2025 Kia Sportage LX vs 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation

$16,510 less and 4 mpg better vs 141 more hp and 148 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $16,510 price gap, 187 vs 328 hp, 25 vs 21 MPG.

The short answer

The Sportage LX leads on $16,510 less, 4 MPG better. The Acadia Elevation leads on 141 more hp, 148 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 4 specifications head to head.

$16,510
Price Gap
141 HP
HP Diff
4 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Kia Sportage LX
Starts at $29,190
VS
Higher price
2026 GMC Acadia Elevation
Starts at $45,700

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.5L I4
vs
2.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower
187 hp
vs
328 hp
Torque
178 lb-ft
vs
326 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
25 MPG combined
vs
21 MPG combined

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 4 specifications.

MSRP
$29,190Sportage LX
$45,700Acadia Elevation
Engine
2.5L I4Sportage LX
2.5L I4 TurboAcadia Elevation
Horsepower
187 hpSportage LX
328 hpAcadia Elevation
Torque
178 lb-ftSportage LX
326 lb-ftAcadia Elevation
City MPG
23Sportage LX
20Acadia Elevation
Highway MPG
27Sportage LX
23Acadia Elevation
Combined MPG
25Sportage LX
21Acadia Elevation
Wheelbase
108.5"Sportage LX
120.9"Acadia Elevation
Length
183.5"Sportage LX
204.0"Acadia Elevation
Width
73.4"Sportage LX
79.6"Acadia Elevation
Height
66.1"Sportage LX
71.0"Acadia Elevation
IIHS Award
TSP+Sportage LX
TSPAcadia Elevation
Bumper-to-Bumper
5yr/60kSportage LX
3yr/36kAcadia Elevation
Powertrain
10yr/100kSportage LX
5yr/60kAcadia Elevation
Corrosion
5yr/100kSportage LX
6yr/100kAcadia Elevation

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Kia Sportage LX2026 GMC Acadia Elevation
Pricing
MSRP$29,190$45,700
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I42.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower187 hp328 hp
Torque178 lb-ft326 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2320
Highway MPG2723
Combined MPG2521
Fuel Tank14.3 galNo published data
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)No published data$2,100/yr
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,809 lbsNo published data
Wheelbase108.5"120.9"
Length183.5"204.0"
Width73.4"79.6"
Height66.1"71.0"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars5/5 stars
IIHS AwardTSP+TSP
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper5yr/60k3yr/36k
Powertrain10yr/100k5yr/60k
Corrosion5yr/100k6yr/100k
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k5yr/60k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Kia Sportage LX and 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation?

The 2025 Kia Sportage LX starts at $29,190, $16,510 less than the 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation at $45,700. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $291/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Kia Sportage LX?

The 2025 Kia Sportage LX is the stronger pick when you want to keep $16,510 in your pocket and the 2025 Kia Sportage LX covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $320/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.

Who should choose the 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation?

The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation is the stronger pick when the extra 141 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Kia Sportage LX or 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation?

The 2025 Kia Sportage LX rates 25 combined MPG, 4 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Kia Sportage LX or 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation?

The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation produces 328 hp, 141 more than the 2025 Kia Sportage LX at 187 hp. The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation also leads in torque at 326 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2025 Kia Sportage LX runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo.

Is the 2025 Kia Sportage LX bigger than the 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation?

The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation is 20.5″ longer at 204.0″ vs 183.5″. The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation has a 12.4″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

The Kia Sportage comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The GMC Acadia offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Kia trims, Kia Sportage trims, GMC trims, GMC Acadia trims

Official sources

How the Sportage and Acadia Stack Up

Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2025 Kia Sportage LX ($29,190) and 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation ($45,700) solve similar problems in different ways. The $16,510 gap adds up to $291/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Powertrain: Sportage vs Acadia

The 2025 Kia Sportage LX runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation has 141 more hp (328 vs 187). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation adds 148 more lb-ft of torque (326 vs 178), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.

What It Actually Costs to Own

The 2025 Kia Sportage LX saves roughly $320/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,600. The 2025 Kia Sportage LX wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.

Size, Space, and Daily Reality

The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation is 20.5″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation has a 12.4″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2025 Kia Sportage LX when you want to keep $16,510 in your pocket and the 2025 Kia Sportage LX covers your needs. Choose the 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation when the extra 141 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $291/month more, the 2026 GMC Acadia Elevation needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Kia or GMC or any dealership.

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