Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Santa Fe: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Santa Fe – In the ever-evolving automotive industry, hybrid SUVs have become increasingly popular due to their fuel efficiency and eco-friendly features.

Two prominent contenders in this category are the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.

Both vehicles offer impressive specifications and innovative technology, but which one is the better choice for consumers?

In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two hybrids to help you make an informed decision.

What is the Difference Between Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?

The Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid are both popular choices in the hybrid SUV market, offering a combination of fuel efficiency and eco-friendly features.

While they share some similarities, there are key differences that set them apart. Let’s explore these distinctions to help you make an informed decision.

Pricing

The price of a vehicle is often one of the primary considerations for potential buyers. Let’s take a closer look at the pricing details for the Kia Sorento vs Santa Fe.

– 2023 Kia Sorento Price

The 2023 Kia Sorento offers a diverse lineup of trims, catering to different budgets and preferences. The base LX model starts at $30,090, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more budget-friendly choice.

Moving up the trim levels, the SX trim, which is one of the most popular choices, starts at $38,890. It offers additional features and amenities, appealing to customers who value added comfort and technology.

For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury and performance, the top-tier X-Line SX Prestige model begins at $43,690.

This trim is equipped with the most advanced features and upscale finishes, providing a premium driving experience.

It is essential to consider the various features and enhancements that each trim level offers when making a decision.

A side-by-side comparison of the different trims can help potential buyers identify the best fit for their needs and budget.

– 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Price

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe also presents an attractive pricing structure. The starting price for the front-wheel-drive SE model is $28,750, which is slightly lower than the base model of the Kia Sorento. However, it is crucial to note that this price is subject to a destination charge.

For buyers looking for enhanced traction and performance, all-wheel drive is available at every trim level, with an additional cost of $1,700.

As with the Kia Sorento, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers multiple trims with varying features and amenities.

The availability of all-wheel drive across all trims ensures that customers can choose the level of performance and capability that aligns with their preferences and needs.

When comparing the prices of the 2023 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, it becomes evident that both vehicles are competitively priced in the hybrid SUV segment.

The Kia Sorento provides a slightly higher starting price for its base model, but it also offers more diverse and luxurious trim options for customers willing to invest in higher-tier configurations.

On the other hand, the Hyundai Santa Fe boasts a slightly lower starting price, making it an attractive option for those looking for an affordable yet well-equipped SUV.

Read also: Kia Sorento vs Lexus NX

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is a crucial aspect for modern car buyers, and the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid both offer impressive fuel economy figures. Let’s take a closer look at the fuel efficiency of each model.

The 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid stands out with its excellent fuel economy, especially for a midsize SUV. Equipped with the base engine, the Sorento achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and an impressive 29 mpg on the highway.

For models with all-wheel drive, the city mileage remains the same at 24 mpg, while the highway mileage slightly reduces to 35 mpg.

For buyers opting for turbocharged models, the fuel economy remains commendable. The turbocharged Sorento achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

When equipped with all-wheel drive, the city mileage remains constant at 22 mpg, and the highway mileage decreases slightly to 27 mpg.

Overall, the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid’s fuel economy is praiseworthy, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an eco-friendly and efficient SUV for their daily commutes and road trips.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid also delivers impressive fuel efficiency, especially with its upgraded turbo engine and all-wheel-drive configuration.

According to the EPA, the Santa Fe with the turbo engine and all-wheel drive achieves an estimated 24 mpg combined, with 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

During an evaluation test route, the Santa Fe exceeded expectations, achieving an impressive 27.3 mpg, showcasing that it can indeed meet the EPA estimates.

This is particularly remarkable given the powerful output of Santa Fe’s engine, outperforming some competitors with V6 engines.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid’s fuel efficiency is a testament to the advancements in hybrid technology, providing customers with a balance of power and eco-friendliness.

When comparing the fuel economy of the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, both models demonstrate admirable efficiency in their respective categories.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid excels with its city fuel economy, delivering 24 mpg with the base engine, and 22 mpg with the turbocharged option.

On the other hand, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid performs slightly better on the highway, achieving 29 mpg with the base engine and 28 mpg with the turbo engine.

Dimensions

The dimensions of a vehicle play a crucial role in determining its overall size, interior space, and practicality.

Let’s explore the dimensions of the 2023 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe to understand how they compare.

2023 Kia Sorento Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

Both the 2023 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offer spacious interiors and practical dimensions, catering to different consumer needs and preferences.

The Kia Sorento is slightly longer, measuring 189.0 inches, while the Hyundai Santa Fe is slightly shorter at 188.4 inches.

However, the Santa Fe boasts a slightly higher overall height at 67.3 inches compared to the Sorento’s 66.7 inches.

