Kia Sorento vs Mazda CX-6e
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 $51,380 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-6e opens at $53,990. That makes the Kia Sorento the more affordable entry point by $2,610.
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 $56,518 and $59,389 respectively.
The Mazda CX-6e qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Kia Sorento, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
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 Kia Sorento features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-6e gets a 26.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-6e counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate and V2L that the Kia Sorento does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia Sorento gets cloth upholstery while the Mazda CX-6e offers synthetic leather.
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-6e responds with a Electric making 190kW and 290Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Kia Sorento has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 190kW. 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, 35mm shorter than the Mazda CX-6e at 4,850mm (2,902mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-6e generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 179L in the Kia Sorento and 363L in the Mazda CX-6e, giving the Mazda CX-6e a 184L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 2025L vs 1434L. The Kia Sorento seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Kia Sorento leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-6e). 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, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-6e if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sorento takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-6e 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 Mazda CX-6e?
The Kia Sorento is the cheapest at $51,380 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-6e by $2,610.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sorento uses the least fuel at 9.8L/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 Mazda CX-6e has the largest boot at 363L.
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.
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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