VS
At a Glance
Power
147kW@3800
160kW@6000
Torque
437Nm@1800
280Nm@1900
Fuel
7.4L/100km
7.9L/100km
Towing
2000kg
1000kg
0-100 km/h
9.9s
7s
Engine
2199cc
1598cc
Choosing between the KIA Sorento and the MINI Countryman is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Sorento delivers 147kW@3800 while the MINI Countryman produces 160kW@6000. On fuel, the Sorento returns 7.4L/100km while the Countryman uses 7.9L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R499 995 for the Sorento and R469 590 for the Countryman. 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.
Specification
KIA Sorento2.2 4x4 7-Seater AT 2013 - From R499 995
MINI CountrymanCooper JCW Steptronic 2012 - From R469 590
Performance
Power Output
147kW@3800
160kW@6000
Torque
437Nm@1800
280Nm@1900
0-100 kph
9.9s
7s
Top Speed
190km/h
223km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2199cc
1598cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.4L/100km
7.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
10.7L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
6.3L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
70L
47L
CO2 Emissions
233g/km
184g/km
Dimensions
Length
4685mm
4133mm
Width
-1885mm
1789mm
Height
1700mm
1561mm
Wheelbase
2700mm
2595mm
Ground Clearance
185mm
137mm
Kerb Weight
1801kg
1405kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000kg
1000kg
Load Capacity
2052kg
1170kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
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
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✗
Optional
Heated Seats
DRIVER
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
24
Warranty Distance
100000km
-
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
20000
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Countryman
Fuel Economy
Sorento
Value
Countryman
Practicality
Sorento
Pros & Cons
KIA Sorento
Better fuel economy (7.4L/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2000kg)
Higher starting price
MINI Countryman
Lower starting price (R469 590)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sorento or Countryman?
The Sorento uses 7.4L/100km and the Countryman uses 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle. The Sorento is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sorento or Countryman?
The Sorento produces 147kW@3800 and 437Nm@1800 of torque while the Countryman delivers 160kW@6000 and 280Nm@1900 of torque. The Countryman is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sorento and Countryman?
The Sorento starts from R499 995 and the Countryman from R469 590. The Countryman is cheaper by R30 405 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sorento or Countryman?
The Sorento has a braked towing capacity of 2000kg and the Countryman can tow 1000kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sorento or the Countryman?
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.