KGM Rexton 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.
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Price Breakdown
The KGM Rexton starts from $50,000 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sorento opens at $51,380. That makes the KGM Rexton the more affordable entry point by $1,380.
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 $55,000 and $56,518 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the KGM Rexton by roughly $1,565 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 KGM Rexton 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 KGM Rexton stands out with power tailgate and ambient lighting 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 KGM Rexton gets leather upholstery while the Kia Sorento offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the KGM Rexton and 1-zone in the Kia Sorento.
Drivetrain
The KGM Rexton uses a Turbo DDi Diesel producing 149kW and 441Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.5 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 149kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sorento is 3.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The KGM Rexton measures 4,850mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 35mm longer than the Kia Sorento at 4,815mm (2,815mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the KGM Rexton generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 236L in the KGM Rexton and 179L in the Kia Sorento, giving the KGM Rexton a 57L advantage.
For towing, the KGM Rexton leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m 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 11.2m 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 $2,480/year for the KGM Rexton and $2,793/year for the Kia Sorento. That is a $313 annual difference in favour of the KGM Rexton.
Estimated annual total: $2,480 (KGM Rexton) vs $2,793 (Kia Sorento). The KGM Rexton saves you roughly $313 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (KGM Rexton) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the KGM Rexton if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer KGM'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
The KGM Rexton takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The KGM Rexton will save you roughly $313 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the KGM Rexton 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, KGM Rexton and Kia Sorento?
The KGM Rexton is the cheapest at $50,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Sorento by $1,380.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The KGM Rexton uses the least fuel at 8.7L/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 KGM Rexton has the largest boot at 236L.
Which can tow the most?
The KGM Rexton has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Sorento makes the most power at 200kW. The Kia Sorento is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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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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