road presence.
You value a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission over the Kia's 6-speed shiftable automatic.
You prefer the slightly wider stance of the Murano (78.0 inches vs. 73.4 inches) for perceived stability.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid	Nissan Murano
Length	184.4"	192.9"
Width	73.4"	78.0"
Height	66.9"	67.9"
Wheelbase	108.5"	111.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	268 hp	241 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	271 lb-ft	260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
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	Kia	Nissan
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Locking	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	35/36 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	36 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.5/399.6 mi.	392.7/504.9 mi.
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.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.1 gal.	18.7 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Nissan
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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Nissan
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
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	60.8 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	56.9 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
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	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	56.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	P255/55R20
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Nissan Murano.

What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2026 Sportage PHEV and the 2026 Murano?

The Kia Sportage is a Plug-In Hybrid achieving 268 hp and 33 miles of electric range, whereas the Nissan Murano uses a traditional gasoline powertrain producing 241 hp. This distinction results in the Kia achieving 36 MPG combined versus the Murano's 23 MPG combined.

Does the larger Murano offer significantly more space than the Sportage?

Not substantially in the cargo area; the Sportage PHEV leads with 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Murano's 32.9 cubic feet. However, the Murano is physically longer at 192.9 inches.

Is the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV more expensive than the 2026 Nissan Murano?

No, the Kia has a lower starting MSRP of $40,490, while the Nissan Murano starts at $41,670. This $1,280 price difference is quickly offset by the Kia's fuel savings.

Which vehicle offers better acceleration performance based on the provided stats?

Based purely on horsepower and torque figures, the Sportage PHEV should feel quicker, sporting 268 hp and 271 lb-ft versus the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft. Both utilize all-wheel drive, but the Kia's electric boost aids responsiveness.

What kind of fuel do both crossovers use?

Both the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and the 2026 Nissan Murano are compatible with regular unleaded fuel, making fueling simple despite their different drive systems.

How do their transmissions compare in terms of gear count?

The Nissan Murano utilizes a more gear-heavy 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, aimed at maximizing highway efficiency. Conversely, the Kia Sportage PHEV relies on a 6-speed shiftable automatic geared to balance electric and gasoline power delivery.