Hybrid sales have been on the rise in recent years because they are a sensible middle ground between a regular gas-powered vehicle and an EV. Hybrids return excellent fuel economy, don’t induce range anxiety, and tend to be more affordable than their all-electric counterparts. Given their popularity, they’re getting more competitive every year.
Let’s take a look at two practical hybrid SUVs, the Kia Sorento Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid, and see which is better for you.
2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid
The non-hybrid version of the Kia Sorento got a big update for 2024, and those updates came to the Sorento Hybrid model for 2025. Said updates include more rugged styling and updated technology that includes dual panoramic displays. Pricing starts at $40,105.
Kia Sorento Hybrid Highlights
3-row seating: One of the biggest differences between these two hybrid SUVs is their seat count. The Escape has two-row seating for five, and the Sorento has three-row seating for six.
Captain’s chairs: If you’re wondering why this three-row SUV only has six seats, it’s because second-row captain’s chairs come standard. These create a more comfortable experience for your back-seat passengers compared to the Escape, and they make the third row easy to access.
Class-leading warranty: The Kia Sorento Hybrid has unbeatable warranty coverage. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is the best in the industry.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento Hybrid models for sale near you.
2025 Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape was one of the first mainstream SUVs to offer a hybrid option back in 2005, and it was the first-ever hybrid made in the USA. The current generation of the Escape Hybrid is a practical, affordable, and efficient SUV full of modern technology. Pricing starts at $33,985.
Ford Escape Hybrid Highlights
Better fuel economy: Efficiency is probably a priority for you if you’re shopping for a hybrid, and the Ford gets better fuel economy than the Kia. The Escape Hybrid gets 39 combined mpg with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), while the Sorento Hybrid returns 36 mpg with front-wheel drive and 34 mpg with all-wheel drive.
More affordable: The Ford Escape Hybrid is priced quite a bit lower than the Kia Sorento Hybrid. Not only is the base model about $6,000 lower than the starting price of the Kia, but even the loaded Escape Hybrid ST-Line Elite is a little cheaper than the base Sorento Hybrid.
Four trims: The Ford Escape Hybrid has four trims available, while the Kia Sorento Hybrid only has two. From the affordable ST-Line up to the fancier Platinum and ST-Line Elite trims, the Escape offers hybrid SUV shoppers a little more variety.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Escape Hybrid models for sale near you.
Similarities
These are both fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. They also come with similar safety and infotainment tech features.
Pricing
New 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
$40,105 |
TBD |
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$48,305 |
TBD |
New 2025 Ford Escape Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
$29,895 |
TBD |
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$30,890 |
TBD |
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$33,725 |
TBD |
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$33,985 |
TBD |
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$35,685 |
TBD |
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$37,040 |
TBD |
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$37,110 |
TBD |
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$38,035 |
TBD |
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$39,605 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid vehicles and New 2025 Ford Escape vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid | 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.6-liter turbo hybrid 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter hybrid 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 227 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 192 hp @ 6,250 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm | 155 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT automatic, FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 36 city/36 hwy/36 combined mpg | 42 city/36 hwy/39 combined mpg |
| Also Available | PHEV, AWD | PHEV, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 Years/60,000 Miles | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 Years/100,000 Miles | 5 Years/60,000 Miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 6 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 106.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 180.1 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 74.1 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 66.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | 39.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd row | 39.1 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Headroom, 3rdrow | 36.8 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 40.7 inches | 38.9 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 29.6 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.1 inches | 57.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 56.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.0 inches | N/A |
| Cargo Volume | 12.6/38.5/75.5 cubic feet | 34.4/60.8 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The difference between two-row and three-row could make this decision for you. However, if you don’t need that extra row of seats, the Ford Escape Hybrid makes a strong case as the value choice. It has attractive pricing, four available trims, and, perhaps most importantly, better fuel economy between these two. That said, we really like the Kia Sorento Hybrid for its comfortable second-row captain’s chairs and unbeatable warranty. Moreover, we don’t mind that it has a little extra power and torque.
