Kia Sorento vs Skoda Kodiaq
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.
$54,380RRP
- no option data for this car
$54,990RRP
- 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Sorento starts from $54,380 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Kodiaq opens at $54,990. That makes the Kia Sorento the more affordable entry point by $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 $59,818 and $60,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Sorento by roughly $4,275 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Kia Sorento and 89% for the Skoda Kodiaq.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
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 Skoda Kodiaq.
Recalls on our record
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.
Skoda Kodiaq
- REC-006554 · published 3 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the inner frame edge of the front seats may have been produced with improperly finished surfaces.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-005419 · published 28 Apr 2022Due to manufacturing issue, the engine compartment cover may become loose.Year range on the notice: 2022
- REC-003887 · published 9 Jul 2019In some instances, there is a risk that one or several fixing nuts may be missing from the individual rear passenger seat.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Sorento features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Kodiaq gets a 13-inch display and 10-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Skoda Kodiaq counters with heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia Sorento gets cloth upholstery while the Skoda Kodiaq offers leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Kia Sorento and 3-zone in the Skoda Kodiaq.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sorento uses a Diesel producing 148kW and 440Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The Skoda Kodiaq responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Kia Sorento has the clear power advantage at 148kW vs 140kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Skoda Kodiaq is 1.1s 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, 57mm longer than the Skoda Kodiaq at 4,758mm (2,791mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sorento generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 179L in the Kia Sorento and 289L in the Skoda Kodiaq, giving the Skoda Kodiaq a 110L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1996L vs 2035L.
For towing, the Skoda Kodiaq leads with a 2,300kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 300kg 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 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 $1,710/year for the Kia Sorento and $2,565/year for the Skoda Kodiaq. That is a $855 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sorento.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Kodiaq). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Kodiaq if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia Sorento: Top CarSorted Score, 79 vs 74
The Kia Sorento comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (79 vs 74), taking 3 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Kia Sorento ahead by 27), practicality (Skoda Kodiaq ahead by 7), value (Kia Sorento ahead by 6). The Kia Sorento will save you roughly $855 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Skoda Kodiaq 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, Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq?
The Kia Sorento is the cheapest at $54,380 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Kodiaq by $610.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sorento uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Kodiaq has the largest boot at 289L with the seats up (2,035L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Skoda Kodiaq has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Sorento makes the most power at 148kW. The Skoda Kodiaq is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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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