Kia Sportage vs Lexus LBX
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 Lexus LBX opens at $47,550. That makes the Kia Sportage the more affordable entry point by $9,060.
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 $52,305 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus LBX by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sportage and Lexus LBX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Kia Sportage and 82% for the Lexus LBX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus LBX packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Kia Sportage.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
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 Lexus LBX responds with a Hybrid making 100kW and 185Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Kia Sportage has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sportage is 0.7s 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, 495mm longer than the Lexus LBX at 4,190mm (2,580mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 543L in the Kia Sportage and 332L in the Lexus LBX, giving the Kia Sportage a 211L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
Based on 11.4m 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 $1,311/year for the Lexus LBX. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Lexus LBX.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Kia Sportage) vs $1,311 (Lexus LBX). The Lexus LBX saves you roughly $456 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 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus LBX). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus LBX if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sportage takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus LBX will save you roughly $456 a year in fuel. 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 Lexus LBX?
The Kia Sportage is the cheapest at $38,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus LBX by $9,060.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus LBX uses the least fuel at 4.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Sportage and Lexus LBX 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 Kia Sportage makes the most power at 115kW. The Kia Sportage is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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