Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Kia Sorento
Considering they both hail from parent Hyundai Motor Group, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento midsize SUVs have many similarities. They share the same powertrains (including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options), feature an extensive list of standard features, possess refined driving dynamics, and come with excellent warranties. There are some key differences, however. The slightly larger Sorento costs about $2,200 more than the Santa Fe, but that price premium nets more passenger-carrying ability; the Sorento is a 3-row, 7-passenger vehicle, whereas the Santa Fe seats only five across two rows. While the Sorento does offer more seating flexibility, the Santa Fe provides better front-seat legroom and feels roomier than the Sorento in its two rows. Perhaps the biggest difference between the two SUVs is the front-end styling, specifically the nose and grille. As is the case with most Hyundai models, the Santa Fe features a large grille opening that is much more aggressive than the Sorento’s more subdued design.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$29,484 - $44,236
Used Asking Price:
$23,794 - $37,808
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
50%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$31,260 - $45,998
Used Asking Price:
$22,682 - $35,835
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
48.5%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
6.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
4 out of / 61Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 61Ranking
6 out of / 61Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
28 out of / 61iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 25Ranking
14 out of / 25Ranking
17 out of / 61Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 25Ranking
26 out of / 61Ranking
31 out of / 61Ranking
39 out of / 61Summary Review
Hyundai’s Santa Fe has evolved rapidly over its generations into one of the most satisfying to drive midsize crossover SUVs on the market. There are many versions of the Santa Fe, some with two rows and some with three, depending upon the model year and trim.
Summary Review
Kia’s Sorento is a two- or three-row crossover SUV on sale since 2015 in its outgoing generation. It is built in West Point, Georgia. All-new for 2021, shoppers in the midsize SUV segment should give the Sorento a fresh look.
Pros and Cons
- New engines for 2021 including a hybrid
- Cutting-edge infotainment
- Excellent safety ratings
- Only two rows for 2021
Pros and Cons
- Available in past years with two or three rows of seats
- High safety scores
- 2020 and older models showing their age
- Smaller than many midsize vehicles in this segment
- Past models had low reliability scores
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
Calligraphy, Limited, SEL, SE, XRT
Trim Levels
X-Line EX, S, X-Line SX Prestige, SX Prestige, X-Line S, SX, EX, LX
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 28 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
443 / 496 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 29 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
425 / 513 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
36.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
72.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
147.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
12.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
121.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3649 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
66.3 inches
Length:
188.4 inches
Wheelbase:
108.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3714 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
66.7 inches
Length:
189 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
235/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
