Are you deciding between two popular midsize SUVs? At Della Kia in Plattsburgh, New York, we’re here to help. The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are both great choices, but which one is best for you?
Both SUVs have impressive features at good prices. They’re great for those watching their budget. They also have enough power for everyday driving, thanks to their 2.5-liter engine.
Space is important, and both SUVs deliver. The Sorento has 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, growing to 75.5 cubic feet when both rows are folded. The Santa Fe, without a third row, offers 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 72.1 cubic feet with seats folded. They can also tow up to 3,500 pounds, ideal for weekend trips.
Safety is a key concern for both brands. The Sorento and Santa Fe both earned Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS. They come with features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Come see our Kia Sorento inventory at Della Kia and see if it’s the right fit for your family.
Introduction to Modern Midsize SUV Competition
The world of family-friendly SUVs has grown a lot. Today, we see advanced vehicles that meet modern family needs. The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are top examples of this change.
The Evolution of Family SUVs
Family SUVs have evolved a lot. The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are large seven-seater SUVs. They offer luxury and space at a lower price than other large SUVs.
These models now have hybrid options. They include a 1.6-litre regular hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. This plug-in hybrid can go about 30 miles on electric power alone.
Market Position and Brand Heritage
The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe have strong market positions. The Sorento was launched in June 2023 and got great reviews. It scored 8.0 and 8.5 out of 10.
The Santa Fe has been around since 2012. Its latest update, Series II, scored an 8.0 out of 10.
Why These Models Stand Out
These midsize SUVs are great for both practicality and performance. They have a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine. This engine makes 147 kW at 3800 rpm and 440 Nm of torque between 1750 and 2750 rpm.
The Sorento has more cargo space. It can hold 605 litres of luggage with the third row folded. The Santa Fe can hold 516 litres.
Kia’s seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty beats Hyundai’s five-year warranty. This makes the Sorento a great choice for long-term ownership.
Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Santa Fe
In the battle of midsize SUVs, the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe both shine. They share a 2.5-liter engine that makes up to 191 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque. There’s also a turbocharged version that boosts power to 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.
The Sorento has a unique feature: it can seat up to seven people thanks to its three-row seating. The Santa Fe, on the other hand, can fit five people in its two-row layout. This makes the Sorento perfect for big families or those who need more space.
When it comes to carrying stuff, the Sorento has more room. It can hold up to 75.5 cubic feet of cargo when all seats are folded. The Santa Fe can hold 72.1 cubic feet. But the Santa Fe has more space behind the second and third rows, making it better for daily use.
Both SUVs have cool tech features and similar infotainment systems. Even the base models come with an 8-inch touchscreen. The higher trims have a bigger 10.25-inch display, all compatible with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
The Sorento is a bit more fuel-efficient, with an all-wheel-drive model getting 21/28/24 MPG. The Santa Fe gets 20/28/23 MPG. The Sorento is also quieter at 55 MPH, with a rating of 55.5 dB compared to the Santa Fe’s 56.9 dB.
Overall, the Kia Sorento’s three-row seating, cargo space, and fuel efficiency make it a top choice for families. It’s a strong contender in the midsize SUV market.
Design and Exterior Aesthetics
The Kia Sorento’s design is a mix of bold and elegant, standing out among family SUVs. Its big front grille and unique lights make a strong first look. Sharp lines add a sporty feel. The Sorento’s front half looks more sporty than its rivals.
Front Fascia and Lighting Signatures
The Sorento’s front has vertical LED headlights and a new tiger nose grille, making it look modern. Its bold lights and grille make it look powerful on the road, catching everyone’s eye.
Body Styling and Dimensions
The Sorento’s size is perfect for space and easy driving. It has 45 cubic feet of space when the third row is folded, beating the Honda CR-V. It’s great for families needing lots of room for their trips.
Color Options and Trim Levels
The Sorento has different trims with special features. The X-Pro trim has off-road tires, a roof rack, and skid plates for better off-road driving. You can choose from many colors to make your Sorento your own, blending style with practicality.
