Kia Sorento vs smart #1
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 Sorento starts from $36,490 before on-road costs, while the smart #1 opens at $54,900. That makes the Kia Sorento the more affordable entry point by $18,410.
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 $40,139 and $60,390 respectively.
The smart #1 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Kia Sorento, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sorento and smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Kia Sorento and 96% for the smart #1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Kia Sorento.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia Sorento and 7 in the smart #1. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia Sorento misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #1 counters with wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting that the Kia Sorento does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sorento uses a Petrol producing 200kW and 332Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The smart #1 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Sorento measures 4,815mm long on a 2,815mm wheelbase, 545mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sorento generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 179L in the Kia Sorento and 203L in the smart #1, giving the smart #1 a 24L advantage. The Kia Sorento seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Kia Sorento leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 400kg 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 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). The Kia Sorento has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You need more boot space, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sorento takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Sorento and smart #1?
The Kia Sorento is the cheapest at $36,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the smart #1 by $18,410.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sorento uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Sorento and smart #1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The smart #1 has the largest boot at 203L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Sorento has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Sorento has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
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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