Ford F-150 vs Kia Sportage
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Price Breakdown
The Ford F-150 starts from $124,216 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sportage opens at $38,490. That makes the Kia Sportage the more affordable entry point by $85,726.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $136,638 and $42,339 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Sportage by roughly $10,260 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Ford F-150 features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, 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 F-150 uses a Petrol V6 Twin-Turbo (EcoBoost) producing 298kW and 678Nm of torque, sent through a 10-speed automatic to a 4x4 layout.
The Kia Sportage responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Ford F-150 has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford F-150 measures 5,908mm long on a 3,697mm wheelbase, 1223mm longer than the Kia Sportage at 4,685mm (2,755mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford F-150 generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Ford F-150 leads with a 4,500kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 2,850kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,819/year for the Ford F-150 and $1,767/year for the Kia Sportage. That is a $2,052 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sportage.
Estimated annual total: $3,819 (Ford F-150) vs $1,767 (Kia Sportage). The Kia Sportage saves you roughly $2,052 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Ford F-150) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford F-150 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sportage takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Sportage will save you roughly $2,052 a year in fuel. 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
