Ford EcoSport vs Kia Sportage
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Ford EcoSport
Price TBC
SUV
Petrol
1.5L Dragon petrol (3-cylinder)
90.5kW
6.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
743L
Kia Sportage
From $38,490
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
115kW
8.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
543L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the Ford EcoSport and Kia Sportage hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Sportage packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Ford EcoSport.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems.
Feature Showdown
The Ford EcoSport features a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while the Kia Sportage gets a 12.3-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Ford EcoSport uses a 1.5L Dragon petrol (3-cylinder) producing 90.5kW and 150Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Kia Sportage responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The Kia Sportage has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 90.5kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford EcoSport measures 4,325mm long on a 2,519mm wheelbase, 360mm shorter than the Kia Sportage at 4,685mm (2,755mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 743L in the Ford EcoSport and 543L in the Kia Sportage, giving the Ford EcoSport a 200L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Sportage leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 750kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.7m to 11.4m
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Ford EcoSport and $2,309/year for the Kia Sportage. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Ford EcoSport.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Ford EcoSport) vs $2,309 (Kia Sportage). The Ford EcoSport saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford EcoSport) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford EcoSport if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sportage takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Ford EcoSport will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Ford EcoSport has a clear edge. The Kia Sportage adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford EcoSport and Kia Sportage?
The Kia Sportage is the cheapest at $38,490 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford EcoSport uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Ford EcoSport and Kia Sportage all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Ford EcoSport has the largest boot at 743L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Sportage has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,650kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Sportage has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Sportage makes the most power at 115kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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