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The Santa Fe and Sorento, both leading contenders in the mid-size SUV segment, often leave buyers pondering: which is the better choice? This comprehensive comparison delves into the styling, performance, interior features, practicality, and reliability of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento to help you make an informed decision.
Santa Fe vs. Sorento: Exterior Styling
The Hyundai Santa Fe boasts a sophisticated and refined aesthetic. Models produced after 2018 showcase a distinctive front fascia with slim LED daytime running lights positioned above the main headlight clusters. Aerodynamic air vents and a prominent grille complete the look. The latest Santa Fe models (2023 onwards) adopt a more angular design featuring a full-width LED light bar across the grille with unique H-shaped light signatures. This design language shares similarities with the Kia EV9 electric SUV, reflecting the shared parentage of Hyundai and Kia.
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The Kia Sorento, while less avant-garde, projects a commanding presence with its large grille and bold headlight design. Its sharp lines and angular bodywork contribute to a more athletic and sporty appearance. Ultimately, the choice between the Santa Fe’s elegance and the Sorento’s sportiness boils down to personal preference.
Performance and Driving Experience: Santa Fe vs. Sorento
Both the Santa Fe and Sorento are substantial SUVs, so nimble handling like a sports car isn’t their forte. However, they strike a commendable balance between comfort and engaging driving dynamics. They share a range of engine options, including a robust 2.2-litre diesel engine capable of effortlessly transporting a full load of passengers and cargo. This engine also delivers respectable fuel efficiency.
Models manufactured from 2020 onwards offer hybrid powertrains. A 1.6-litre regular hybrid allows for electric-only driving at low speeds, potentially reducing running costs for city dwellers. The standout option is the 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid, boasting an electric range of around 30 miles, making short journeys incredibly economical for those with home charging capabilities.
While both SUVs provide a comfortable ride, the Kia Sorento exhibits slightly more responsive steering and throttle response, lending it a more agile feel compared to the Santa Fe’s more relaxed demeanor.
Interior Features and Specifications
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Beyond sharing engines, the Santa Fe and Sorento align closely in terms of specifications. Both are flagship models, meaning even base trims come well-equipped. The Sorento boasts standard features like heated front and rear outboard seats, a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, and wireless smartphone charging. The Santa Fe matches this level of luxury and adds a standard KRELL sound system. Higher trim levels introduce premium options like a 360-degree parking camera, heads-up display, ventilated front seats, and self-parking technology. Both interiors exude a premium feel with abundant leather and high-quality materials. The Santa Fe’s cabin emphasizes comfort with a light and airy ambiance and an ergonomic dashboard layout. The Sorento opts for darker materials and glossy piano black accents to create a sportier and more modern atmosphere.
Cargo Space Showdown: Santa Fe vs. Sorento
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The Kia Sorento offers a more generous cargo area, with 604 to 616 litres of space depending on the powertrain (the plug-in hybrid variant has slightly less cargo room due to the battery pack). Folding the rear seats expands this capacity to a cavernous 1,996 to 2,011 litres. The Hyundai Santa Fe provides a still respectable 571 litres of boot space, consistent across all powertrain options, expanding to 1,649 litres with the rear seats folded.
Reliability: Which SUV is More Dependable?
Both Hyundai and Kia have earned reputations for reliability, frequently topping customer satisfaction surveys. The Santa Fe and Sorento benefit from this shared commitment to quality, consistently receiving above-average reliability scores. However, their warranties differ. Hyundai offers a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage, while Kia provides a seven-year warranty capped at 100,000 miles. The best choice depends on individual driving habits.
Size and Dimensions: Santa Fe vs. Sorento
Both SUVs measure 1,900mm wide (excluding mirrors), making them comparable in terms of parking ease. The Sorento stands slightly shorter at 1,700mm compared to the Santa Fe’s 1,710mm. The most significant difference lies in length: the Santa Fe measures 4,785mm, while the Sorento is slightly longer at 4,810mm. Despite their size, both are comparable in length to a mid-size sedan like an Audi A6, making them manageable in tight spaces.
Used Santa Fe vs. Used Sorento: Which Should You Buy?
The decision between a used Santa Fe and Sorento ultimately hinges on two primary factors: styling preference and warranty needs. Consider whether you prefer the Sorento’s sporty aesthetic or the Santa Fe’s more sophisticated design. Also, factor in the remaining warranty coverage. Kia’s longer seven-year warranty might be more advantageous for older models, while Hyundai’s unlimited mileage warranty could be more appealing for high-mileage drivers.
