Kia Sorento vs LDV D90
What's the difference?

Kia Sorento

$42,990 - $86,990

2025 price

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LDV D90

$19,980 - $27,999

2020 price

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Summary

2025 Kia Sorento

2020 LDV D90

By Emily Agar

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

1.6L/100km (combined)

9.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Makes more sense as a diesel
People-mover practicality
Affordable

Dislikes

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

Terrible software
Cheap interior
A bit unwieldy to drive

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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2020 LDV D90 Summary

It’s pretty hard to miss the LDV D90.

Mainly because it is gigantic; it's one of the biggest SUVs you can buy. In fact, I’d say what’s drawn you to this review is maybe you’ve seen one of these behemoths trucking past, and you’re wondering what the LDV badge is all about and how this relatively unknown SUV stands up against popular rivals and other notable newcomers.

To get one confusing thing out of the way, LDV once stood for Leyland DAF Vans, a now-defunct British company which has been brought back to life by none other than China’s SAIC Motor – yes, the same one which also resurrected MG.

So, is this MG big brother worth looking into? We took the recently released diesel version of the D90 on test for a week to seek some answers…

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Kia Sorento 2020 LDV D90

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

Looking for a cheap, powerful diesel SUV with huge cabin space and a humane third row for adults? The D90 is a really sound offering, especially considering the price of entry for this top-spec diesel which should resonate with Aussies a bit better than the petrol version.

It has plenty of issues that could be ironed out, but they’re all so small and not sale-breaking it’s almost annoying how much better the D90 could be with just a little work. Rivals should be looking over their shoulder for what comes next.

Kia Sorento vs LDV D90 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Sorento vs LDV D90
What's the difference?