Kia Sportage vs Toyota C-HR
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 Toyota C-HR 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 Toyota C-HR by roughly $2,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sportage and Toyota C-HR hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Kia Sportage and 85% for the Toyota C-HR.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota C-HR 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 Toyota C-HR.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Sportage features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Toyota C-HR gets a 10.5-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 Toyota C-HR. The Toyota C-HR counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. 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 Toyota C-HR lines up making 112kW and 188Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Kia Sportage has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 112kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota C-HR is 0.3s 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, 325mm longer than the Toyota C-HR at 4,360mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 543L in the Kia Sportage and 318L in the Toyota C-HR, giving the Kia Sportage a 225L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Sportage leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 450kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,767/year for the Kia Sportage and $1,340/year for the Toyota C-HR. That is a $427 annual difference in favour of the Toyota C-HR.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Kia Sportage) vs $1,340 (Toyota C-HR). The Toyota C-HR saves you roughly $427 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years (Kia Sportage) vs 5 years (Toyota C-HR). 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, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota C-HR if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sportage takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota C-HR will save you roughly $427 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.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (18 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 · 18 April 2026
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