Ford Ranger vs Kia Sorento
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 Ranger starts from $37,130 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sorento opens at $36,490. That makes the Kia Sorento the more affordable entry point by $640.
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 $40,843 and $40,139 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Ford Ranger and Kia Sorento hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Ford Ranger and 82% for the Kia Sorento.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Sorento packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Ford Ranger.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Ford Ranger and 7 in the Kia Sorento.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Ford Ranger uses a Diesel Turbo producing 125kW and 405Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.
The Kia Sorento responds with a Petrol making 200kW and 332Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Kia Sorento has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sorento is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Ranger measures 5,225mm long on a 3,270mm wheelbase, 410mm longer than the Kia Sorento at 4,815mm (2,815mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Ranger generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the Ford Ranger leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 12.9m
Based on 12.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 $1,967/year for the Ford Ranger and $1,938/year for the Kia Sorento. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sorento.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Ford Ranger) vs $1,938 (Kia Sorento). The Kia Sorento saves you roughly $29 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Ranger) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento). The Kia Sorento has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Ranger if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sorento takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Sorento will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. The Kia Sorento 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
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