Kia Sorento vs Mazda CX-60
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 Mazda CX-60 opens at $44,240. That makes the Kia Sorento the more affordable entry point by $7,750.
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 $48,664 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-60 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Kia Sorento and 91% for the Mazda CX-60.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Sorento packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Mazda CX-60.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia Sorento and 6 in the Mazda CX-60.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Sorento stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Mazda CX-60. The Mazda CX-60 counters with Apple CarPlay. 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 Mazda CX-60 responds with a Petrol making 138kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.
The Kia Sorento has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 138kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-60 is 0.6s 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, 70mm longer than the Mazda CX-60 at 4,745mm (2,870mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-60 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 179L in the Kia Sorento and 570L in the Mazda CX-60, giving the Mazda CX-60 a 391L advantage. The Kia Sorento seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mazda CX-60 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg 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 11.4m
Based on 11.2m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,938/year for the Kia Sorento and $1,910/year for the Mazda CX-60. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-60.
Estimated annual total: $1,938 (Kia Sorento) vs $1,910 (Mazda CX-60). The Mazda CX-60 saves you roughly $28 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 (Mazda CX-60). The Kia Sorento has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-60 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-60 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda CX-60 will save you roughly $28 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-60 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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