VS
At a Glance
Power
147kW@3800
205 kW
Torque
437Nm@1800
430 Nm
Fuel
7.4
8.1 l/100km
Towing
2000
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.9
7.0 s
Engine
2199
2393 cc
Choosing between the KIA Sorento and the Lexus NX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The KIA Sorento delivers 147kW@3800 while the Lexus NX produces 205 kW. On fuel, the Sorento returns 7.4 while the NX uses 8.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R499 995 for the Sorento and R1 276 500 for the NX. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
147kW@3800
205 kW
Torque
437Nm@1800
430 Nm
0-100 kph
9.9
7.0 s
Top Speed
190
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2199
2393 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.4
8.1 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
70
55 l
CO2 Emissions
233
185 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4685
4660 mm
Width
-1885
1865 mm
Height
1700
1670 mm
Wheelbase
2700
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
185
195 mm
Kerb Weight
1801
1760-1860 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
520 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
2052
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
DRIVER
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
7
Warranty Distance
100000
105000 Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Sorento
3 / 4 categories
Performance
NX
Fuel Economy
Sorento
Value
Sorento
Practicality
Sorento
Pros & Cons
KIA Sorento
Better fuel economy (7.4)
Lower starting price (R499 995)
Higher towing capacity (2000)
Few notable weaknesses
Lexus NX
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.0 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sorento or NX?
The Sorento uses 7.4 and the NX uses 8.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Sorento is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sorento or NX?
The Sorento produces 147kW@3800 and 437Nm@1800 of torque while the NX delivers 205 kW and 430 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sorento and NX?
The Sorento starts from R499 995 and the NX from R1 276 500. The Sorento is cheaper by R776 505 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sorento or NX?
The Sorento has a braked towing capacity of 2000 and the NX can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sorento or the NX?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.