In terms of interior space, the Hyundai Santa Fe holds an advantage with an EPA interior volume of 147.9 cubic feet, providing more room for passengers and cargo. The Sorento offers a respectable EPA interior volume of 121.3 cubic feet.

The cargo capacity with all seats in place is also greater in the Hyundai Santa Fe, offering 36.4 cubic feet, whereas the Kia Sorento provides 12.6 cubic feet.

However, with the rear seats folded down, the Sorento’s maximum cargo capacity of 75.5 cubic feet slightly surpasses Santa Fe’s 72.1 cubic feet.

The ground clearance of the Santa Fe is higher at 8.2 inches, providing better off-road capability, compared to the Sorento’s 6.9 inches.

In terms of passenger comfort, both models offer spacious front and rear seat dimensions, ensuring a comfortable driving and riding experience for all occupants.

Read also: Kia Sorento vs Mitsubishi Outlander

Colors Options

The color choices of a vehicle are a significant aspect for many car buyers, as they allow individuals to personalize their cars and reflect their individual style. Let’s explore the exterior and interior color options available for the Sorento vs Santa Fe.

– Kia Sorento Colors

Exterior Colors:

• Ebony Black
• Passion Red
• Everlasting Silver
• Gravity Gray
• Glacial White Pearl

Interior Colors:

• Black, cloth

The Kia Sorento offers a selection of five stylish and versatile exterior colors. The options range from classic shades like Ebony Black and Everlasting Silver to bold choices like Passion Red and Gravity Gray.

For those who prefer a pristine and elegant look, the Glacial White Pearl is also available.

As for the interior, the Kia Sorento offers a single option of Black cloth, providing a sleek and modern ambiance to the cabin.

– Hyundai Santa Fe Colors:

Exterior Colors:

• Hampton Gray
• Shimmering Silver
• Serenity White Pearl
• Stormy Sea
• Twilight Black
• Calypso Red
• Portofino Gray

Interior Colors:

• Black, cloth
• Gray, cloth
• Beige, cloth
• Gray, leatherette
• Black, leatherette
• Beige, leatherette

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a diverse range of exterior color options to suit various tastes and preferences.

From subtle shades like Hampton Gray and Serenity White Pearl to bolder hues like Calypso Red and Twilight Black, customers have ample choices to express their personalities.

Inside the cabin, the Hyundai Santa Fe provides even more options for the interior, catering to various preferences.

The cloth options come in Black, Gray, and Beige, offering a blend of comfort and sophistication. For a touch of luxury, the Santa Fe offers leatherette interior options in Black, Gray, and Beige.

Safety Features

Safety is of utmost importance in any vehicle, and both the 2023 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritize driver assistance and passenger protection. Let’s explore the standard and available safety features of each model.

– Safety Features: 2023 Kia Sorento

Standard Driver-Assistance Features:

• Rearview camera: Provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle to assist with parking and reversing maneuvers.
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert: Helps detect vehicles in blind spots and warns the driver of potential collisions during lane changes. The rear cross-traffic alert system provides warnings for approaching vehicles when backing out of parking spaces.
• Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection: Alerts the driver of potential front-end collisions and can detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path.
• Forward automatic emergency braking: Automatically applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision if the system detects an imminent frontal crash.
• Lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist: Alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane and provides steering assistance to keep the vehicle centered within the lane.
• Automatic high-beam headlights: Automatically adjusts the headlights between high and low beams based on the surrounding traffic conditions to enhance visibility without blinding other drivers.
• Driver-attention monitoring: Monitors the driver’s behavior and alerts them if signs of drowsiness or inattentiveness are detected.
• Rear-seat alert: Reminds the driver to check the back seats for children or pets before exiting the vehicle.
• Safe exit assist: Prevents rear-seat passengers from opening the doors if a vehicle is approaching from behind, ensuring their safety during exiting.

Available Driver-Assistance Features:

• Front and rear parking sensors: Provide audible alerts to assist with parking maneuvers and avoid obstacles.
• Surround-view camera system: Offers a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings to aid in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
• Blind-spot camera system: Displays a video feed of the blind spot on the infotainment screen when the turn signal is activated, providing additional visibility during lane changes.
• Cyclist detection: Utilizes sensors and cameras to detect cyclists near the vehicle and provide warnings to the driver.
• Highway driving assist: Combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering to assist with highway driving and maintaining a safe following distance from other vehicles.

