Hyundai Kona Electric vs Kia Sorento

The Hyundai Kona Electric starts from $54,000 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sorento opens at $51,380. That makes the Kia Sorento the more affordable entry point by $2,620.

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 $59,400 and $56,518 respectively.

The Hyundai Kona Electric qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Kia Sorento, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Sorento hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. 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. The Kia Sorento packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 7 in the Kia Sorento.

The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Sorento gets a 8-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out with wireless charging, heated front seats and V2L that you will not find on the Kia Sorento. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Hyundai Kona Electric uses a Electric producing 99kW and 255Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 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 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sorento is 1.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Hyundai Kona Electric measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 465mm 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 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 179L in the Kia Sorento, giving the Hyundai Kona Electric a 182L advantage. The Kia Sorento seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Kia Sorento leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento). The Kia Sorento has longer coverage.