Kia Sorento vs Mazda CX-60
What's the difference?

Kia Sorento

$33,990 - $82,990

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Mazda CX-60

$36,980 - $77,985

2025 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2025 Kia Sorento

2025 Mazda CX-60

By Emily Agar

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Turbo 6, 3.3L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

1.6L/100km (combined)

7.4L/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

Quality feel
Spacious and practical interior
Superb powertrain and handling capabilities

Dislikes

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

Some suspension noise intrusion
Oddly dated styling inside and out
Still a premium-priced Mazda

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

2025 Mazda CX-60 Summary

A good car in its own right, the Mazda CX-60 has nevertheless been one of the most disappointing new-model releases of recent times.

After the ongoing critical and commercial success of the CX-5, its somewhat larger premium mid-sized sibling should have been a slam dunk, with BMW-evoking longitudinal drivetrain and terrific in-line six-cylinder engine choices, as well as the surprisingly far-sighted option of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from the get-go.

Yet, when launched internationally during 2022, the quality, packaging and performance were overshadowed by high prices, a jarring ride, odd handling and erratic transmission calibration, particularly in the aforementioned PHEV.

Now there’s been a wholesale re-think surrounding all of the CX-60’s objectionable systems, as well as a new, lower priced grade, among other updates.

Is it the SUV Mazda should have launched in the first place? Let’s find out.

View full pricing & specs

Interested in a Mazda CX-60?

Deep dive comparison

2025 Kia Sorento 2025 Mazda CX-60

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

Have no doubts. The MY25 version of the CX-60 is the SUV that Mazda should have launched in Australia in 2023.

It fulfils the promise of its sophisticated specification, builds on the extensive dynamic abilities of previous models, and now provides a compelling – and unique – choice for medium-SUV buyers who do not need an extended seven-seater.

It may still looks a bit daggy from some angles outside, and we’d like a little bit less suspension noise on the inside, but the CX-60 should now be on Australian family-car shortlists.

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

Kia Sorento vs Mazda CX-60 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Sorento vs Mazda CX-60
What's the difference?