Kia Sorento vs Jaguar I-Pace
What's the difference?

Kia Sorento

$33,990 - $82,990

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Jaguar I-Pace

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2023 price

View pricing & specs

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

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Mercedes-Benz GLS

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Summary

2025 Kia Sorento

2023 Jaguar I-Pace

By Emily Agar

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

1.6L/100km (combined)

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Energy consumption

16.1 kWh/100km

23.0 kWh/100km

Electric range

68 km

446 km

Battery capacity

14.40 kWh

90.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Bold and distinctive design
Suitably upmarket cabin presentation
Dynamic balance, comfort and performance

Dislikes

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

Poor rear vision
Equipment levels are sparse for the price
Expensive options

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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2023 Jaguar I-Pace Summary

What sets the most iconic Jaguars apart?

Here’s a theory. Consider history’s greatest: the 1948 XK, its 1961 E-Type replacement and the first XJ of 1968. We’re talking about a grand tourer, sports car and luxury sedan respectively that broke ground in each of their segments.

Despite being a sales disappointment, let’s add the 2018 I-Pace to this elite group.

Like the others, it was a pioneer, this time in the luxury electric vehicle (EV) SUV field, beating most competitors and seemingly influencing newer ones ever since, from the excellent Kia EV6 to the coming Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.

Now, five years and a comprehensive update later, we revisit the 2023 I-Pace to see if it’s still a standout.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Kia Sorento 2023 Jaguar I-Pace

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

In the 1960s Jaguar used to promote its range as providing “grace, space and pace”. Nowadays, the I-Pace may as well also be known as the I-Grace and I-Space, because all three terms still ring true.

Jaguars were never cheap but the greatest hits felt like exceptional value because they were special. The same applies here. Five years might seem like an eternity, but age has not yet wearied the British luxury EV SUV nearly as much as you might imagine. Especially when optioned up as per our test vehicle.

Bereft of any post-modern brand baggage, the I-Pace remains a modern great. If only more buyers would catch on to that.

Kia Sorento vs Jaguar I-Pace What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Sorento vs Jaguar I-Pace
What's the difference?