Hyundai Palisade 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 30 Sep 2026, price 8 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker 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.
$76,500RRP
- 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 Palisade starts from $76,500 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sorento opens at $54,380. That makes the Kia Sorento the more affordable entry point by $22,120.
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 $84,150 and $59,818 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Sorento by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Sorento hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the Hyundai Palisade 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 Palisade, against 6 on the Kia Sorento.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Hyundai Palisade and 7 in the Kia Sorento.
Recalls on our record
Hyundai Palisade
- REC-006619 · published 5 Jun 2026Due to improper assembly, the internal wiring harness of the third-row left seat belt buckles may become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006593 · published 20 Apr 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006585 · published 31 Mar 2026Palisade LX3: power-fold third-row seat occupant detection (campaign 61D092)Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- 2 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.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Palisade stands out with Apple CarPlay and heated front seats — 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.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Palisade uses a Petrol producing 245kW and 460Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD 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 Hyundai Palisade has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 148kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Palisade measures 5,065mm long on a 2,970mm wheelbase, 250mm longer than the Kia Sorento at 4,815mm (2,815mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Palisade generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 300L in the Hyundai Palisade and 179L in the Kia Sorento, giving the Hyundai Palisade a 121L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 2081L vs 1996L. The Hyundai Palisade seats 8 vs 7.
For towing, the Kia Sorento leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 11.9m
Based on 11.9m 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,938/year for the Hyundai Palisade and $1,710/year for the Kia Sorento. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sorento.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Palisade) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Palisade if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia Sorento: Top CarSorted Score, 79 vs 77
The Kia Sorento comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (79 vs 77), taking 2 of 4 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: value (Kia Sorento ahead by 9), fuel economy (Kia Sorento ahead by 7), practicality (Hyundai Palisade ahead by 5). The Kia Sorento will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Palisade has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Palisade and Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento is the cheapest at $54,380 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Palisade by $22,120.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sorento uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Hyundai Palisade and Kia Sorento all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Palisade has the largest boot at 300L with the seats up (2,081L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Palisade has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Palisade makes the most power at 245kW.
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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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