Volvo XC60 vs Kia Sorento
What's the difference?

Volvo XC60

$74,990 - $101,990

2026 price

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Kia Sorento

$33,990 - $82,990

2025 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C200

Mercedes-Benz C300

Mercedes-Benz C350 E

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA250

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series

Summary

2026 Volvo XC60

2025 Kia Sorento

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Fuel Type

—

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.6L/100km (combined)

1.6L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

16.1 kWh/100km

Electric range

68 km

Battery capacity

14.40 kWh

Seating

Likes

Tried and tested family practicality
Pretty road manners
Relative value for segment

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

Dislikes

Facelift is too subtle
Gremlins in media system
Big price jumps between trims

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

2026 Volvo XC60 Summary

The Volvo XC60 has long been an understated achiever of the premium mid-size SUV crowd.

It doesn’t shout for attention like some of its rivals, but it’s built a reputation for quiet confidence and family-friendly practicality. For 2026, the XC60 Ultra B5 Dark keeps the same engine but has received a facelift in other areas. Is it enough to keep family buyers who want a mix of practicality and luxury happy?

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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

2026 Volvo XC60 2025 Kia Sorento

Verdict

The facelifted Volvo XC60 Ultra B5 Dark is the car at school pick-up that doesn’t need to brag. It just gets on with things and it looks good doing it. It offers a strong mix of family-focused features, comfortable and composed road manners and thoughtful practicality throughout the cabin.

The updated media system is crisp and responsive, though it could use a few tweaks to be truly intuitive. Overall, the XC60 mild-hybrid remains a solid choice for families who value understated luxury, comfort and safety over flash. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does what it does well.

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.

Volvo XC60 vs Kia Sorento What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo XC60 vs Kia Sorento
What's the difference?