Kia Sorento vs Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV
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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV opens at $43,490. That makes the Kia Sorento the more affordable entry point by $7,000.
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 $47,839 respectively.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV 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.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV by roughly $9,305 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sorento and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Kia Sorento and 97% for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
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 5 in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
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 7 in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV 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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV responds with a Petrol making 96kW and 195Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds.
The Kia Sorento has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 96kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sorento is 1.7s 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, 270mm longer than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV at 4,545mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sorento generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 179L in the Kia Sorento and 409L in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV, giving the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV a 230L advantage. 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.
10.8m 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 10.8m 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 $77/year for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV. That is a $1,861 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
Estimated annual total: $1,938 (Kia Sorento) vs $77 (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV saves you roughly $1,861 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 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi'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. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV will save you roughly $1,861 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV adds peace of mind with a longer 10-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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