– Safety Features: 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

Standard Driver-Assistance Features:

Rearview camera: Provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle to assist with parking and reversing maneuvers.
Blind-spot monitoring: Alerts the driver of potential collisions when other vehicles are in the blind spots during lane changes.
Rear cross-traffic alert: Warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of parking spaces.
LED headlights with automatic high beams: Enhances visibility at night and automatically adjusts between high and low beams based on traffic conditions.
Forward collision warning: Alerts the driver of potential front-end collisions.
Forward automatic emergency braking: Automatically applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision.
Pedestrian detection: Identifies pedestrians in the vehicle’s path and provides warnings to the driver.
Adaptive cruise control: Maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed as needed.
Lane-keep assist: Provides gentle steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered within the lane.
Lane-following assist: Assists with keeping the vehicle in the center of the lane during highway driving.
Driver-attention monitoring: Monitors the driver’s behavior and provides alerts for signs of drowsiness or inattention.
Rear-seat alert: Reminds the driver to check the back seats for occupants before exiting the vehicle.
Safe-exit assist: Alerts passengers of approaching vehicles from behind when exiting the vehicle.

– Available Driver-Assistance Features:

• Highway Driving Assist: Includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering to assist with highway driving.
• Blind-spot camera: Provides a video feed of the blind spot on the infotainment screen when the turn signal is activated.
• Surround-view camera: Offers a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings to aid in parking and maneuvering.
• Surround-view parking camera system: Provides multiple camera views to assist with parking in tight spaces.
• Front and rear parking sensors: Audible alerts assist with parking maneuvers and obstacle avoidance.
• Remote Smart Parking Assist: Allows the driver to move the vehicle in or out of a parking spot while outside the vehicle using the key fob.
• Head-up display: Projects essential driving and navigation information directly onto the windshield for easy viewing.

Both the 2023 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritize safety by offering a comprehensive range of standard and available driver-assistance features.

Some common standard safety features include rearview cameras, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Both models also offer advanced safety features like driver-attention monitoring, rear-seat alerts, and safe exit assist to enhance occupant safety and reduce the risk of accidents.

Additionally, the available driver-assistance features in both the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe provide additional support for parking, highway driving, and visibility, making driving more convenient and secure.

Warranty

A strong warranty provides peace of mind for car buyers, assuring them of manufacturer support and protection for their new vehicles.

Kia offers a comprehensive warranty package for the 2023 Sorento, providing excellent coverage to its customers. The warranty includes the following:

• Five-Year/60,000-Mile Limited Warranty: This warranty covers the vehicle for five years or up to 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. It offers protection against defects in materials and workmanship that may arise during the specified period.

• 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty: Kia provides an extended powertrain warranty, covering the vehicle’s major components such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain for ten years or up to 100,000 miles, offering customers added assurance and protection for their essential vehicle components.

The combination of a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty underscores Kia’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Similarly, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe also comes with a robust warranty package, ensuring customer confidence and support. The warranty coverage for the Hyundai Santa Fe includes the following:

• Five-Year/60,000-Mile Limited Warranty: Hyundai offers a comprehensive limited warranty for five years or up to 60,000 miles. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship that may occur during the specified period, providing essential coverage for various components of the vehicle.

• 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty: Hyundai’s extended powertrain warranty offers a decade of coverage or up to 100,000 miles, safeguarding the critical components of the Santa Fe, such as the engine and drivetrain.

Hyundai’s warranty package demonstrates the brand’s commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, ensuring that customers can enjoy their Santa Fe with peace of mind.

Both the 2023 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offer competitive and comparable warranty coverage.

The limited warranty of five years or 60,000 miles provides comprehensive protection against potential defects, giving customers confidence in the build quality of their vehicles.

The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty offered by both manufacturers is especially noteworthy, as it reflects their confidence in the durability and reliability of the essential components of the vehicles.

This extended powertrain warranty ensures that customers can enjoy their Sorento or Santa Fe for an extended period without significant concerns about major powertrain-related issues.

Read also: Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX 5

Specifications

The specifications of a vehicle provide valuable information about its engine, transmission, and performance capabilities.

Let’s explore the specifications of the 2023 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe to understand their powertrains and towing capacities.

– 2023 Kia Sorento Specs

The 2023 Kia Sorento is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine. The powertrain generates a horsepower of 191 hp at 6,100 rpm and a torque of 181 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm.

The engine utilizes a double overhead cam (DOHC) and features variable valve timing for improved efficiency and performance. The Sorento comes standard with dual fuel injection.

In terms of transmission, the Sorento is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The base model features front-wheel drive (FWD), offering good fuel efficiency and handling characteristics.

As for its capabilities, the 2023 Kia Sorento boasts a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs, making it suitable for towing small trailers or other light loads.

The maximum payload capacity of the Sorento is 1,563 lbs, allowing for ample cargo and passenger-carrying capacity.

– 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Specs

Similarly, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is powered by a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine. The engine generates 191 hp at 6,100 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

It also features a double overhead cam (DOHC) and variable valve timing for improved performance and efficiency. The Santa Fe comes standard with dual fuel injection.

