Geely Starray EM-i 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.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Price Breakdown
The Geely Starray EM-i starts from $37,490 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sportage opens at $38,490. That makes the Geely Starray EM-i the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $41,239 and $42,339 respectively.
The Geely Starray EM-i qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Kia Sportage, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Geely Starray EM-i by roughly $10,970 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Geely Starray EM-i 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 4 in the Geely Starray EM-i.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Geely Starray EM-i and 6 in the Kia Sportage.
Feature Showdown
The Geely Starray EM-i features a 15.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-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.
The Geely Starray EM-i stands out with heated front seats and V2L that you will not find on the Kia Sportage. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Geely Starray EM-i uses a Petrol producing 160kW and 262Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
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 Geely Starray EM-i has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Geely Starray EM-i is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Geely Starray EM-i measures 4,740mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 55mm longer than the Kia Sportage at 4,685mm (2,755mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 428L in the Geely Starray EM-i and 543L in the Kia Sportage, giving the Kia Sportage a 115L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.4m
Based on 10.4m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $115/year for the Geely Starray EM-i and $2,309/year for the Kia Sportage. That is a $2,194 annual difference in favour of the Geely Starray EM-i.
Estimated annual total: $115 (Geely Starray EM-i) vs $2,309 (Kia Sportage). The Geely Starray EM-i saves you roughly $2,194 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Geely Starray EM-i) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Geely Starray EM-i if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Geely's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You need more boot space, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Geely Starray EM-i takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Geely Starray EM-i will save you roughly $2,194 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Sportage has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Geely Starray EM-i and Kia Sportage?
The Geely Starray EM-i is the cheapest at $37,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Sportage by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Geely Starray EM-i uses the least fuel at 2.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Geely Starray EM-i 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 Kia Sportage has the largest boot at 543L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Sportage has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,650kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Geely Starray EM-i makes the most power at 160kW. The Geely Starray EM-i is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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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