Mahindra XUV500 vs Kia Sorento
What's the difference?

Mahindra XUV500

—

2018 price

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Kia Sorento

$33,990 - $82,990

2025 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

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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

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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Summary

2018 Mahindra XUV500

2025 Kia Sorento

By Andrew Chesterton

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.7L/100km (combined)

1.6L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

16.1 kWh/100km

Electric range

68 km

Battery capacity

14.40 kWh

Seating

Likes

Cheap way into seven seats
Petrol/auto combination a winner
Hugely spacious third row

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

Dislikes

Underwhelming safety
Steering that requires plenty of guesswork
Cheap-feeling interior

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

2018 Mahindra XUV500 Summary

Just in case attacking Australia's crowded SUV market with a virtually unheard of Indian brand wasn't a high enough hurdle to leap over, Mahindra had made its task even harder - think a Bollywood version of Mission Impossible - by launching its XUV500 SUV here with a diesel engine (which nobody wanted) and a manual gearbox (which few could even remember how to use).

Fortunately, it fixed one of those issues late in 2016, finally adding an automatic transmission to the line-up. And now, at long last, it's fixed the other.

This, then, is the petrol-powered XUV500 SUV. And, on paper at least, it's the most sense-making Mahindra to date.

For one, it's a ferociously cheap way into a new seven-seat SUV. For another, it's pretty well equipped, even from the base level. There's a long warranty, an equally long roadside assistance offering, and there's capped-price servicing, too.

So, should the mainstream SUV players be looking over their shoulders?

Spoiler alert: no.

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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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Deep dive comparison

2018 Mahindra XUV500 2025 Kia Sorento

Verdict

This petrol-powered and well-priced XUV500 W6 might mark Mahindra's most convincing effort at cracking Australia's congested SUV market, but we're still not completely convinced.

That said, it's certainly cheap, the ownership credentials stack up and it's a very comfortable way to transport seven people.

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.

Mahindra XUV500 vs Kia Sorento What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mahindra XUV500 vs Kia Sorento
What's the difference?