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.
Data checked: specs 30 Sep 2026, price 10 Sep 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.
$50,000RRP
- with the Kia Sorento's standard kit: $50,000 (nothing to add)
$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.
Track the KGM Rexton & Kia Sorento
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The KGM Rexton starts from $50,000 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sorento opens at $54,380. That makes the KGM Rexton the more affordable entry point by $4,380.
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 $59,818 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Sorento by roughly $3,850 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.
Recalls on our record
KGM Rexton
- REC-006327 · published 8 Apr 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, under certain driving conditions the engine cooling fan fuse may fail.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
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
The KGM Rexton features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Sorento gets a 12.3-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The KGM Rexton stands out with ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for 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 Diesel making 148kW and 440Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The KGM Rexton has the clear power advantage at 149kW vs 148kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Kia Sorento is 2.5s 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.
11.6m 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 11.6m 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 $2,480/year for the KGM Rexton and $1,710/year for the Kia Sorento. That is a $770 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sorento.
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, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer KGM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia Sorento: Top CarSorted Score, 79 vs 69, but the KGM Rexton is $4,380 cheaper
The Kia Sorento comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (79 vs 69), taking 2 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Kia Sorento ahead by 27), fuel economy (Kia Sorento ahead by 25), practicality (KGM Rexton ahead by 16). The Kia Sorento will save you roughly $770 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 $4,380.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sorento uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Kia Sorento holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for KGM Rexton, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The KGM Rexton has the largest boot at 236L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The KGM Rexton has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The KGM Rexton makes the most power at 149kW. The Kia Sorento is quickest to 100km/h in 9s.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
