Powertrain Options for the 2025 Kia Sportage Lineup

Jun 6, 2025

Spacious and capable on all terrains, the 2025 Kia Sportage is a versatile crossover SUV for families. This year’s lineup includes three versions that use gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. This guide highlights each option’s strengths to help you find your match.

2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige Lanham, MD

3 Powertrain Options for the 2025 Kia Sportage Lineup

Conventional Gas Powertrain

A great choice for active families, the Sportage and its conventional gas powertrain boasts terrain-conquering abilities and great towing capacity. This setup pairs a 2.5L inline-4 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission for a net output of 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard for many trim levels and comes with Normal, Sport, and Smart drive modes so you can easily adjust the output to your needs.

All-wheel drive is available and is a great upgrade if you need off-road prowess. The Sportage offers a towing capacity when properly equipped with trailer brakes of 2,500 pounds, which is more than enough for a variety of camper trailers.

Conventional Hybrid Powertrain

If you need a spacious SUV for city driving and road trips, the Sportage hybrid engine can be the ideal choice for you. This powertrain uses a 1.6L turbocharged inline-4 engine and a full parallel hybrid system, generating a combined output of 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard on the base Sportage Hybrid trim and provides an EPA-estimated 43 MPG combined.

All-wheel drive is optional on the base trim and standard on the upper models. Depending on the drivetrain, this Sportage version has three or four drive modes, while a generous ground clearance of up to 8.3 inches can give you the confidence to explore trails. Like the gas-powered Sportage, the Sportage Hybrid can be customized with trailer brakes for a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.

Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain

The Sportage PHEV pairs the benefits of a gas engine with those of an electric vehicle, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Like the Sportage Hybrid, this model uses a 1.6L turbocharged inline-4 engine, but pairs it with an 88 kW battery and an all-wheel drive system to generate a net output of 261 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque combined.

In hybrid mode, this model boasts an EPA-estimated 84 MPGe combined. You can easily switch from hybrid to gas or electric-only power. The electric mode is perfect for running errands or commuting to work, thanks to the estimated range of 34 miles per charge. Like the Sportage Hybrid, the PHEV version has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds when properly equipped.