VS
At a Glance
Power
147kW@3800
227 kW
Torque
422Nm@1800
227+e Nm
Fuel
6.6
1.3 combined l/100km
Towing
2000
500 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.6
6.3 s
Engine
2199
2487 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 227 kW. On fuel, the Sorento returns 6.6 while the NX uses 1.3 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R431 995 for the Sorento and R1 428 700 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
227 kW
Torque
422Nm@1800
227+e Nm
0-100 kph
9.6
6.3 s
Top Speed
190
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2199
2487 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol-electric hybrid
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.6
1.3 combined l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
55 l
CO2 Emissions
233
29 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
4685
4660 mm
Width
1885
1865 mm
Height
1710
1670 mm
Wheelbase
2700
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
184
195 mm
Kerb Weight
1890
1990-2070 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
520 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
500 Kg
Load Capacity
1520
—
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
Satellite Navigation
✗
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✗
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
100000
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
NX
Fuel Economy
NX
Value
Sorento
Practicality
Sorento
Pros & Cons
KIA Sorento
Lower starting price (R431 995)
Higher towing capacity (2000)
Higher fuel consumption (6.6)
Lexus NX
Better fuel economy (1.3 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.3 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sorento or NX?
The Sorento uses 6.6 and the NX uses 1.3 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The NX 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 422Nm@1800 of torque while the NX delivers 227 kW and 227+e Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sorento and NX?
The Sorento starts from R431 995 and the NX from R1 428 700. The Sorento is cheaper by R996 705 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 500 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.