The Santa Fe is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive gear shifts.

The vehicle comes with all-wheel drive (AWD), enhancing its traction and stability on various road surfaces and weather conditions.

In terms of towing capacity, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe can tow up to 2,000 lbs, making it capable of handling small trailers and other light loads.

Both the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe share the same engine specifications, featuring a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.

The powertrains utilize double overhead cam (DOHC) and variable valve timing for optimal performance. Both models also offer an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient gear shifts.

However, the drive type differs between the two vehicles, with the Sorento featuring front-wheel drive (FWD) and the Santa Fe offering all-wheel drive (AWD).

AWD provides enhanced traction and handling, making Santa Fe suitable for various road and weather conditions.

In terms of towing capacity, both models can tow up to 2,000 lbs, making them suitable for towing small trailers and lightweight loads.

Pros and Cons

The Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe are both popular choices in the midsize SUV segment, offering a range of features and capabilities. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each model to help potential buyers make an informed decision.

2023 Kia Sorento Pros:

• Upscale Interior: The Kia Sorento boasts an upscale and well-crafted interior with high-quality materials, creating a comfortable and premium driving experience.

• Lots of Standard Features: Kia equips the Sorento with a generous array of standard features, including advanced driver-assistance systems and infotainment technologies, providing excellent value for money.

• Great Fuel Economy: The Sorento delivers impressive fuel efficiency for a midsize SUV, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and long-distance driving.

• Composed Ride and Handling: The Sorento offers a composed and comfortable ride, with well-tuned suspension and handling characteristics that enhance driving enjoyment.

Cons:

• Unrefined Dual-Clutch Transmission: Some drivers may find the dual-clutch transmission in the Sorento to be less smooth and refined compared to traditional automatic transmissions.

• Minimal Cargo Space Behind Third Row: While the Sorento is a three-row SUV, the cargo space behind the third row is somewhat limited, making it less suitable for carrying large amounts of luggage or equipment when all seats are in use.

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Pros:

• Budget-Friendly Base Price: The Hyundai Santa Fe starts at a budget-friendly price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a well-equipped SUV.

• Lots of Passenger Space: The Santa Fe offers ample passenger space in both the front and rear seats, ensuring a comfortable and accommodating ride for all occupants.

• Abundant Features: Hyundai provides a wide range of features and amenities in Santa Fe, including advanced safety technologies and infotainment options, enhancing convenience and driving pleasure.

• Above-Average Fuel Economy: The Santa Fe delivers above-average fuel economy for its class, making it a fuel-efficient option for daily commuting and family trips.

Cons:

• So-So Powertrains: Some drivers may find the powertrains in Santa Fe to be adequate but not particularly exciting in terms of performance.

• Harsh Ride Over Bumpy Roads: Santa Fe’s ride quality can be somewhat harsh on rough and bumpy roads, potentially affecting passenger comfort.

Comparing Pros and Cons

Both the 2023 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe have their respective strengths and weaknesses, catering to different preferences and priorities of potential buyers.

The Kia Sorento stands out for its upscale interior, generous standard features, great fuel economy, and composed ride and handling.

However, some may find the dual-clutch transmission less refined, and the limited cargo space behind the third row might be a concern for those in need of maximum storage capacity.

On the other hand, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a budget-friendly base price, abundant passenger space, and a wide range of features. It also provides above-average fuel economy, making it an economical choice for daily use.

However, some drivers may find the powertrains to be less exciting, and the ride quality on bumpy roads might not be as smooth as desired.

FAQs

Is the Kia Sorento Hybrid available in all-wheel drive?

Yes, the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid offers an all-wheel-drive option for enhanced traction and stability.

Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid have a plug-in hybrid variant?

As of 2023, Hyundai does not offer a plug-in hybrid version of the Santa Fe Hybrid in the United States.

What is the warranty coverage for these hybrid SUVs?

Both the Kia Sorento Hybrid and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid come with impressive warranty coverage, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Are there any tax incentives for purchasing a hybrid SUV?

Tax incentives and credits for hybrid vehicles may vary based on your location. It’s advisable to check with local authorities or consult a tax professional for accurate and up-to-date information.

Can I charge the hybrid batteries at home?

No, both the Kia Sorento Hybrid and the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid utilize regenerative braking to recharge their batteries while driving, eliminating the need for external charging.

Conclusion

The 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid are both outstanding options for consumers seeking a hybrid SUV.

Each vehicle brings unique strengths to the table, and the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid’s affordability, spaciousness, and exceptional fuel economy make it an excellent value proposition.

While the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid’s urban maneuverability and well-crafted interior might appeal to those seeking a more refined driving experience.

Whatever the choice may be, both models reflect the continuous evolution of eco-friendly technology in the automotive industry, setting a new standard for hybrid SUVs.

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