VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
265hp @ 5500
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
258lb-ft
Towing
5000lbs
1653lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140cc
1.6 L/98cc
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the KIA Sportage Plug In Hybrid is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the KIA Sportage Plug In Hybrid produces 265hp @ 5500. Pricing starts at $45,155 for the Explorer and $40,490 for the Sportage Plug In Hybrid. 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
265hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
258lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140cc
1.6 L/98cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Plug-In Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
11.1gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
183.5in
Width (in)
78.9in
73.4in
Height (in)
69.6in
66.9in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
108.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4344lbs
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
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
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Sportage Plug In Hybrid
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher starting price
KIA Sportage Plug In Hybrid
Lower starting price ($40,490)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Explorer or Sportage Plug In Hybrid?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Sportage Plug In Hybrid delivers 265hp @ 5500 and 258lb-ft of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Sportage Plug In Hybrid?
The Explorer starts from $45,155 and the Sportage Plug In Hybrid from $40,490. The Sportage Plug In Hybrid is cheaper by $4,665 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Sportage Plug In Hybrid?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Sportage Plug In Hybrid can tow 1653lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Sportage Plug In Hybrid?
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.