Hyundai Kona Electric vs Kia Sorento
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.
Data checked: specs 15 Oct 2026, price 15 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Hyundai Kona Electric: we're still completing kerb weight, seat count, 0-100km/h, warranty and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$46,000RRP
- no option data for this car
$54,380RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric starts from $46,000 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sorento opens at $54,380. That makes the Hyundai Kona Electric the more affordable entry point by $8,380.
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 $50,600 and $59,818 respectively.
The Hyundai Kona Electric currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Kia Sorento does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Kia Sorento holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai Kona Electric. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric and 82% for the Kia Sorento.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Hyundai Kona Electric, against 6 on the Kia Sorento.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Recalls on our record
Hyundai Kona Electric
- REC-006586 · published 9 Apr 2026A software issue in the Battery Management System (BMS) may cause an electrical short circuit while charging or parked leading to a vehicle fire.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2023
- REC-001592 · published 23 Aug 2021Due to a manufacturing defect, the battery does not meet specifications and may lead to an electrical short which could start a fire.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- REC-000605 · published 28 Jan 2021A software fault in the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) may significantly reduce braking performance.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- 1 more on the model page.
Kia Sorento
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006239 · published 3 Jan 2025Due to a software issue, the turn indicator light and/or the upper part of the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-006104 · published 9 Oct 2024The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System, can remain live even when the vehicle is switched off.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2014
- 14 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
48.6kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 100kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (10.4kW AC, 100kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Sorento gets a 12.3-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging — features our data doesn't list for the Kia Sorento. The Kia Sorento counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Kona Electric gets premium cloth upholstery while the Kia Sorento offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 1-zone in the Kia Sorento.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Kona Electric uses a Electric producing 99kW and 255Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Kia Sorento responds with a Diesel making 148kW and 440Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Kia Sorento has the clear power advantage at 148kW vs 99kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Kona Electric measures 4,355mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 460mm shorter than the Kia Sorento at 4,815mm (2,815mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sorento generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 407L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 179L in the Kia Sorento, giving the Hyundai Kona Electric a 228L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia Sorento: Top CarSorted Score, 79 vs 70, but the Hyundai Kona Electric is $8,380 cheaper
The Kia Sorento comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (79 vs 70), taking 2 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: reliability (Kia Sorento ahead by 21), performance (Kia Sorento ahead by 16), safety (Kia Sorento ahead by 14). If boot space matters, the Hyundai Kona Electric 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, Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Sorento?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheapest at $46,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Sorento by $8,380.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sorento uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Kia Sorento has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Kona Electric has the largest boot at 407L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Sorento has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Sorento makes the most power at 148kW.
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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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