Kia Sportage Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid: Which Is Better? Find Out  

Are you stuck trying to decide between the Kia Sportage Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid? If so, you're not alone. At first glance, the new Kia Sportage Hybrid and the Plug-in Hybrid are both impressive Kia Electric Vehicles. However, if you take a close look you'll quickly notice that the Kia Sportage Hybrid and the Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid both cater to slightly different needs. To demonstrate, the Kia Sportage Hybrid is perfect busy everyday commuters who are always on the go, and the Plug-in Hybrid is ideal for drivers looking to maximize their fuel-economy. For in-depth review of the Kia Sportage Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid take a glance below to see the advantages of each. 

Kia Sportage Hybrid

Vs

Kia Sportage Plugin Hybrid

 1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System Engine  1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System
 232 hp Combined Horsepower  268 hp 
 271 lb.-ft.  Combined Torque   271 lb.-ft.
 Not Specified  Engine Horsepower  177 hp 
 Not Specified  Engine Torque  195 lb.-ft. 
 Not Specified  Electric Motor Type  AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor
 Not Specified  Electric Motor Horsepower  97 hp 
 Not Specified  Electric Motor Torque  224 lb.-ft. 
 Not Specified  Hybrid Battery Type  Lithium-Ion Polymer
 Not Specified  Hybrid Battery Voltage  360 V 
 Not Specified  Hybrid Battery Output  88 kW 
  Not Specified  EVSE 240V Charging Time 2 hours 
  Not Specified  Dual Level 120V / 240V Portable Charging Cable Standard 
 6-Speed Automatic  Transmission  6-Speed Auto 
 Available  All-Wheel-Drive  Standard 
 13.7 Fuel Tank Capacity  11.1
 42 EPA Mileage Rating Combined  83
 SX Prestige  Top Trim  X-Line Prestige
   

Kia Sportage Hybrid vs Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid Engine & Performance Comparison 

Kia Sportage Hybrid Engine Specs

  • Kia Sportage Hybrid Engine Engine: 1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System
  • Kia Sportage Hybrid Horsepower: 232 combined horsepower
  • Kia Sportage Hybrid Torque: 271 combined lb.-ft. of torque.
  • Kia Sportage Transmission: 6-speed automatic 
    • ,

Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid Engine Specs

  • Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid Engine Engine: 1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System
  • Kia Sportage Plugin  Hybrid Horsepower: 268 combined horsepower
  • Kia Sportage Plugin Hybrid  Engine Horsepower: 177 hp 
  • Kia Sportage Hybrid Torque: 271 combined lb.-ft. of torque.
  • Kia Sportage Plugin Hyrbid Engine Torque : 195 lb.-ft. of torque
  • Kia Sportage Transmission: 6-speed automatic 
  • Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid Electric Motor: AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor
  • Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid Electric Motor Horsepower: 97 hp 
  • Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid Electric Motor Torque : 224 lb.-ft. of torque
  • Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid Hybrid Battery Voltage: 360V 
  • Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid Hybrid Battery Energy: 13.8 kWh
  • Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid Hybrid Battery Output: 88 kW
  • Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid Hybrid Battery Charging Time: 2 hours:
  • Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic


Kia Sportage Hybrid vs Kia Sportage PHEV: Which SUV Packs More Power

On the road, the Kia Sportage Hybrid Plug-in packs more power than the Kia Sportage Hybrid. The Kia Sportage Hybrid Plug-in hits the ground running with a combined horsepower of 268 horsepower, and 271 lb.-ft. of of torque. The Kia Sportage Hybrid, on the other hand produces 232 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of of torque. But for what it's worth both the Kia Sportage Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid come standard with a 1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder and Full Parallel Hybrid System. Of course as an add-on, the new Kia Sportage Plug-in comes standard with a  97 hp AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor with 224 lb.-ft. of torque and a Lithium-Ion Polymer battery. With this in mind, the Kia Sportage Hybrid Plug-in is the upper choice. 
 
  

Kia Sportage Hybrid vs Kia Sportage PHEV: Which SUV Has The Best Fuel Economy

As far as fuel-economy, the Kia Sportage Hybrid and the Kia Sportage Hybrid Plugin are both built to go the distance. To demonstrate, the Kia Sportage Hybrid can get up to 41 mpg in the city, 44 mpg on the highway, and 41 mpg combined. With the Hyundai Kia Sportage Hybrid Plug-in you get a combined fuel-economy of 83 mpge. Not to mention the new Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid offers an impressive all electric drive range. With this in mind, it all comes down to your driving habits. On the one hand, if you're looking for a new  SUV  that makes it easy to get up and go, the new Kia Sportage Hybrid is an excellent choice. However, if you don't mind waiting for your vehicle to charge, the new Kia Sportage Hybrid Plugin is a great choice drivers looking for a new SUV that can go the extra mile. 

Kia Sportage Hybrid vs Plug-in Hybrid: Which Hybrid SUV Has More Cargo Room

When it comes down to the interior, the new Kia Sportage Hybrid is slightly bigger than the Kia Sportage Hybrid Plug-in SUV. To be specific, the Kia Sportage Hybrid has 39.5 cubic-feet of cargo volume  with the rear seats up and 73.7 cubic-feet of cargo volume with the rear seats folded down. With the Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, you get 34.5 cubic-feet of cargo volume with the rear seats up and 65.5 cubic-feet of cargo volume with the rear seats folded down. Looking at both perspectives, the Kia Sportage Hybrid is the upper choice. Typically PHEV  offes less cargo space because they're battery pack takes up more space and adds weight. 
  

2026 Kia Sportage Hyrbid vs Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle: Final Decision 

All in all, the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid and the Kia Sportage Plugin-Hybrid Electric Vehicle are both fantastic vehicles. The key difference is the Kia Sprotage Hybrid has a slight edge whenever it comes down to long-distance driving. To be specific, the Kia Sportage Hybrid excels in long-distance drives because it doesn't rely on charging stations. However, if you're looking for the best way to get around town in Chicago and have a reliable charging station in a short distance near you, the Kia Sportage Hybrid Electric Vehicle is a top-pick-favorite. 

As far as room, the new Kia Sportage Hybrid is the upper choice. Come to think of it, the new Kia Sportage Hyrbrid's sticker price also undercuts the Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle's price.  

With this in mind, if you're looking for a new SUV with more room, and better for long-distance driving, the new Kia Sportage Hybrid is for you. However, if you're looking for a new electric vehicle with an impressive all-electric drive range, high-tech-features, and a futuristic design, the Kia Sportage Plug-in-Hybrid is the winner. 

Visit Napleton River Oaks Kia to see and drive the new Kia Sportage Hybrid and the Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicle today. We are located 17151 Torrence Ave. Lansing, IL 60438, and our doors are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. We are also open on Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. 

Kia Sportage vs Competition

  1. Napleton River Oaks Kia

    17151 Torrence Ave.
    Lansing, IL 60438

    • Sales: 888-711-0920
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Napleton River Oaks Kia

17151 Torrence Ave.
Directions Lansing, IL 60438

  • Sales: 888-711-0920
  • Service: 888-869-3305
  • Parts: 844-847-8438