Kia Sportage PHEV AWD vs Ford Escape Active Hybrid

Comparison winners

4 metrics
0-100 winner Kia Sportage PHEV AWD 8.2 s Runner-up: 8.4 s
Power winner Kia Sportage PHEV AWD 265 hp Runner-up: 210 hp
Cargo winner Ford Escape Active Hybrid 971 L Runner-up: 540 L
Price winner Ford Escape Active Hybrid $34,295 Runner-up: $39,990

How the specs compare

This comparison sets the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD against the 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid. Both belong to the SUV class, so their dimensions, performance and utility figures address a broadly similar type of car. One uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain and the other a hybrid system, so range and consumption figures need to be read in that context.

Performance, power and 0-100 km/h

2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD has the quicker recorded 0-100 km/h time at 8.2 seconds, compared with 8.4 seconds for 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid. 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD has the higher listed output at 265 hp; 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid is rated at 210 hp, a difference of 55 hp. The torque figures follow 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD at 350 Nm and 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid at 210 Nm. These figures describe straight-line potential only; they do not establish braking performance, ride quality, steering response or durability under repeated hard use.

Range, battery, charging and efficiency

Range and energy-use figures are either not shared by both cars or not directly comparable across these powertrain types.

Dimensions, cargo space and towing

2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid provides the larger quoted cargo volume: 971 litres versus 540 litres, a difference of 431 litres. 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD carries the higher towing rating at 1,350 kg, while 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid is listed at 680 kg. 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid is 69 mm longer overall. Exterior size is not a benefit by itself: a longer body may create useful room, but cargo shape, rear-seat space and ease of parking still require a physical inspection.

Price and overall assessment

2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid has the lower listed starting price at $34,295, compared with $39,990 for 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD. 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD leads in more of the shared headline fields, but that is not a universal verdict: a buyer should weight price, performance, range and utility rather than simply count category wins. The assessment is based on the specifications shown here; it is not presented as a two-car road test.

Prepared by CarsbySpec from the structured specifications displayed on this page. Missing values are not estimated, and component figures are not treated as directly comparable system figures. Read the methodology.

Specification Kia Sportage PHEV AWD2026 Ford Escape Active Hybrid2025
Performance
0-100 km/h8.2 s8.4 s
Top Speed180 km/h185 km/h
Power265 hp210 hp
Torque350 Nm210 Nm
Range & Efficiency
Range70 km
Battery13.8 kWh
Fuel Tank54 L56 L
Efficiency1.6 L/100km5.6 L/100km
CO2 Emissions36 g/km128 g/km
DC Charging50 kW
Size & Capacity
Length4,515 mm4,584 mm
Ground Clearance178 mm178 mm
Cargo540 L971 L
Curb Weight1,870 kg1,650 kg
Towing1,350 kg680 kg
Seats55
Turning Circle11.6 m11.4 m
Starting MSRP$39,990$34,295

Kia Sportage PHEV AWD vs Ford Escape Active Hybrid questions answered

Which is faster, the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD or the 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid?

2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD is quicker from 0-100 km/h at 8.2 seconds, versus 8.4 seconds for 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid.

Which has the higher top speed, the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD or the 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid?

2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid has the higher listed top speed at 185 km/h (115 mph), compared with 180 km/h (112 mph).

Which has more horsepower, the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD or the 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid?

2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD has more power at 265 hp, a 55 hp advantage over 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid.

Which has more cargo or boot space, the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD or the 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid?

2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid has more listed cargo space at 971 litres (34.3 cu ft), versus 540 litres (19.1 cu ft).

Which can tow more, the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD or the 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid?

2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD has the higher listed towing capacity at 1,350 kg (2,976 lb), compared with 680 kg (1,499 lb).

Which is heavier, the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD or the 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid?

2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD is heavier at 1,870 kg (4,123 lb), while 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid is listed at 1,650 kg (3,638 lb).

Which is cheaper, the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD or the 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid?

2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid has the lower recorded starting MSRP at $34,295 USD, compared with $39,990 USD for 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD. Regional pricing and equipment can differ.

Which is better, the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD or the 2025 Ford Escape Active Hybrid?

2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD leads in more of the shared headline fields, but that is not a universal verdict: a buyer should weight price, performance, range and utility rather than simply count category wins. This comparison is based on recorded specifications rather than a road test, so the right choice depends on the buyer's priorities.