Skoda Kodiaq 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 Skoda Kodiaq starts from $54,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sorento opens at $51,380. That makes the Kia Sorento the more affordable entry point by $3,610.
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 $60,489 and $56,518 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Skoda Kodiaq and Kia Sorento hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the Skoda Kodiaq and 82% for the Kia Sorento.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Skoda Kodiaq and 7 in the Kia Sorento.
Feature Showdown
The Skoda Kodiaq features a 13-inch touchscreen paired with a 10-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 Skoda Kodiaq stands out with heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Kia Sorento. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Skoda Kodiaq gets leather upholstery while the Kia Sorento offers cloth. Climate control is 3-zone in the Skoda Kodiaq and 1-zone in the Kia Sorento.
Drivetrain
The Skoda Kodiaq uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 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 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Skoda Kodiaq is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Skoda Kodiaq measures 4,758mm long on a 2,791mm wheelbase, 57mm 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 289L in the Skoda Kodiaq and 179L in the Kia Sorento, giving the Skoda Kodiaq a 110L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 2005L vs 2025L.
For towing, the Skoda Kodiaq leads with a 2,300kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m 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 $2,622/year for the Skoda Kodiaq and $2,793/year for the Kia Sorento. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Kodiaq.
Estimated annual total: $2,622 (Skoda Kodiaq) vs $2,793 (Kia Sorento). The Skoda Kodiaq saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Kodiaq) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Skoda Kodiaq if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Kodiaq takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Skoda Kodiaq will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Skoda Kodiaq has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Skoda Kodiaq and Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento is the cheapest at $51,380 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Kodiaq by $3,610.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Kodiaq uses the least fuel at 9.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Skoda Kodiaq and 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 Skoda Kodiaq has the largest boot at 289L.
Which can tow the most?
The Skoda Kodiaq has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Sorento makes the most power at 200kW. The Skoda Kodiaq is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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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