Suzuki Jimny 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.
Price Breakdown
The Suzuki Jimny starts from $36,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sorento opens at $36,490. That makes the Kia Sorento 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 $40,689 and $40,139 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Sorento by roughly $1,855 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Suzuki Jimny and Kia Sorento hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 73% for the Suzuki Jimny and 82% for the Kia Sorento.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Sorento packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Suzuki Jimny.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Suzuki Jimny and 7 in the Kia Sorento.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Suzuki Jimny stands out with Apple CarPlay 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.
Drivetrain
The Suzuki Jimny uses a Petrol producing 75kW and 130Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.4 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 75kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sorento is 4.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Suzuki Jimny measures 3,645mm long on a 2,250mm wheelbase, 1170mm 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 377L in the Suzuki Jimny and 179L in the Kia Sorento, giving the Suzuki Jimny a 198L advantage. The Kia Sorento seats 7 vs 4.
For towing, the Kia Sorento leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.0m to 11.2m
Based on 10.0m 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 $2,309/year for the Suzuki Jimny and $1,938/year for the Kia Sorento. That is a $371 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sorento.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Suzuki Jimny) vs $1,938 (Kia Sorento). The Kia Sorento saves you roughly $371 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Suzuki Jimny) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento). The Kia Sorento has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Suzuki Jimny if: You need more boot space, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sorento takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Sorento will save you roughly $371 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Suzuki Jimny 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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