Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai SANTA FE
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Sportage and Hyundai SANTA FE contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai SANTA FE.
In comparing the Kia Sportage's and the Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sportage has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, resale value and overall quality score. The Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Sportage's and the Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sportage is a better car than the Hyundai SANTA FE.
Pricing: For a new model, the Kia Sportage's price is between $30,461 and $39,759, with the Hyundai SANTA FE priced between $37,209 and $51,800.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Sportage loses 47.1 percent of its value and the Hyundai SANTA FE loses 48.3 percent of its value. This means the Kia Sportage retains 1.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai SANTA FE.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Sportage is 8.2 out of 10 while the Hyundai SANTA FE's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Kia Sportage being ranked 15 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Hyundai SANTA FE being ranked 8 out of 66.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Sportage is 7.5 out of 10. For the Hyundai SANTA FE the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Hyundai SANTA FE a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sportage.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Sportage’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the Hyundai SANTA FE base engine makes 277 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Kia Sportage has higher safety ratings than the Hyundai SANTA FE, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.69 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
30461 - 39759
Starting MSRP:
28690
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
37209 - 51800
Starting MSRP:
34800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
39270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
32190 - 44750
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
34444
Price Range:
30642 - 40180
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
51972
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
50800 - 55009
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
13616
Depreciation %:
0.47459628
Resale Value $:
15074
Residual Value %:
0.52540372
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.45209006
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.32910269 - 0.51594441
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
17011
Depreciation %:
0.48881264
Resale Value $:
17789
Residual Value %:
0.51118736
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.51651297
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.36117337 - 0.54113436
Kia Sportage Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
8.7 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Sportage
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.0
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.085
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SANTA FE
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.8 - 11.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.145
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Kia Sportage Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 18Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 20Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 54Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 54Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
45 out of / 66Ranking
45 out of / 66Ranking
48 out of / 66Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 16Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 33Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 33Ranking
11 out of / 33Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 54Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
34 out of / 54Ranking
36 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Summary Review
The Kia Sportage is a compact sport utility vehicle and a mainstay of Kia’s model line, going through several generations prior to the current Sportage, which debuted in 2017. The Sportage is known for its sharp looks, feature-packed interior, and low cost of entry, with new models costing an average of $28,105 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,380.
Summary 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.
Pros and Cons
- Smooth ride quality with a quiet interior
- Spacious seating front and rear
- Smart instrumentation and control layout
- Smaller cargo capacity than many rivals
- Acceleration can be sluggish
- Fuel economy adequate at best
Pros and Cons
- New engines for 2021 including a hybrid
- Cutting-edge infotainment
- Excellent safety ratings
- Only two rows for 2021
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Sportage Trim Levels
EX, LX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, X-Pro Prestige
Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels
Calligraphy, Limited, SE, SEL, XRT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.69 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
277 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
311 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
39.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
14.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
79.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
166.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3435 lbs
Width:
73.4 inches
Height:
65.4 inches
Length:
184.4 inches
Wheelbase:
108.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4343 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
67.7 inches
Length:
190.2 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black / Fusion Black
Gray
Gravity Gray / Steel Gray
Silver
Panthera Metal
White
Glacial White Pearl / Snow White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Phantom Black
Gray
Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Hampton Gray
Silver
Shimmering Silver Metallic
White
Serenity White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
