VS
At a Glance
Power
210hp @ 6250
281hp @ 5800
Torque
155lb-ft @ 4500
311lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
40 MPG Combined / 37 Range
24 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Ford Escape Plug In Hybrid and the KIA Sorento is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Escape Plug In Hybrid delivers 210hp @ 6250 while the KIA Sorento produces 281hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Escape Plug In Hybrid returns 40 MPG Combined / 37 Range while the Sorento uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $35,400 for the Escape Plug In Hybrid and $42,590 for the Sorento. 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 Plug In HybridPHEV FWD 2026 - From $35,400
KIA SorentoX-Line EX AWD 2026 - From $42,590
Performance
Power Output (hp)
210hp @ 6250
281hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
155lb-ft @ 4500
311lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Plug-In Hybrid
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - Combined (mpg)
40 MPG Combined / 37 Range
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
—
20mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
—
27mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
11.1gal
17.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
180.5in
189in
Width (in)
74.1in
74.8in
Height (in)
66.1in
70.3in
Wheelbase (in)
106.7in
110.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3904lbs
4211lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
3500lbs
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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sorento
Fuel Economy
Escape Plug In Hybrid
Value
Escape Plug In Hybrid
Practicality
Sorento
Pros & Cons
Ford Escape Plug In Hybrid
Lower starting price ($35,400)
Few notable weaknesses
KIA Sorento
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Escape Plug In Hybrid or Sorento?
The Escape Plug In Hybrid gets 40 MPG Combined / 37 Range and the Sorento gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Escape Plug In 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 Plug In Hybrid or Sorento?
The Escape Plug In Hybrid produces 210hp @ 6250 and 155lb-ft @ 4500 of torque while the Sorento delivers 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Sorento is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Escape Plug In Hybrid and Sorento?
The Escape Plug In Hybrid starts from $35,400 and the Sorento from $42,590. The Escape Plug In Hybrid is cheaper by $7,190 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Escape Plug In Hybrid or Sorento?
The Escape Plug In Hybrid has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Sorento can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Escape Plug In Hybrid or the Sorento?
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.