Visit our showroom to see the Sorento’s design up close. Check out our Sorento models and see how it combines style, function, and comfort.
Performance and Powertrain Options
The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are great for families. The Sorento starts with a 2.5-liter engine for smooth driving. Its turbocharged version gives 281 horsepower, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds.
Both SUVs have 8-speed transmissions for smooth shifting. This makes for a comfortable ride.
Fuel efficiency is important for families. The Sorento Hybrid has 227 horsepower and is both powerful and economical. It can seat up to 7 people, making it great for big families. The Santa Fe Hybrid has 261 horsepower, focusing on performance.
The Sorento can tow up to 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes. This is perfect for family trips. It handles well and rides smoothly, whether you’re running errands or going on a long trip. The Sorento is a strong contender in the SUV market, offering power, efficiency, and practicality.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are top picks for families. They shine in comfort and tech. The Sorento has unique features that set it apart.
Cabin Layout and Materials
The Sorento’s interior is modern and made with high-quality materials. It’s designed for comfort and ease. It can seat up to 7 people, while the Santa Fe fits 5.
Infotainment Systems
Both SUVs have advanced infotainment systems with 12.3-inch screens. The Sorento’s system is easy to use and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a premium Bose sound system for better audio.
Seating Configuration and Space
The Sorento offers flexible seating, including captain’s chairs and a third row. It has USB ports in every row for all passengers. Its fold-flat seats make it great for families with different needs.
Both SUVs have heated and ventilated seats. But the Sorento’s higher trims offer more luxury. Starting at $30,090, the Sorento is a strong contender in the family SUV market.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is key when choosing a family-friendly SUV. The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe stand out. They offer top safety ratings and advanced features to keep passengers safe.
Standard Safety Technology
Both SUVs have a lot of standard safety tech. The Kia Sorento has eight airbags, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Hyundai Santa Fe has seven airbags and similar tech, with a bit more standard safety at 85% compared to the Sorento’s 80%.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The Sorento and Santa Fe have advanced safety features. They include lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. The Sorento’s collision warning system can detect up to 120 feet away, while the Santa Fe’s lane departure warning system detects about 60 feet away.
The Sorento comes with a standard rearview camera. The Santa Fe offers an optional surround-view monitor for better visibility.
Crash Test Results
Both vehicles have great safety ratings. The 2021 Kia Sorento got a 5-Star Safety Rating for Frontal Crash tests from the NHTSA. The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe scored a 4-Star rating in the same category.
The IIHS named both SUVs Top Safety Picks for 2024. This makes them safe choices for families.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The Kia Sorento stands out in our midsize SUV comparison. It offers competitive pricing and strong warranty coverage. Starting at $31,990, it’s cheaper than the Hyundai Santa Fe’s $34,200. This makes the Sorento a great choice for families looking for a good deal on a three-row SUV.
Kia’s warranty is a big plus. It covers the whole vehicle for 10 years or 100,000 miles. This beats many rivals in the midsize SUV market, giving buyers peace of mind.
The Sorento comes in eight trim levels, offering something for everyone. The EX trim, starting at $38,090, has a turbocharged engine that rivals the Santa Fe’s power. This variety lets buyers find the right mix of features and price.
The Sorento also wins in fuel efficiency. It gets 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. This beats the Santa Fe, saving money on gas over time.
Ready to see the Kia Sorento’s value for yourself? Check out our inventory. Our team is here to help you find the perfect Sorento. You’ll get a midsize SUV that’s both affordable and versatile.
Cargo Space and Practicality
Family-friendly SUVs are great for carrying lots of stuff. The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are perfect examples. They have lots of room for daily needs and family trips.
