Kia Sorento vs Alfa Romeo Tonale
What's the difference?

Kia Sorento

$33,990 - $78,920

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Alfa Romeo Tonale

$64,990 - $79,000

2026 price

View pricing & specs

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

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Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

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Summary

2025 Kia Sorento

2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

By Emily Agar

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Inline 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

1.6L/100km (combined)

5.4L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

16.1 kWh/100km

Electric range

68 km

Battery capacity

14.40 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Sculpted looks
Improved spec
Driver-centric interior

Dislikes

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

Fun but not thrilling
Not the most practical SUV
Pricey servicing, bleak residuals

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.

View full pricing & specs

2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Summary

Alfa Romeo’s Tonale has been a success for the company globally, but you wouldn’t know it in Australia.

Alfa, along with brands like Fiat, Peugeot, Renault and even Skoda are scrabbling for traction in our oversaturated market, absolutely heaving with mainstream mid-size SUVs and cheap competition.

Euro alternatives are on the back foot and the Tonale looks like it’s on the precipice of extinction, registering just 50 units in the sales data this year.

That hasn’t stopped Alfa from introducing this new updated model with a raft of improvements it says will help boost its chances.

Is it worth a second look? Let’s find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Kia Sorento 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

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.

Verdict

Stuck between efficiency and performance, the Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce Ibrida can’t really decide what kind of car it wants to be.

Fun, but not fun enough. Efficient, but not truly frugal. Pragmatically sized, but not super practical. Improved on inclusions, but not on price point.

The one area this car truly excels at is looking really good no matter what it’s doing. I’m not sure that’s enough to increase its appeal in what has become the most competitive new car market in the world.

Kia Sorento vs Alfa Romeo Tonale What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Sorento vs Alfa Romeo Tonale
What's the difference?