Kia Sportage vs Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max
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 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max opens at $38,990. That makes the Kia Sportage the more affordable entry point by $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 $42,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Sportage by roughly $2,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sportage and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Kia Sportage and 82% for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 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 10 in the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Sportage features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Sportage stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and Sony audio. 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 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max responds with a Petrol making 180kW and 375Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max has the clear power advantage at 180kW vs 115kW. 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, 35mm shorter than the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max at 4,720mm (2,710mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 543L in the Kia Sportage and 550L in the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max, giving the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max a 7L advantage. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 350kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.8m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 $1,767/year for the Kia Sportage and $2,309/year for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max. That is a $542 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sportage.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Kia Sportage) vs $2,309 (Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max). The Kia Sportage saves you roughly $542 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Kia Sportage will save you roughly $542 a year in fuel. 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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