Jeep Cherokee 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.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the Jeep Cherokee 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 3 in the Jeep Cherokee.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The Jeep Cherokee features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Kia Sportage gets a 12.3-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Jeep Cherokee stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the Kia Sportage. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Jeep Cherokee uses a 3.2L Pentastar V6 producing 200kW and 315Nm of torque, sent through a 9-speed automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The Kia Sportage responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The Jeep Cherokee has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Jeep Cherokee measures 4,651mm long on a 2,707mm wheelbase, 34mm shorter than the Kia Sportage at 4,685mm (2,755mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Jeep Cherokee leads with a 2,200kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 550kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m 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
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 $2,793/year for the Jeep Cherokee and $2,309/year for the Kia Sportage. That is a $484 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sportage.
Estimated annual total: $2,793 (Jeep Cherokee) vs $2,309 (Kia Sportage). The Kia Sportage saves you roughly $484 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 100,000km (Jeep Cherokee) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Jeep Cherokee if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Jeep's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Jeep Cherokee and Kia Sportage trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Kia Sportage will save you roughly $484 a year in fuel. The Kia Sportage adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Jeep Cherokee and Kia Sportage?
The Kia Sportage is the cheapest at $38,490 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sportage uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Jeep Cherokee and Kia Sportage all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Jeep Cherokee has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Sportage has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Jeep Cherokee makes the most power at 200kW.
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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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