Performance, power and 0-100 km/h
2025 Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid AWD has the quicker recorded 0-100 km/h time at 7.4 seconds, compared with 8.2 seconds for 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD. 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD has the higher listed output at 265 hp; 2025 Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid AWD is rated at 243 hp, a difference of 22 hp. The torque figures follow 2025 Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid AWD at 394 Nm and 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD at 350 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
2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD provides the larger quoted cargo volume: 540 litres versus 456 litres, a difference of 84 litres. 2025 Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid AWD carries the higher towing rating at 1,588 kg, while 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD is listed at 1,350 kg. 2025 Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid AWD is 451 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
2026 Kia Sportage PHEV AWD has the lower listed starting price at $39,990, compared with $47,915 for 2025 Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid 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.