Kia Sportage vs Mahindra Scorpio N
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 Kia Sportage starts from $38,490 before on-road costs, while the Mahindra Scorpio N opens at $48,990. That makes the Kia Sportage the more affordable entry point by $10,500.
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 $42,339 and $53,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Sportage by roughly $1,425 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 Kia Sportage features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Mahindra Scorpio N gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Sportage stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Mahindra Scorpio N. The Mahindra Scorpio N counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and Sony audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sportage uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Mahindra Scorpio N responds with a 2.2L mHawk Turbo Diesel making 129kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Mahindra Scorpio N has the clear power advantage at 129kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Sportage measures 4,685mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 23mm longer than the Mahindra Scorpio N at 4,662mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Mahindra Scorpio N leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 850kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
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 $1,767/year for the Kia Sportage and $2,052/year for the Mahindra Scorpio N. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sportage.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Kia Sportage) vs $2,052 (Mahindra Scorpio N). The Kia Sportage saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage) vs 7 years / 150,000km (Mahindra Scorpio N). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mahindra Scorpio N if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mahindra's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sportage takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Sportage will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Sportage and Mahindra Scorpio N?
The Kia Sportage is the cheapest at $38,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mahindra Scorpio N by $10,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sportage uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Kia Sportage has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which can tow the most?
The Mahindra Scorpio N has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mahindra Scorpio N makes the most power at 129kW.
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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