Suzuki e Vitara vs Kia Sportage
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 Suzuki e Vitara starts from $36,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sportage opens at $38,490. That makes the Suzuki e Vitara the more affordable entry point by $1,500.
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 $40,689 and $42,339 respectively.
The Suzuki e Vitara 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 Suzuki e Vitara by roughly $5,235 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Suzuki e Vitara and Kia Sportage hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 77% for the Suzuki e Vitara and 87% for the Kia Sportage.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Sportage packs more ADAS features with 3 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Suzuki e Vitara.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Suzuki e Vitara uses a Electric Motor producing 128kW and 189Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The Kia Sportage responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Suzuki e Vitara has the clear power advantage at 128kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sportage is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Suzuki e Vitara measures 4,275mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 410mm shorter than the Kia Sportage at 4,685mm (2,755mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 306L in the Suzuki e Vitara and 543L in the Kia Sportage, giving the Kia Sportage a 237L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Sportage leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.4m
Based on 10.4m 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 $720/year for the Suzuki e Vitara and $1,767/year for the Kia Sportage. That is a $1,047 annual difference in favour of the Suzuki e Vitara.
Estimated annual total: $720 (Suzuki e Vitara) vs $1,767 (Kia Sportage). The Suzuki e Vitara saves you roughly $1,047 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Suzuki e Vitara) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Suzuki e Vitara if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sportage takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. The Suzuki e Vitara will save you roughly $1,047 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, Suzuki e Vitara and Kia Sportage?
The Suzuki e Vitara is the cheapest at $36,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Sportage by $1,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sportage uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Suzuki e Vitara and Kia Sportage 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 Suzuki e Vitara makes the most power at 128kW. 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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