GAC Emzoom vs Kia Stonic
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.
Price Breakdown
The GAC Emzoom starts from $25,590 before on-road costs, while the Kia Stonic opens at $26,990. That makes the GAC Emzoom the more affordable entry point by $1,400.
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 $28,149 and $29,689 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Stonic by roughly $1,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the GAC Emzoom and Kia Stonic hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GAC Emzoom packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Kia Stonic.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GAC Emzoom stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Kia Stonic. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The GAC Emzoom uses a Petrol Turbo producing 125kW and 270Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.
The Kia Stonic responds with a Petrol making 88kW and 172Nm, paired to a 7-speed dct driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.2 seconds.
The GAC Emzoom has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 88kW. In the real-world sprint, the GAC Emzoom is 3.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GAC Emzoom measures 4,410mm long on a 2,650mm wheelbase, 270mm longer than the Kia Stonic at 4,140mm (2,580mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GAC Emzoom generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 341L in the GAC Emzoom and 352L in the Kia Stonic, giving the Kia Stonic a 11L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m diameter
Average
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 $1,881/year for the GAC Emzoom and $1,625/year for the Kia Stonic. That is a $256 annual difference in favour of the Kia Stonic.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (GAC Emzoom) vs $1,625 (Kia Stonic). The Kia Stonic saves you roughly $256 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 150,000km (GAC Emzoom) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Stonic). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GAC Emzoom if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer GAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Stonic if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GAC Emzoom takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Stonic will save you roughly $256 a year in fuel. 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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