At a Glance
Power
148 kW
179 kW
Torque
440 Nm
239+e Nm
Fuel
6.0 l/100km
5.0 combined l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
500 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.5 s
7.7 s
Engine
2151 cc
2494 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 148 kW while the Lexus NX produces 179 kW. On fuel, the Sorento returns 6.0 l/100km while the NX uses 5.0 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R999 995 for the Sorento and R1 074 200 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
148 kW
179 kW
Torque
440 Nm
239+e Nm
0-100 kph
9.5 s
7.7 s
Top Speed
201 Km/h
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2151 cc
2494 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.0 l/100km
5.0 combined l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
158 g/km
114 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
4815 mm
4660 mm
Width
1900 mm
1865 mm
Height
1700 mm
1660 mm
Wheelbase
2815 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
176 mm
185 mm
Kerb Weight
1831 Kg
1790-1870 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
179-608-813-1966 l
520 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Intervals
15000
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 (R999 995)
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (6.0 l/100km)
Less power than rival (148 kW vs 179 kW)
Lexus NX
More powerful engine (179 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.0 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.7 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sorento or NX?
The Sorento uses 6.0 l/100km and the NX uses 5.0 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 148 kW and 440 Nm of torque while the NX delivers 179 kW and 239+e Nm of torque. The NX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sorento and NX?
The Sorento starts from R999 995 and the NX from R1 074 200. The Sorento is cheaper by R74 205 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 Kg 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.