Audi SQ7 vs Kia Sorento
What's the difference?

Audi SQ7

—

2024 price

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Kia Sorento

$33,990 - $82,990

2025 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz Eqe53

Mercedes-Benz Eqs450

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G580

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE400

Mercedes-Benz GLE450

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2024 Audi SQ7

2025 Kia Sorento

By John Law

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

12.1L/100km (combined)

1.6L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

16.1 kWh/100km

Electric range

68 km

Battery capacity

14.40 kWh

Seating

Likes

Growling V8 soundtrack
Spacious, classy cabin
Impressive ride and handling

Superb comfort and features
Family focused practicality
Easy-going driving experience

Dislikes

Lacks clever interior storage
Engine is thirsty
Expensive to service

Price vs value equation doesn't add up
Limited electric driving range
No curtain airbags in the third row

2024 Audi SQ7 Summary

The Audi Q7 has come in for its second facelift as it enters its ninth year of production while the younger Q8 is in for its first refresh.

But these two aren't like the Mitsubishi ASX and Eclipse Cross pair; Audi's MLB underpinnings were cutting edge at their launch 2015 and remain stand-out in the class with advanced suspension and chassis tech, connectivity and refinement.

A host of small visual and performance tweaks aim to make the range-topping SQ7 we're driving even better. But should you make the sensible seven-seat decision or go a little rogue and choose the sloping-roofed SQ8?

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2025 Kia Sorento Summary

The plug-in hybrid market is slowly but surely gaining traction in Australia, and Kia has thrown its hat into the ring with the flagship Sorento GT-Line PHEV AWD.

This top-spec seven-seat large SUV pairs family friendly practicality with the promise of lower emissions and petrol savings, at least, in theory.

So, is it the right blend of convenience, space and efficiency for busy families looking to dip a toe into electrification? That’s exactly what my family and I have been finding out.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Audi SQ7 2025 Kia Sorento

Verdict

There are newer options than the current Audi SQ7 and SQ8, including those which use the same platform, but don't write these luxury large SUVs off just yet.

It's a rare thing that a vehicle costing $200,000 has an air of pragmatism about it, but the SQ7 does. Its sensible leather upholstery, decent practicality, towing capability and near-excess of interior space make it a great family wagon.

As a counterpoint, the sharper looking SQ8 has minimal trade-off in comfort and interior room (at least for five) and is the kind of statement piece you'd expect for the price — especially in one of its loud paint colours.

Whichever way you leap, it's true that while the SQ7 and SQ8 are ageing, they are doing so gracefully and remain a superb option in this segment.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV is a sumptuously equipped seven-seater that delivers comfort, tech and an easy-going drive. It presents well on the surface, and for the right buyer (one who can make the most of its plug-in capabilities ) it could be a smart, low-emissions option for family life.

But for all its polish, it doesn’t quite do enough to justify itself as the best Sorento in the range. The electric-only driving range isn’t especially generous, and the higher price tag , combined with its lower towing capacity, may leave some families wondering whether the diesel variant is the more practical choice.

It’s not a bad car by any means, but the flagship GT-Line PHEV feels more like a stepping stone than a standout.

Audi SQ7 vs Kia Sorento What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi SQ7 vs Kia Sorento
What's the difference?