Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sorento
What's the difference?

Hyundai Tucson

$23,888 - $57,980

2024 price

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Kia Sorento

$33,990 - $82,990

2025 price

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Summary

2024 Hyundai Tucson

2025 Kia Sorento

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

5.3L/100km (combined)

1.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Lots of drivetrain options, no matter grade level
Well-specified for grade
Hybrid powertrain proves frugal

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

Dislikes

Drive experience is mixed
Higher price point than before
Safety tech improved but still intrusive

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

2024 Hyundai Tucson Summary

For the first time in Australia, the mid-sized Hyundai Tucson is being offered with a hybrid powertrain – which combines its spritely turbo-powered engine with a fuel efficiency-improving electric motor. And it might be enough to swing you to becoming a hybrid fan.

The new powertrain makes the Tucson a proper competitor against Australia’s darling, the Toyota RAV4 but the Nissan X-Trail e-Power and Kia Sportage remain strong rivals.

This week I’m family-testing the mid-spec Elite Hybrid with the N Line option pack to see how the newly updated Tucson handles family life.

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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 Hyundai Tucson 2025 Kia Sorento

Verdict

The updated Hyundai Tucson Elite Hybrid N Line offers families space, features and easy-enough handling for everyday stuff and the occasional weekend adventure pursuits.

The price point is higher than the previous non-hybrid model but you get a lot of bang for your buck and my family was comfortable this week.

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.

Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sorento What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sorento
What's the difference?