Lexus UX vs Kia Sorento
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus UX starts from $46,900 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sorento opens at $51,380. That makes the Lexus UX the more affordable entry point by $4,480.
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 $51,590 and $56,518 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus UX by roughly $5,700 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus UX features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Sorento gets a 8-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus UX stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, power tailgate, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Kia Sorento. The Kia Sorento counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lexus UX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Kia Sorento offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Lexus UX and 1-zone in the Kia Sorento.
Drivetrain
The Lexus UX uses a Petrol producing 126kW and 205Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.7 seconds.
The Kia Sorento responds with a Petrol making 200kW and 332Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Kia Sorento has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 126kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sorento is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus UX measures 4,495mm long on a 2,640mm wheelbase, 320mm shorter than the Kia Sorento at 4,815mm (2,815mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sorento generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 419L in the Lexus UX and 179L in the Kia Sorento, giving the Lexus UX a 240L advantage. The Kia Sorento seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Kia Sorento leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.2m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 $1,653/year for the Lexus UX and $2,793/year for the Kia Sorento. That is a $1,140 annual difference in favour of the Lexus UX.
Estimated annual total: $1,653 (Lexus UX) vs $2,793 (Kia Sorento). The Lexus UX saves you roughly $1,140 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus UX) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento). The Kia Sorento has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus UX)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus UX if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sorento takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Lexus UX will save you roughly $1,140 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Lexus UX has a clear edge. The Kia Sorento 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, Lexus UX and Kia Sorento?
The Lexus UX is the cheapest at $46,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Sorento by $4,480.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus UX uses the least fuel at 5.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Sorento all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus UX has the largest boot at 419L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Sorento has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Sorento has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Sorento makes the most power at 200kW. The Kia Sorento is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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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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