2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend vs 2025 Kia Sportage LX

2 mpg better vs $2,655 less and 10.8″ longer. That is the real fork. Key numbers: 181 vs 187 hp, 27 vs 25 MPG.

The short answer

The Bronco Sport Big Bend leads on 2 MPG better. The Sportage LX leads on $2,655 less, 10.8″ longer. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.

N/A
Price Gap
6 HP
HP Diff
2 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Vehicle A
2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend
Starts at $31,845
VS
Vehicle B
2025 Kia Sportage LX
Starts at $29,190

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
1.5L I3 Turbo
vs
2.5L I4
Horsepower
181 hp
vs
187 hp
Torque
190 lb-ft
vs
178 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
27 MPG combined
vs
25 MPG combined
Fuel Tank
16.0 gal
vs
14.3 gal

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.

MSRP
$31,845Bronco Sport Big Bend
$29,190Sportage LX
Engine
1.5L I3 TurboBronco Sport Big Bend
2.5L I4Sportage LX
Horsepower
181 hpBronco Sport Big Bend
187 hpSportage LX
Torque
190 lb-ftBronco Sport Big Bend
178 lb-ftSportage LX
City MPG
25Bronco Sport Big Bend
23Sportage LX
Highway MPG
30Bronco Sport Big Bend
27Sportage LX
Combined MPG
27Bronco Sport Big Bend
25Sportage LX
Fuel Tank
16.0 galBronco Sport Big Bend
14.3 galSportage LX
Wheelbase
105.1"Bronco Sport Big Bend
108.5"Sportage LX
Length
172.7"Bronco Sport Big Bend
183.5"Sportage LX
Width
74.3"Bronco Sport Big Bend
73.4"Sportage LX
Height
70.2"Bronco Sport Big Bend
66.1"Sportage LX
Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36kBronco Sport Big Bend
5yr/60kSportage LX
Powertrain
5yr/60kBronco Sport Big Bend
10yr/100kSportage LX
Corrosion
5yr/unlimitedBronco Sport Big Bend
5yr/100kSportage LX

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.

Spec2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend2025 Kia Sportage LX
Pricing
MSRP$31,845$29,190
Powertrain
Engine1.5L I3 Turbo2.5L I4
Horsepower181 hp187 hp
Torque190 lb-ft178 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2523
Highway MPG3027
Combined MPG2725
Fuel Tank16.0 gal14.3 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,600/yrNo published data
Dimensions
Curb WeightNo published data3,809 lbs
Wheelbase105.1"108.5"
Length172.7"183.5"
Width74.3"73.4"
Height70.2"66.1"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars5/5 stars
IIHS AwardNo published dataTSP+
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k5yr/60k
Powertrain5yr/60k10yr/100k
Corrosion5yr/unlimited5yr/100k
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k5yr/60k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend and 2025 Kia Sportage LX?

The 2025 Kia Sportage LX starts at $29,190, $2,655 less than the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend at $31,845. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $47/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend?

The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $124/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.

Who should choose the 2025 Kia Sportage LX?

The 2025 Kia Sportage LX is the stronger pick when you want to keep $2,655 in your pocket and the 2025 Kia Sportage LX covers your needs; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend or 2025 Kia Sportage LX?

The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend rates 27 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend or 2025 Kia Sportage LX?

The 2025 Kia Sportage LX produces 187 hp, 6 more than the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend at 181 hp. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend also leads in torque at 190 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend runs a 1.5L I3 Turbo; the 2025 Kia Sportage LX uses a 2.5L I4.

Is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend bigger than the 2025 Kia Sportage LX?

The 2025 Kia Sportage LX is 10.8″ longer at 183.5″ vs 172.7″. The 2025 Kia Sportage LX has a 3.4″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

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

Explore more: Ford trims, Ford Bronco Sport trims, Kia trims, Kia Sportage trims

Official sources

Bronco Sport vs Sportage: What This Matchup Is Really About

The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend and 2025 Kia Sportage LX sit in the compact SUV class, where cargo room, ride comfort, and family-friendly features define the competitive landscape. The $-2,655 gap is about $47/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.

Under the Hood

The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend runs a 1.5L I3 Turbo; the 2025 Kia Sportage LX uses a 2.5L I4. The 6 hp difference (187 vs 181) is marginal in daily driving. Both use AWD.

Running Costs: Bronco Sport vs Sportage

The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend saves roughly $124/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $620.

How Each One Fits Your Daily Life

The 2025 Kia Sportage LX is 10.8″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages.

Bottom Line

Choose the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $124/year less on fuel. Choose the 2025 Kia Sportage LX when you want to keep $2,655 in your pocket and the 2025 Kia Sportage LX covers your needs.

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 Ford or Kia or any dealership.

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