Volkswagen T-Roc 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.
Data checked: specs 29 Aug 2026, price 7 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$41,990RRP
- with the Kia Sportage's standard kit: $41,990 (nothing to add)
$38,490RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Measured rows: Australian Automobile Association Real-World Testing Program (realworld.org.au), the on-road result for the vehicle each test names, shown beside the maker's figures rather than in place of them and never scored. Volkswagen T-Roc test page Kia Sportage test page
Track the Volkswagen T-Roc & Kia Sportage
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Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen T-Roc starts from $41,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sportage opens at $38,490. That makes the Kia Sportage the more affordable entry point by $3,500.
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 $46,189 and $42,339 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen T-Roc by roughly $2,565 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.
Recalls on our record
Volkswagen T-Roc
- REC-006631 · published 18 Jun 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-006315 · published 27 Mar 2025Due to a calibration issue, the LED Matrix HD headlights may have been adjusted incorrectly.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-005418 · published 28 Apr 2022Due to manufacturing issue, the engine compartment cover may become loose.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
Kia Sportage
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006112 · published 9 Oct 2024The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System, can remain live even when the vehicle is switched off.Year range on the notice: 2009
- REC-006109 · published 9 Oct 2024The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System, can remain live even when the vehicle is switched off.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2014
- 10 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen T-Roc features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Sportage gets a 12.3-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen T-Roc stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Kia Sportage. The Kia Sportage counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen T-Roc uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.
The Kia Sportage responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The Kia Sportage has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen T-Roc measures 4,251mm long on a 2,603mm wheelbase, 434mm 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 445L in the Volkswagen T-Roc and 543L in the Kia Sportage, giving the Kia Sportage a 98L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Sportage leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 150kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.4m
Based on 11.1m 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
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,796/year for the Volkswagen T-Roc and $2,309/year for the Kia Sportage. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen T-Roc.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Roc) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen T-Roc if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
The Verdict
Kia Sportage: Top CarSorted Score, 75 vs 70
The Kia Sportage comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (75 vs 70), taking 5 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: safety (Kia Sportage ahead by 27), fuel economy (Volkswagen T-Roc ahead by 16), reliability (Kia Sportage ahead by 12). The Volkswagen T-Roc will save you roughly $513 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, Volkswagen T-Roc and Kia Sportage?
The Kia Sportage is the cheapest at $38,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen T-Roc by $3,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen T-Roc uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Kia Sportage holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Volkswagen T-Roc, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Sportage has the largest boot at 543L with the seats up.
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 / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Sportage makes the most power at 115kW.
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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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