The Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento have similar powertrains and technology, and as such, they are owned by the same parent company. This leaves most car buyers needing clarification. If they have so many similarities, then which one is better? Which one would a used or new car buyer most likely enjoy?
This article explains the difference between SUVs, helping car buyers and sellers make the right decision.
Compare the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento: Which SUV is more reliable?
Reliability is a crucial consideration for any vehicle purchase, and fortunately, both Hyundai and Kia have built solid reputations for producing reliable cars.
According to J.D. Power, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is more reliable than the Kia Sorento. The Sorento has a reliability score of 81, while the Santa Fe has a great score of 83.
This means a Kia Sorento is more likely to give you problems with time, but there's nothing to worry about since both vehicles are covered by a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The warranty is worth considering, especially if you purchase a used vehicle. Check our vin decoder tool to see if the car you want is covered.
Interior Comfort
The two SUVs have been found to have exquisite and luxurious interiors with extravagant features. Both cars offer spacious cabins with ample room for passengers. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, providing a comfortable ride even on long journeys.
The main difference between both cars is the presence of the third row on the Sorento. This gives it more room for passengers, but unfortunately, it's not the most stylish. The Santa Fe provides more headroom and legroom (41.7 inches) and doesn't need a third row.
Cargo Space
Now, judging by the cargo space, the Sorento wins here due to its three-row design. With the third row folded down, the Sorento gives 38.5 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Santa Fe gives just about 36.4 cubic feet.
If you fold all rear rows flat, the Sorento also provides more cargo space, 75.5 cubic feet, than Santa Fe's 72.2 cubic feet.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Because they both have the same parent company, both cars offer the same powertrain choices, drive type, and similar fuel economy.
They both come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower paired with an eight-speed automatic. You can also expect an upgrade to a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.
Both are available in front- or all-wheel drive—your choice. Comparing fuel economy ratings, we can call it a tie between both SUVs since there isn't any significant difference. Here's a table to give you an idea:
Model | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
2024 Kia Sorento FWD | 23 | 31 | 26 |
2024 Kia Sorento AWD | 23 | 28 | 25 |
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe FWD | 22 | 29 | 25 |
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD | 21 | 27 | 24 |
Interior Technology
There is no primary difference between the interior tech of both SUVs. They feature an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, which can be upgraded to a larger 10.3-inch screen for those seeking a more immersive experience.
You can also find the standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration in the 8-inch touchscreen base models. With the 10.3-inch screen, you will find a wired integration.
In higher trim options, you can find a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, dual-zone climate control, proximity-based keyless entry, and panoramic sunroofs in their higher-trim options.
Safety Features
The Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe are excellent choices for safety. They offer high-standard safety features and have earned top safety ratings.
The Kia Sorento only achieved a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, while the Santa Fe reached a maximum of five stars. Both cars also passed the IIHS tests, making the Santa Fe the winner in this category.
Towing, Ride, and Handling
The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are twins in terms of towing capacity. Both offer a 2,000-pound maximum with their base engines and a 3,500-pound limit on higher trims with the more potent turbocharged engines.
Comparing ride and handling, Santa Fe wins. Here's why. Several reviewers noticed that the Santa Fe steering has a sharper feel compared to the Sorento, which reviewers mentioned had a sloppier feel. Aside from that, both vehicles are good for driving on well-paved roads.
Price
In this category, the Kia Sorento wins. Although many factors influence the price of a new or used vehicle, you would generally get a Sorento at a slightly more affordable price than a Santa Fe.
The 2024 Santa Fe base price is $33,950, and the Sorento costs $31,990. However, used ones are significantly cheaper.
At the end of the day, both vehicles are really good options, and the best one for each person depends on their needs. The Sorento offers a sportier driving experience and more cargo space, while the Santa Fe has a more relaxed, premium cabin feel.
Before making your decision, read carefully and understand what each vehicle offers. Our free VIN decoder can provide a full list of vehicle specifications, or or you can check the hyundai build sheet for more detailed information.
Buying a used Santa Fe vs Sorento?
If you are buying a used Santa Fe or Sorento, the best way to ensure you get a good deal is to check the vehicle's history report. This report tells you essential information about the car's past, like whether it's been in any accidents or had major repairs.
With a vehicle history report, you can find the following records:
- Accident records
- Damages
- Total loss records/salvage records
- Theft records
- Ownership History
- Market value
- Service records
- Auction and sales history
- Warranty information
- Vehicle specifications
- Vehicle usage
- Lien and loan records and more
Get a VIN check and be sure about the condition of the SUV you are interested in. Make a reliable purchase today.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Kia Sorento is bigger than the Santa Fe. The Kia Sorento has a third row, offering more passenger capacity, but the Hyundai Santa Fe provides more headroom and legroom. In terms of height, the Kia Sorento is 1cm shorter at 1,700mm, compared with 1,710mm for the Hyundai Santa Fe.
The Kia Sorento is equivalent to the Hyundai Santa Fe. Given their shared parent company, both mid-size SUVs share similar powertrains, features, and technology. The main differences between the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe lie in the Sorento's third-row seating and slightly more cargo space, while the Santa Fe offers better reliability and a more premium feel.
Neither is better than the other. You will generally have equal coverage with Kia or Hyundai. Either brand offers a generous 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.
