Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Kia Sorento: which is better?
As mid-sized SUVs go, the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Sante Fe are two of the best. But which will come out on top as we compare style, comfort, and more?
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Got your eye on a large seven-seater SUV but having a hard time picking between a used Kia Sorento vs. used Hyundai Santa Fe?
Both are excellent picks and deserve a lot of credit – for the amount of luxury, equipment and space you get, they end up being a lot more affordable than other large SUVs.
While there are a lot of similarities between the two, there are some minor differences that could change the way you see them. We outline those key variations below.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento more stylish?
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The Hyundai Santa Fe is an elegant and refined-looking seven-seater SUV that features a bold front-end design using the same multi-level approach as other Hyundai SUVs.
For models built after 2018, this means a pair of ultra-slim LED daytime running lights sitting above the main headlight cluster.
Below these are air vents for improved aerodynamics, and in the middle is a large grille.
Newer 2023-onward models have a boxier design with a full-length LED light bar across the grille, which has H-shaped light signatures on either end.
The newer Hyundai Santa Fe looks a little bit like the Kia EV9 electric SUV, which is no surprise because both Hyundai and Kia are part of the same company.
The Kia Sorento’s design is a little safer, but no less imposing, thanks to a large grille and a bold headlight design.
The signature that its lights paint combined with the sharp and angular body lines gives the Kia Sorento a slightly more athletic and sporty feel.
Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe performance and drive
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There’s no escaping the fact that these models are very large SUVs, which means neither drives like a sports car.
Even so, they strike a good balance between comfort and an engaging experience.
They’re both available with the same range of engines, which includes a powerful 2.2-litre diesel that makes light work of moving a car full of people. It’s reasonably efficient, too.
Models built from around 2020 are also available with hybrid setups, including a 1.6-litre regular hybrid that can coast around town using just the electric motor.
If you spend a lot of time around town, it might be slightly cheaper to run.
The pick of the bunch is the 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid because it can do around 30 miles on electric power alone.
That means a lot of your trips could cost very little if you have access to a home charger.
In terms of handling, the Kia Sorento has a slightly more responsive steering and throttle mapping to make it feel more alert, while the Hyundai Santa Fe is slightly more sedate.
They’re both comfortable, whether you’re taking long trips or navigating the potholed roads of our towns and cities.
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Kia Sorento specs and interior
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These cars share more than just their engines – in fact, a lot of the specs are closely aligned. They’re both flagship models for their respective brands, so are well-equipped even from entry-level.
For example, all newer Kia Sorento models come with heated front and outer rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate and wireless smartphone charging.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is just as luxurious and even benefits from a KRELL sound system as standard.
Higher-end models get premium extras like a 360-degree parking camera, a heads-up display, cooled front seats, and self-parking tech.
The reality is that there’s no bad pick for either car, and both feel incredibly plush and luxurious inside, with plenty of leather and high-quality materials.
It’s clear inside that the Hyundai is designed with comfort in mind. It’s a light and airy space with an ergonomically laid-out dashboard.
The Kia uses darker materials for a more sporty feel, plus there are plenty of glossy piano blacks to keep it feeling modern and stylish.
Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe boot space
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The Kia Sorento has an impressive boot that measures either 604 or 616 litres, depending on whether or not you go for the plug-in hybrid (which has a slightly smaller boot to accommodate the larger batteries).
With the seats folded, this extends to between 1,996 and 2,011 litres, which is as much as you might find in some small vans.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a smaller 571-litre boot, but it’s the same size whether you go for a hybrid model or not. It’s 1,649 litres with the seats folded flat.
Compare Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento: which is more reliable?
Hyundai and Kia are some of the first brands you might think of in terms of reliability and dependability, and for good reason. They often top the charts of many customer feedback surveys.
Fortunately, both the Santa Fe and the Sorento benefit from the same quality manufacturing and receive above-average scores.
They have slightly different warranties, so depending on the type of driving you do, you may want to consider this.
Hyundai offers a shorter five-year warranty but doesn’t impose a mileage limit. Kia imposes a 100,000-mile limit but gives you seven years of coverage.
Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe size and dimensions
First off, both models are exactly 1,900mm wide plus the width of their mirrors, which means both will do a good job of filling a tight parking space.
They’re not too dissimilar in terms of height, either – the Kia Sorento is 1cm shorter at 1,700mm, compared with 1,710mm for the Hyundai Santa Fe.
The key difference is in their length. The Hyundai is 4,785mm long, but the Kia is 2.5cm longer at 4,810mm.
Though they may look very big, they’re actually no longer than a mid-size saloon like an Audi A6, so they shouldn’t be any more troublesome in tight spaces.
If you’re struggling to compare the Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Sante Fe size, there’s no need to get in a pickle about it, because in practice, both are about the same.
Used Kia Sorento vs. used Hyundai Santa Fe: which should you buy?
Because both cars share a lot of their parts and they can both be just as luxurious as each other, there are only really two considerations to factor in.
First is the design – do you want a sporty-looking Kia Sorento or a slightly more sophisticated Hyundai Santa Fe?
Second is the amount of warranty coverage you need. If you’re buying an older car, for example, then you’ll benefit from Kia’s longer seven-year warranty.
If you cover a lot of miles each year, Hyundai’s unlimited-mileage cover might be more appropriate.