Storage Solutions
The Kia Sorento has a lot of room for cargo. It can hold 357 liters behind the third row. This grows to 1,090 liters when the third row is folded. And it gets even bigger, to 2,139 liters, with both rear rows down.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a bit more room. It offers 413 liters, 1,148 liters, and 2,267 liters in the same ways. Both SUVs have smart spots for storing things, keeping them tidy and easy to find.
Third-Row Functionality
The Sorento comes with three-row seating as standard. The Santa Fe also has this feature in its latest model. This extra row is great for bigger families or when you need more space.
When you don’t need the third row, it folds up. This makes the SUVs even better for carrying stuff. They’re perfect for different needs.
Towing Capabilities
For families who love the outdoors or need to tow things, these SUVs are great. They can tow up to 3,500 pounds (1,588 kg), perfect for small trailers or boats. Their cargo space and towing ability make them perfect for family trips.
These SUVs are more than just good for carrying stuff. The Sorento has a Bose audio system, and the Santa Fe has luxury features like Nappa leather and relaxation seats. These extras make driving more comfortable and fun.
Conclusion
Our comparison of the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe shows two top choices for family vehicles. The Kia Sorento stands out in many areas.
The Sorento has a roomy interior, fitting seven people, unlike the Santa Fe’s five. It also has more cargo space, with 45 cubic feet behind the second row. The Santa Fe has 36.4 cubic feet. This extra space is great for families or those who need to carry big items.
Safety is crucial in family cars, and the Sorento does well here. It scored lower in safety tests than the Santa Fe. Kia also ranked higher in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study and long-term reliability rankings.
The Sorento is a good value. Even though it costs a bit more, it offers more space for people and things. Kia’s 7-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty is better than Hyundai’s 5-year warranty, giving you more peace of mind.
Try the Kia Sorento’s great features for yourself. Visit our dealership to see our Sorentos and find the right one for your family.
Take the Next Step: Test Drive a Kia Sorento Today
Ready to see what a family-friendly SUV can do? The Kia Sorento is a standout in our midsize SUV comparison. It has a 2.5L turbo engine that makes 281 horsepower. Plus, it can tow up to 4,500 pounds.
At Della Kia in Plattsburgh, New York, you can test drive the Sorento. Its interior is roomy, with 41.4 inches of legroom up front. It also has up to 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space. And, it’s fuel-efficient, with 23 MPG city and 31 MPG highway.
Safety is crucial in family SUVs. The Sorento is a Top Safety Pick Award winner from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It also has a big 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a comfy 14-way power driver’s seat. Kia also offers a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Visit Della Kia today. Our team is ready to show you the Sorento’s features. They’ll help you find the perfect SUV for your family’s adventures.
FAQ
Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency, the Kia Sorento or the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Kia Sorento usually has better fuel efficiency than the Hyundai Santa Fe. This is true, even with the Santa Fe’s hybrid options. It means you’ll need to fill up less often and save money on gas.
How does the cargo space in the Kia Sorento compare to the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Kia Sorento has a lot of cargo space. You get up to 616 liters behind the second row and 2,011 liters with the seats down. It’s a lot of room for your family’s stuff, maybe even more than the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Are there significant differences in safety features between the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe?
Both SUVs have lots of safety features. But the Kia Sorento has even more standard safety tech and driver assistance systems. It also does well in crash tests and is known for being reliable, making it a top pick for families who care about safety.
Which SUV offers better value for money?
The Kia Sorento usually costs less to start than the Hyundai Santa Fe. But it still has great features. Plus, Kia’s 7-year/100,000-mile warranty is unbeatable, making the Sorento a better deal overall.
How do the infotainment systems compare between the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Kia Sorento has a cool dual 12-inch panoramic display. It shows both the digital instruments and infotainment system. This top-notch tech, along with an easy-to-use interface and Bose audio, makes the Sorento stand out in tech and user experience.
Does the Kia Sorento offer third-row seating?
Yes, the Kia Sorento has third-row seating available. It’s a bit tight, but it’s great for extra passengers sometimes. Or, you can fold it up to make more room for cargo.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.