2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a luxury SUV priced at $90,000. It featured a unique Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers, but its overall design was considered unremarkable. The RX lineup included three hybrid models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power outputs and fuel efficiencies. The RX 350h was the most efficient, while the RX 500h was the most powerful. All models came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada and a range of package options. Inside, the RX Hybrid boasted a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls were a mix of intuitive and confusing.

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid underwent significant styling updates, setting it apart from its predecessor. The SUV featured sharp, angular headlights and a modern grille, with dramatic curves leading to aggressive rear haunches. The interior was stylish, dominated by a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Kia’s latest infotainment technology. The Sportage Hybrid SX trim offered unique interior finishes and synthetic leather seating. The vehicle was praised for its harmonious design and comfortable seating, though the off-road-oriented X-Line packages were not available for the hybrid model in Canada.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of performance options. The RX 350h, with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, was the least powerful but most efficient model. It featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a CVT, providing decent acceleration. The RX 450h+ PHEV had a total system output of 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. It featured a sport-tuned suspension, 21-inch wheels, and a sophisticated AWD system. However, its fuel efficiency was lower than expected, and the drivetrain occasionally hesitated.

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid was powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and a 47.7-kilowatt electric motor, producing 232 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Sportage Hybrid excelled in low-end torque, making it agile around town, though highway passing power was less impressive. The suspension was tuned for comfort, providing a smooth ride over bumps. The Sportage Hybrid offered 21 cm of ground clearance and a Terrain Mode button for off-road settings. The PHEV version, with a larger electric motor, promised better performance.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was a midsize two-row SUV focused on comfort and cargo space. The RX 500h featured heated and ventilated front seats, though they were snug and uncomfortable on long drives. The rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with a panoramic sunroof overhead. The RX Hybrid offered 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the cargo area was not as spacious as expected for a midsize SUV.

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid, a compact SUV, offered ample interior space for four adults, with reasonable legroom in both rows. The front seats were comfortable, and there were numerous storage cubbies. The Sportage Hybrid provided up to 2,087 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 1,119 litres with them in place. The cargo floor could be adjusted for a flat load surface. The Sportage Hybrid's interior was practical, though the touch-sensitive controls were unnecessarily complicated.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a cloud-based navigation system. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use. The Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the infotainment system occasionally experienced glitches.

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10-inch head-up display. Kia Connect, a subscription-based technology package, offered remote entry and climate control, cloud-based mapping, and customizable infotainment effects. The Sportage Hybrid SX featured a Harman Kardon surround sound system, which delivered excellent audio quality.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and roadside assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provided advanced driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA but a Poor rating from IIHS in frontal-impact tests.

The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered standard driver assist features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The SX trim added advanced features like Blind Spot View Monitor, Evasive Steering Assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2. The 2026 Sportage Hybrid had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous model received high safety ratings.