Kia Sportage vs Omoda 9
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 Omoda 9 opens at $61,990. That makes the Kia Sportage the more affordable entry point by $23,500.
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 $68,189 respectively.
The Omoda 9 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.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Omoda 9 by roughly $8,500 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sportage and Omoda 9 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Kia Sportage and 90% for the Omoda 9.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Omoda 9 packs more ADAS features with 7 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 8 in the Omoda 9. The Omoda 9 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia Sportage misses.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Sportage features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Omoda 9 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 Omoda 9. The Omoda 9 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Sony audio and ambient lighting. 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 Omoda 9 responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 105kW and 215Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.
The Kia Sportage has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 105kW. In the real-world sprint, the Omoda 9 is 3.6s 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, 90mm shorter than the Omoda 9 at 4,775mm (2,800mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Omoda 9 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 543L in the Kia Sportage and 660L in the Omoda 9, giving the Omoda 9 a 117L 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.
11.4m 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 11.4m 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 $67/year for the Omoda 9. That is a $1,700 annual difference in favour of the Omoda 9.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Kia Sportage) vs $67 (Omoda 9). The Omoda 9 saves you roughly $1,700 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 8 years / 999,999km (Omoda 9). The Omoda 9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Omoda 9 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Omoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Omoda 9 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Omoda 9 will save you roughly $1,700 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Omoda 9 has a clear edge. The Omoda 9 adds peace of mind with a longer 8-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 Omoda 9?
The Kia Sportage is the cheapest at $38,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Omoda 9 by $23,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Omoda 9 uses the least fuel at 1.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Sportage and Omoda 9 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Omoda 9 has the largest boot at 660L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Sportage has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,650kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Omoda 9 has the longest warranty at 8 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Sportage makes the most power at 115kW. The Omoda 9 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.9s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
