VS
At a Glance
Power
192hp @ 6250
187hp @ 6100
Torque
155lb-ft @ 4500
178lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
39 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
1653lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Ford Escape Hybrid and the KIA Sportage is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Escape Hybrid delivers 192hp @ 6250 while the KIA Sportage produces 187hp @ 6100. On fuel, the Escape Hybrid returns 39 mpg est. while the Sportage uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $32,595 for the Escape Hybrid and $30,490 for the Sportage. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Ford Escape HybridST-Line Select AWD 2026 - From $32,595
KIA SportageLX AWD 2026 - From $30,490
Performance
Power Output (hp)
192hp @ 6250
187hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
155lb-ft @ 4500
178lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
CVT w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
39 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
42mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
36mpg
26 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.3gal
14.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
181.2in
183.5in
Width (in)
74.1in
73.4in
Height (in)
66.1in
66.1in
Wheelbase (in)
106.7in
108.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3922lbs
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
1653lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Escape Hybrid
Fuel Economy
Escape Hybrid
Value
Sportage
Practicality
Sportage
Pros & Cons
Ford Escape Hybrid
Better fuel economy (39 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
KIA Sportage
Lower starting price ($30,490)
Higher towing capacity (1653lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Escape Hybrid or Sportage?
The Escape Hybrid gets 39 mpg est. and the Sportage gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Escape Hybrid is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Escape Hybrid or Sportage?
The Escape Hybrid produces 192hp @ 6250 and 155lb-ft @ 4500 of torque while the Sportage delivers 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Escape Hybrid and Sportage?
The Escape Hybrid starts from $32,595 and the Sportage from $30,490. The Sportage is cheaper by $2,105 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Escape Hybrid or Sportage?
The Escape Hybrid has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Sportage can tow 1653lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Escape Hybrid or the Sportage?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.