Kia Sportage vs Lexus RX
What's the difference?

Kia Sportage

$29,999 - $64,220

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Lexus RX

$101,200 - $111,100

2026 price

View pricing & specs

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Mercedes-Benz G63

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Summary

2025 Kia Sportage

2026 Lexus RX

By Andrew Chesterton

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

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Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

8.1L/100km (combined)

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Seating

Likes

Svelte styling
Sorted ride
Spacious backseat and boot

Smooth & refined
Premium features
Family-friendly rear seat

Dislikes

Slightly weird slow-speed steering
Feels under-specced in cheaper grades
Short and expensive service intervals for hybrid

Relatively short EV-only range
No spare tyre, just a repair kit
Raised rear seat cramped for tall people

2025 Kia Sportage Summary

An updated Sportage is a big deal for Kia. It's the brand's best-selling model in Australia and around the world, and arguably has never faced more and stiffer competition.

There's a new Mazda CX-5 around the corner, this time with a hybrid, and Toyota has just whipped the covers off its new RAV4. And that's before you mention Hyundai, Volkswagen, Honda or the litany of Chinese newcomers all here for slice of the pie.

Kia tells us this mid-life update is designed to look better, drive better, offer better tech, better safety and better equipment right across a vast range that includes petrol, diesel, hybrid, two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, turbo and non-turbo alike.

So the question is, is all of that enough to keep the Sportage fresh in the face of all this new competition? Let's go find out.

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2026 Lexus RX Summary

Lexus has finally brought a plug-in hybrid to the Australian market with the RX450h+, and we’ve been testing the second-from-the-top Sports Luxury grade to see how it stacks up.

Promising a blend of electric efficiency and the high-end comfort Lexus is known for, this large SUV steps into a competitive segment. But does it deliver on both fronts?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Kia Sportage 2026 Lexus RX

Verdict

The Sportage still feels like a super solid offering in its segment, plus the addition of more hybrid options is only going to help.

It does feel a little under-specced in the lower grades, though, considering the everything-and-the-kitchen-sink approach taken by its Chinese rivals.

I feel like I should almost whisper this bit, given it's a dirty word at the moment, but that diesel engine, it's a real peach, and if I wasn't afraid of being run out of Sydney's inner west with pitchforks, that's probably the one I'd be choosing.

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

Verdict

The new Lexus RX450h+ Sports Luxury is packed with a wealth of premium features and strikes a solid balance between refinement and practicality. There are enough thoughtful touches that make everyday driving a little easier.

You’ll get the most out of the plug-in hybrid powertrain if you’re able to charge it regularly; ideally every day. That might not always be practical for busy people on the go, but overall, the RX450h+ manages to blend efficiency with Lexus’ signature comfort and quality.

Kia Sportage vs Lexus RX What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Sportage vs Lexus RX
What's the difference?