Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are two of the most popular three-row midsize SUVs, and they share a lot under the skin. Where they differ is in standard power, design, cargo space and ownership perks. If you're shopping for one of the best Hyundai SUVs for families in Colorado Springs, here's how the 2027 models compare.
Shop the Hyundai Santa Fe
At a Glance
| 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2027 Kia Sorento | |
|---|---|---|
| Base engine | 2.5L turbo, 277 hp | 2.5L, 186 hp (turbo from EX trim) |
| Starting MSRP | $35,300 | $32,590 |
| Turbo starting MSRP | $35,300 | $38,690 |
| Hybrid | 1.6L turbo hybrid, up to 36 mpg combined | 1.6L turbo hybrid, up to 37 city / 36 hwy |
| Seating | 6 or 7 | 6 or 7 |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 14.6 cu ft | 12.6 cu ft |
| Max towing | 4,500 lbs (XRT) | 4,500 lbs (X-Pro with tow package) |
| Complimentary maintenance | 3 years / 36,000 miles | Not included |
The short version: Every gas Santa Fe comes with a
277-horsepower turbo, while the Sorento's turbo starts at the EX trim. The
Santa Fe also offers more cargo space behind the third row and three years
of complimentary maintenance. The Sorento has the lower starting price and
offers a plug-in hybrid.
Price and Trim Levels
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at an MSRP of $35,300 for the SE and runs through the SEL, the rugged XRT, Limited and Calligraphy, up to $49,650 for the Calligraphy AWD. The Santa Fe Hybrid starts at $36,650 and comes in SE, SEL, Limited and Calligraphy trims. See what's new for the 2027 Santa Fe.
The 2027 Kia Sorento starts at $32,590 for the LX and runs through the S, EX, SX and X-Line and X-Pro versions, up to $47,990 for the X-Pro SX-Prestige. Keep in mind that the LX and S use a 186-horsepower non-turbo engine. The Sorento Hybrid starts at $39,090 for the EX, and Kia also offers a Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.
Exterior and Styling
The Santa Fe stands out with a boxy, upright design, H-shaped LED lighting and a wide, square liftgate opening that makes loading bulky gear easier. The XRT adds off-road styling and 8.3 inches of ground clearance. The Sorento has a more traditional SUV shape, with X-Line and X-Pro versions adding rugged styling and all-wheel drive.
Interior Design and Seating
Both seat six or seven, with second-row captain's chairs available. The Santa Fe's upright shape creates generous headroom, and upper trims add Nappa leather and heated and ventilated seats. The Sorento's upper trims offer leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats and a head-up display.
Infotainment and Features
The Santa Fe uses a curved panoramic display that pairs a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a 12.3-inch digital cluster, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sorento offers a similar dual-screen panoramic display on most trims. Both offer available premium audio and Digital Key.
Cargo Capacity
The Santa Fe has 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 79.6 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Sorento offers 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 75.5 cubic feet. Combined with its wide, square liftgate opening, the Santa Fe makes it easier to fit strollers, coolers and ski gear.
Towing Capacity
Most Santa Fe trims tow up to 3,500 pounds, and the XRT is rated at 4,500 pounds. The Sorento also tows 3,500 pounds, rising to 4,500 pounds on the X-Pro SX-Prestige with its towing package. For a small camper or utility trailer, both are evenly matched.
Engine and Drivetrain
Every gas Santa Fe uses a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder with 277 horsepower and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Sorento's LX and S trims use a 186-horsepower non-turbo engine, and its 274-horsepower turbo starts at the EX. The Santa Fe's standard turbo also holds its power well at Colorado Springs' altitude.
Both offer a 1.6L turbocharged hybrid, and HTRAC all-wheel drive is available on the Santa Fe for Colorado winters and mountain driving.
Performance and MPG
The gas Santa Fe is EPA-rated at up to 23 mpg combined, and the Santa Fe Hybrid earns up to 36 mpg combined. The Sorento's turbo is rated at 23 mpg combined, its non-turbo engine at up to 26 mpg combined, and the Sorento Hybrid at up to 37 city and 36 highway mpg with front-wheel drive. Hybrid fuel economy is close between the two.
Safety Features
Every Santa Fe includes Hyundai SmartSense, with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Safe Exit Assist and Smart Cruise Control. The Sorento includes Kia's comparable Drive Wise suite. Both offer advanced driver assistance across the lineup.
Warranty and Ownership
Both come with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. The Santa Fe adds 3 years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance, which the Sorento doesn't include. Learn more about Hyundai warranty coverage and our exclusive 30-year/300,000-mile warranty.
Need more room? See how the larger Palisade compares in our
Hyundai Palisade vs. Kia Telluride
and
Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Highlander
comparisons.
Buy a New Hyundai Santa Fe
See every new Santa Fe in stock at Phil Long Hyundai of Chapel Hills, including the Santa Fe Hybrid, then schedule a test drive.
View New InventoryLease a Hyundai Santa Fe
Get a lower monthly payment and the option to upgrade when your term ends. Start with our finance center, or get an instant cash offer on your trade.
See Lease SpecialsBuy a Used Hyundai Santa Fe
Looking for more value? Browse our used inventory and certified pre-owned Hyundai vehicles for a Santa Fe that fits your budget.
Shop Used InventoryFrequently Asked Questions about the Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Kia Sorento
Both seat up to seven, but the Santa Fe has more cargo space, with 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row compared with the Sorento's 12.6, and up to 79.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Yes. Every gas Santa Fe uses a 277-horsepower 2.5L turbocharged engine. On the Sorento, the base LX and S trims use a 186-horsepower non-turbo engine, and the 274-horsepower turbo starts at the EX trim.
The 2027 Santa Fe starts at an MSRP of $35,300 for the SE, and the Santa Fe Hybrid starts at $36,650. A Sorento with a comparable turbo engine starts at $38,690 for the EX.
The hybrids are close. The Santa Fe Hybrid earns up to 36 mpg combined, and the front-wheel-drive Sorento Hybrid is rated at 37 city and 36 highway mpg. Among gas models, both turbo engines are rated at 23 mpg combined.
They're evenly matched. Most trims of both tow up to 3,500 pounds. The Santa Fe XRT and the Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige with its towing package are rated at 4,500 pounds.
Both include a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. The Santa Fe adds 3 years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance, which the Sorento doesn't include.
Pricing as of November 2026. MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, license and dealer fees. Fuel economy figures are EPA estimates; actual mileage will vary. Specifications are subject to change; see dealer for details.
