What is it: 

The number of petrol-electric hybrid cars is growing in Australia. There’s now so much choice, buyers are presented with a new dilemma. Which one to buy?

The Kia Sorento seven-seat SUV and Kia Carnival eight-seat people-mover share their hybrid technology and have a similar price range.

So what are the pros and cons of each vehicle? As we discovered, it’s a tough call.

Price:

The Kia Carnival range stretches from $54,540 drive-away for the base model petrol, to $77,390 drive-away for the flagship GT-Line diesel.

The hybrid version of the Kia Carnival is, for now, only available in the flagship GT-Line grade priced from $82,325 drive-away.

The Kia Sorento range stretches from $54,090 drive-away for the base model petrol, to $72,690 drive-away for the flagship GT-Line diesel.

The hybrid version of the Kia Sorento is, for now, only available in the flagship GT-Line grade priced from $76,151 drive-away for the front-wheel-drive variant and $79,301 drive-away for the all-wheel-drive variant.

All prices listed above were sourced from the Kia Australia website and based on NSW stamp duty and registration fees. Check your postcode for pricing in your state or territory.

We tested the Kia Carnival hybrid (which, as with the rest of the Kia Carnival range, is only available in front-wheel-drive) and the Kia Sorento Hybrid with optional all-wheel-drive.

ANCAP safety rating:

Both vehicles have the complete suite of airbags and advanced safety systems and five-star safety ratings.

Read the ANCAP crash safety report on the Kia Carnival Hybrid here.

Read the ANCAP crash safety report on the Kia Sorento Hybrid here.

Engine:

Under the bonnet of both vehicles is an almost identical petrol-electric hybrid system (which recharges on the move, so you don’t need to plug it in).

A turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine (132kW/265Nm) is paired to an electric motor for smooth petrol-free take-offs.

Transmission:

Six-speed torque converter automatic transmission and the attached electric motor help deliver seamless acceleration.

0 to 100km/h (as tested):

The Kia Carnival Hybrid does 0 to 100kmh in 8.5 seconds using our precision VBox testing equipment. This compares to 7.8 seconds for the base model petrol Kia Carnival and 9.6 seconds for the top-line diesel Kia Carnival.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid with AWD does 0 to 100kmh in 8.1 seconds using our precision VBox testing equipment.

Translated: the hybrid is perkier than the diesel but not as fast as the base model petrol V6.

These vehicles are not race cars, of course, but we were curious to see how the performance compares because it provides an insight into how they handle hills or a car full of people.

It’s apparent the all-wheel-drive helps the Sorento move away more briskly, if by a slim margin.

Emergency braking from 100km/h (as tested): 

Both the Kia Carnival Hybrid and Kia Sorento Hybrid are equipped with quality Continental tyres.

However, the Sorento gets slightly better rubber, if our brake test is an indication.

The Kia Carnival Hybrid (Continental Cross Contact RX, 235/55/19) stopped in an emergency brake test from 100kmh in 39.0 metres (average for this type of vehicle).

The Kia Sorento Hybrid (Continental Premium Contact 6, 235/55/19 stopped in an emergency brake test from 100kmh in 37.5 metres (better than the average for this type of vehicle).

We repeated the tests after the brakes had cooled to make sure the results were not outliers.

Good points:

The Kia Carnival aces the Kia Sorento when it comes to space and practicality, especially when it comes to sliding rear doors (which are handy in tight car park spots).

The Carnival has eight seats versus the Sorento’s seven.

And the Carnival has a massive boot, though the Sorento still has a usable storage area and stows a full-size spare under the rear of the car.

Unlike other Carnival models that have a space saver spare, the Carnival Hybrid has no spare tyre whatsoever, so you’re calling a tow truck if you get a flat.

Both the Carnival and Sorento are quiet and refined to drive and the cabins have large widescreen instrument and infotainment displays and plenty of oddment storage.

Behind the wheel, the Sorento has more taught suspension and is more engaging and more controlled to drive.

It had slightly brisker acceleration and a shorter emergency braking distance.

Fuel efficiency of both models was on par with each other (about 5.6 to 6.5L/100km), plus both Kia hybrids can take regular unleaded.

This level of consumption is the same as we’ve recorded for the new Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (which has the same petrol-electric hybrid system), and only 5 to 10 per cent thirstier than a Toyota Kluger Hybrid (based on our testing).

The seven-year warranty and superb build quality – inside and out – add peace of mind.

Bad points:

The Kia Sorento Hybrid has a smaller fuel tank (67 litres) than the Kia Carnival Hybrid (72 litres), so you can stretch refills slightly longer in the Carnival.

The Kia Carnival Hybrid only has a tow rating of 1000kg (versus 2000kg for the non-hybrid variants) compared to 1650kg in the Kia Sorento Hybrid (versus 2000kg for the non-hybrid variants).

What the haters say:

Who really needs a hybrid?

What the haters don’t understand:

The efficiency of Kia (and Hyundai) hybrid technology is right up there, delivering almost as good fuel economy as Toyota’s hybrid system.

Should you buy one?

I’m more torn after this test than before we started.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid has a sharper price, slightly better performance, and better road-holding. And a lot of people prefer SUV looks over a people mover.

But I love the space and practicality of the eight-seat Kia Carnival Hybrid and it is the best in its class at what it does.

Still can’t decide? This might help.

If you only need seven seats, buy the Kia Sorento Hybrid.

If you need eight seats and a massive cargo hold, buy the Kia Carnival Hybrid (though remember it does not have a spare tyre, so you may not want to venture too far beyond the city limits).

Also consider:

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, Toyota Kluger Hybrid.