Kia Sportage vs BYD Atto 3
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 Sportage starts from $38,490 before on-road costs, while the BYD Atto 3 opens at $39,990. That makes the Kia Sportage the more affordable entry point by $1,500.
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 $42,339 and $43,989 respectively.
The BYD Atto 3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Kia Sportage, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sportage and BYD Atto 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Kia Sportage and 82% for the BYD Atto 3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Atto 3 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Kia Sportage.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Kia Sportage and 7 in the BYD Atto 3.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Sportage features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the BYD Atto 3 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Atto 3 counters with Dirac audio that the Kia Sportage does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sportage uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The BYD Atto 3 responds with a Electric making 150kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The BYD Atto 3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 3 is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Sportage measures 4,685mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 230mm longer than the BYD Atto 3 at 4,455mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 543L in the Kia Sportage and 440L in the BYD Atto 3, giving the Kia Sportage a 103L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Sportage leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 150kg 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 11.4m
Based on 11.4m 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 Sportage) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 3). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Atto 3 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sportage takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Kia Sportage has a clear edge. The Kia Sportage 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 Sportage and BYD Atto 3?
The Kia Sportage is the cheapest at $38,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Atto 3 by $1,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sportage uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Sportage and BYD Atto 3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Sportage has the largest boot at 543L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Sportage has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,650kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Sportage has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Atto 3 makes the most power at 150kW. The BYD Atto 3 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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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