Kia Sorento vs Tesla Model Y

The Kia Sorento starts from $36,490 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model Y opens at $65,900. That makes the Kia Sorento the more affordable entry point by $29,410.

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 $72,490 respectively.

The Tesla Model Y 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.

Both the Kia Sorento and Tesla Model Y hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Kia Sorento and 96% for the Tesla Model Y.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Tesla Model Y packs more ADAS features with 8 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 8 in the Tesla Model Y.

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 Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y counters with Apple CarPlay, panoramic roof, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 Tesla Model Y responds with a Electric Motor making 194kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.

The Kia Sorento has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 194kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model Y is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Kia Sorento measures 4,815mm long on a 2,815mm wheelbase, 23mm longer than the Tesla Model Y at 4,792mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model Y generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 179L in the Kia Sorento and 854L in the Tesla Model Y, giving the Tesla Model Y a 675L advantage. The Kia Sorento seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Kia Sorento leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

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 / 80,000km (Tesla Model Y). The Kia Sorento has longer coverage.