Kia Sportage Hybrid vs Ford Escape Hybrid Plug-in

2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Plug-in
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Plug-in
$33,075MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
$30,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Plug-in
$33,075MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
$30,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

2020-Present

Years produced

2023-Present

MSRP

$33,075

MSRP

$30,290

Listings

4042

Listings

9765

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

5.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Pros

  • Great ride quality

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Sluggish performance

  • All-wheel drive not available

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient

  • Comfortable

  • Premium interior materials

Cons

  • Fuel efficiency drops with AWD

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Some advanced safety features are not standard

Reviews Summary

Announced ahead of the 2020 model year, the Ford Escape PHEV already looks like a half-measure in 2021. An electric motor and battery pack provide reasonable driving range in ideal conditions, helping it achieve a commendable combined fuel economy rating from the EPA. But in a rapidly electrifying marketplace, and with many of the most exciting EVs coming from the Blue Oval itself, the Escape PHEV is hard to recommend as a long-term option.

Reviews Summary

The Sportage is big enough for family use, but not so large that it's unwieldy or difficult to park in the city or in an owner's garage. It's packed with useful technology, and boasts bold styling that stands out in a sea of similarly shaped crossovers. In its hybrid-powered form, it’s also efficient, though its mileage ratings drop dramatically with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Verdict: The 2026 Kia Sportage is sized right in between smaller subcompact and larger compact crossover SUVs, and it strikes an intriguing balance of roominess, comfort and efficiency that ought to win over plenty of American buyers.

No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 221 hp I4 Hybrid

Engine

1.6L 232 hp I4 Hybrid

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

EV Battery Capacity

14.4 kWh

EV Battery Capacity

1.5 kWh

MPG City

43

MPG City

41

MPG Highway

38

MPG Highway

44
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Plug-in
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Plug-in
$33,075MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
$30,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Plug-in
$33,075MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
$30,290MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
2020-Present
2023-Present
MSRP
$33,075
$30,290
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.1

4.6

Expert reviews

5.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Great ride quality

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Sluggish performance

  • All-wheel drive not available

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient

  • Comfortable

  • Premium interior materials

Cons

  • Fuel efficiency drops with AWD

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Some advanced safety features are not standard

Summary
Announced ahead of the 2020 model year, the Ford Escape PHEV already looks like a half-measure in 2021. An electric motor and battery pack provide reasonable driving range in ideal conditions, helping it achieve a commendable combined fuel economy rating from the EPA. But in a rapidly electrifying marketplace, and with many of the most exciting EVs coming from the Blue Oval itself, the Escape PHEV is hard to recommend as a long-term option.

The Sportage is big enough for family use, but not so large that it's unwieldy or difficult to park in the city or in an owner's garage. It's packed with useful technology, and boasts bold styling that stands out in a sea of similarly shaped crossovers. In its hybrid-powered form, it’s also efficient, though its mileage ratings drop dramatically with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Verdict: The 2026 Kia Sportage is sized right in between smaller subcompact and larger compact crossover SUVs, and it strikes an intriguing balance of roominess, comfort and efficiency that ought to win over plenty of American buyers.

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.5L 221 hp I4 Hybrid
1.6L 232 hp I4 Hybrid
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
EV Battery Capacity
14.4 kWh
1.5 kWh
MPG City
43
41
MPG Highway
38
44
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