Shopping for a small SUV? Kia gives you two great options worth checking out. Both deliver on value and efficiency, but which one fits your life better will depend on what you want most. You’ll get a smooth ride and useful features either way, just without all the bulk of a full-size SUV. Our 2025 Kia Niro vs Kia Sportage Hybrid comparison is here to help you find the better fit. Let's get into it.
Key Takeaways
- Not much has changed in the 2025 Niro lineup, and the Sportage Hybrid stays virtually the same.
- As of June 3, 2025, the Niro starts at $28,385 and tops out at $42,185, while the Sportage Hybrid ranges from $30,185 to $45,785.
- The Niro still delivers some of the best fuel economy of any SUV you can buy right now.
- Both crossover hybrids feature two engines each for more options.
Affordability and Changes in the 2025 Kia Niro vs Sportage Hybrid
The Niro doesn’t make many changes for 2025. However, the blacked-out C-pillar on certain trims is no more. The SX Touring PHEV now comes with a Cold Weather package included, so you get heated rear seats and an auxiliary heater without needing to add anything extra.
Pricing for each Niro trim looks like this:
- LX: $28,365
- EX: $31,165
- EX Touring: $33,465
- SX: $34,365
- EX PHEV: $35,865
- SX Touring: $36,765
- SX Touring PHEV: $42,165
The 2025 Sportage Hybrid rolls into the new model year without big updates. Here’s what each trim costs:
- LX: $30,185
- EX: $33,985
- SX Prestige: $39,185
- X-Line PHEV: $41,285
- X-Line Prestige PHEV: $45,785
An Equal Number of Engine Options
Here’s what you’re working with for engines on the Niro side:
- A 4-cylinder with an electric motor delivering 139 horsepower, matched to a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive.
- A hybrid setup pairing a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery that generates 180 horsepower total.
The Sportage Hybrid features a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four with two electric motors that give you 227 horsepower and your choice of front- or all-wheel drive. If you want more, the all-wheel-drive-only plug-in hybrid uses the same gas engine but pairs it with one electric motor and a larger battery for 261 horsepower overall.
Which Model Is Better on Fuel Economy?
This one’s an easy win for the Niro. Its hybrid trims lead the pack in fuel efficiency. If you go with the LX, EX, or SX trims with 16-inch wheels, you’re looking at a wild 53 mpg overall. Even the heavier EX Touring and SX Touring on 18-inch wheels pull an impressive 49 mpg.
The front-wheel-drive Sportage Hybrid gets up to 42 mpg city and 44 mpg highway. The plug-in version is rated at 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
What Is the Best Small Kia Hybrid SUV to Buy in 2025?
If you’re picking based on price and efficiency, either the Sportage Hybrid or the Niro is a solid bet. Want a closer look to help decide? Come experience both for yourself at our showroom today!