Hyundai santa fe or kia sorento? which midsize suv reigns supreme?
What To Know
- Both SUVs received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the IIHS named both the Santa Fe and Sorento as Top Safety Picks.
- The Santa Fe’s top-of-the-line Limited trim offers a premium sound system and a 360-degree camera, while the Sorento’s SX Prestige trim adds a head-up display and a surround-view camera.
- Consumer Reports gives the Santa Fe an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5, while the Sorento receives a slightly higher rating of 5 out of 5.
When it comes to choosing a reliable and versatile used midsize SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento emerge as top contenders. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of features, performance, and value. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key aspects of these popular SUVs to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency: A Close Race
Under the hood, the Santa Fe and Sorento offer a range of engine options. The Santa Fe’s base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that generates 185 horsepower, while the Sorento’s standard powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower. Both SUVs offer optional V6 engines, with the Sorento’s 3.3-liter unit delivering slightly more power (290 horsepower) than the Santa Fe’s 3.3-liter engine (290 horsepower).
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Santa Fe has a slight edge over the Sorento. The Santa Fe’s 2.4-liter engine returns an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the Sorento’s 2.5-liter engine gets 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Interior Space and Comfort: Roomy and Refined
Both the Santa Fe and Sorento offer spacious and well-appointed interiors. The Santa Fe’s cabin features comfortable seating for up to seven passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in all three rows. The Sorento also provides generous seating for up to seven, with slightly more legroom in the third row.
In terms of comfort, the Santa Fe and Sorento are equipped with a range of amenities. Standard features include cloth upholstery, air conditioning, and a touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trim levels offer leather upholstery, heated and cooled seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
Technology and Safety: Advanced Features Abound
The Santa Fe and Sorento come equipped with an array of advanced technology and safety features. The Santa Fe’s infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Sorento’s system features a larger touchscreen and navigation. Both SUVs offer a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.
In terms of safety, the Santa Fe and Sorento have earned high ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both SUVs received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the IIHS named both the Santa Fe and Sorento as Top Safety Picks.
Value for Money: Competitive Pricing and Features
When it comes to value for money, the Santa Fe and Sorento are both highly competitive. The Santa Fe’s starting price is slightly lower than the Sorento’s, but the Sorento offers a slightly more generous standard equipment list.
As you move up the trim levels, both SUVs offer a range of additional features, including leather upholstery, heated seats, and a power liftgate. The Santa Fe’s top-of-the-line Limited trim offers a premium sound system and a 360-degree camera, while the Sorento’s SX Prestige trim adds a head-up display and a surround-view camera.
Reliability and Ownership Costs: Peace of Mind
Both the Santa Fe and Sorento have a proven track record of reliability. Consumer Reports gives the Santa Fe an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5, while the Sorento receives a slightly higher rating of 5 out of 5.
In terms of ownership costs, the Santa Fe and Sorento are both relatively affordable to maintain. The Santa Fe’s scheduled maintenance costs are slightly lower than the Sorento’s, but the Sorento offers a longer warranty period (10 years/100,000 miles vs. 5 years/60,000 miles for the Santa Fe).
Which SUV is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best choice between the used Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious and fuel-efficient SUV with a slightly lower starting price, the Santa Fe is a great option. If you prioritize advanced technology features and a longer warranty period, the Sorento is worth considering.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Kia Sorento‘s optional 3.3-liter V6 engine produces slightly more power (290 horsepower) than the Hyundai Santa Fe‘s 3.3-liter V6 engine (290 horsepower).
Q: Which SUV has more seating capacity?
A: Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento offer seating for up to seven passengers.
Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento have earned high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. Both SUVs received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the IIHS named both the Santa Fe and Sorento as Top Safety Picks.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a slight edge over the Kia Sorento in terms of fuel efficiency. The Santa Fe’s 2.4-liter engine returns an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the Sorento’s 2.5-liter engine gets 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which SUV has a longer warranty period?
A: The Kia Sorento offers a longer warranty period (10 years/100,000 miles) than the Hyundai Santa Fe (5 years/60,000 miles).