Jeep Compass 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.
Price Breakdown
The Jeep Compass starts from $50,500 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sorento opens at $51,380. That makes the Jeep Compass the more affordable entry point by $880.
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 $55,550 and $56,518 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Jeep Compass by roughly $6,695 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Jeep Compass features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-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 Jeep Compass stands out with wireless charging and heated front seats that you will not find on the Kia Sorento. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Jeep Compass gets leather upholstery while the Kia Sorento offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Jeep Compass and 1-zone in the Kia Sorento.
Drivetrain
The Jeep Compass uses a Petrol I4 Mild Hybrid + 48V producing 96kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed dual clutch automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10 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 96kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sorento is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Jeep Compass measures 4,404mm long on a 2,636mm wheelbase, 411mm 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 438L in the Jeep Compass and 179L in the Kia Sorento, giving the Jeep Compass a 259L advantage. The Kia Sorento seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Kia Sorento leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,450kg. That 550kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.2m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 $1,454/year for the Jeep Compass and $2,793/year for the Kia Sorento. That is a $1,339 annual difference in favour of the Jeep Compass.
Estimated annual total: $1,454 (Jeep Compass) vs $2,793 (Kia Sorento). The Jeep Compass saves you roughly $1,339 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 100,000km (Jeep Compass) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento). The Kia Sorento has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Jeep Compass if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Jeep's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sorento takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Jeep Compass will save you roughly $1,339 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Jeep Compass has a clear edge. The Kia Sorento 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 Compass and Kia Sorento?
The Jeep Compass is the cheapest at $50,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Sorento by $880.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Jeep Compass uses the least fuel at 5.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 Jeep Compass has the largest boot at 438L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Sorento has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Sorento has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Sorento makes the most power at 200kW. The Kia Sorento 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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