Kia Sorento vs Ford Everest
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 Kia Sorento starts from $36,490 before on-road costs, while the Ford Everest opens at $59,490. That makes the Kia Sorento the more affordable entry point by $23,000.
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 $40,139 and $65,439 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sorento and Ford Everest hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Kia Sorento and 86% for the Ford Everest.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Ford Everest packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Kia Sorento.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia Sorento and 9 in the Ford Everest.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Ford Everest counters with wireless charging that the Kia Sorento does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sorento uses a Petrol producing 200kW and 332Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The Ford Everest responds with a Diesel Bi-Turbo making 154kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.1 seconds.
The Kia Sorento has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 154kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sorento is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Sorento measures 4,815mm long on a 2,815mm wheelbase, 163mm shorter than the Ford Everest at 4,978mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Everest generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 179L in the Kia Sorento and 259L in the Ford Everest, giving the Ford Everest a 80L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 2025L vs 1818L. The Kia Sorento seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Ford Everest 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 11.8m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 $1,938/year for the Kia Sorento and $2,052/year for the Ford Everest. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sorento.
Estimated annual total: $1,938 (Kia Sorento) vs $2,052 (Ford Everest). The Kia Sorento saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Everest). The Kia Sorento has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Everest if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sorento takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Sorento will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Ford Everest 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, Kia Sorento and Ford Everest?
The Kia Sorento is the cheapest at $36,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Ford Everest by $23,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sorento uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Sorento and Ford Everest all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Ford Everest has the largest boot at 259L.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Everest has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
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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