Hyundai SANTA FE vs. Kia Sorento
In comparing the Hyundai SANTA FE's and the Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. The Kia Sorento has the advantage in the area of resale value. The Hyundai SANTA FE and Kia Sorento have the same fuel efficiency base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai SANTA FE's and the Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE is a better car than the Kia Sorento.
Hyundai SANTA FE vs. Kia Sorento Pricing
A used 2023 Hyundai SANTA FE ranges from $27,973 to $41,997 while a used 2023 Kia Sorento is priced between $32,338 to $44,913. For a new model, the Hyundai SANTA FE's price is between $30,630 and $46,315, with the Kia Sorento priced between $31,815 and $46,043.
Hyundai SANTA FE vs. Kia Sorento Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai SANTA FE loses 50 percent of its value and the Kia Sorento loses 48.5 percent of its value. This means the Kia Sorento retains 1.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai SANTA FE.
Hyundai SANTA FE vs. Kia Sorento Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 8.5 out of 10 while the Kia Sorento's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai SANTA FE being ranked 7 out of 30 Best Midsize SUVs and the Kia Sorento being ranked 17 out of 30. Out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs, the Hyundai SANTA FE is ranked 9 and the Kia Sorento is ranked 35.
Hyundai SANTA FE vs. Kia Sorento Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 8.6 out of 10. For the Kia Sorento the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Hyundai SANTA FE a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sorento.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the base engine of both the Hyundai SANTA FE and the Kia Sorento makes 191 horsepower. Both the SANTA FE and the Sorento are rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 496 and 513 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage of offering more front head room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Kia Sorento has the advantage in the area of rear head room. The Hyundai SANTA FE and Kia Sorento are comparable in regards to front shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Hyundai SANTA FE has higher safety ratings than the Kia Sorento, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.49 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Hyundai SANTA FE has the better rating with a Top Safety Pick+ award compared to the Kia Sorento’s Top Safety Pick award.
Overview
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:
$30,630 - $46,315
Used Asking Price:
$27,973 - $41,997
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
50%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$31,815 - $46,043
Used Asking Price:
$32,338 - $44,913
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
48.5%
Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
6.7 / 10
Safety:
8.5 / 10
Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 55Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 16Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 55Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 55Ranking
14 out of / 55Ranking
14 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 55Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
20 out of / 55Ranking
22 out of / 30Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 30Ranking
24 out of / 55Ranking
24 out of / 30Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 53Ranking
29 out of / 62Ranking
50 out of / 55Ranking
57 out of / 66Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 11Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 16Ranking
6 out of / 6Ranking
9 out of / 16Ranking
12 out of / 21Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 21Ranking
18 out of / 21Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
19 out of / 21Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 30Ranking
20 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 26Ranking
22 out of / 30Ranking
22 out of / 30Ranking
22 out of / 30Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
25 out of / 30Ranking
25 out of / 30Ranking
26 out of / 30Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
34 out of / 62Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
45 out of / 66Ranking
52 out of / 66Summary 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
Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels
Calligraphy, Limited, SE, SEL, XRT
Kia Sorento Trim Levels
EX, LX, S, SX, SX Prestige, X-Line EX, X-Line S, X-Line SX Prestige
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):
4.49 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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
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:
3715 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:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
