As the current SUV market is flooded with a range of models, the popular Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are comparably sized and priced. Here are the primary differences and similarities between the two popular SUVs for the 2022 model year.

Sorento vs Santa Fe Safety Comparison

Both Sorento and Santa Fe have an array of safety features as standard. Which include driver and passenger frontal and side-impact (including head) airbags, lane departure warning, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, blind spot warning, around view monitors and rear cross traffic warnings. Plus, they both have optional all-wheel drive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave them both the full 5 stars in safety, however the Sorento is considered safer due to its 280 HIC score and 32G Spine Acceleration score, over the Santa Fe’s 376 HIC and 44G score.

Sorento vs Santa Fe Reliability Comparison

J.D. Power and Associates 2021 Initial Quality Study proved Kia as a brand is ranked higher, coming 6th in initial quality, where Hyundai came in 8th place. The same can be said for long-term reliability with the Kia coming in 3rd place and the Hyundai in 7th.

Sorento vs Santa Fe Technology Comparison

The numbers indicate a lower MSRP on the Santa Fe compared to the Sorento, however the Kia can carry 7 people and the Santa Fe is only 5. For taller drivers, the Santa Fe adds 0.9 inches more headroom in the front. 

Both SUVs have 2.5L 4-cylinder engines producing around 191 horsepower. However, their slight differences in fuel economy mean the Hyundai is better in the city (25mpg compared to 24 in the Kia) and the Kia is better on the highway (29mpg over the Hyundai’s 28mpg).

A bigger cargo space can be found in the Kia with 45 cubic feet up to the second row, compared to the Hyundai’s 36.4. Despite this, rear legroom is identical on both at 41.7 inches.

Adaptive cruise control comes as standard in the Santa Fe, it also has 18 inch wheels over the Kia’s 17inch for the base model. The car is lighter by 145 lbs. and it’s 1.9inch shorter wheelbase results in a 0.6inch shorter overall length, at 188.4 inches over the Sorento’s 189 inches. 

Sorento vs Santa Fe Styling Comparison

Both have modern design elements including thin daytime LED strips at the front, large grills, and chrome elements to make them pop out. The Kia may be considered the more capable adventure machine with more angled and aggressive looks. Over the more rounded and sensible Santa Fe which is more family oriented. Both can be customized for 18 and 20 inch alloy wheels and an array of color options, with similar reds and blues in their otherwise subtle line-ups.

Both have luxury interiors with leather options in a host of colors, but the Santa Fe only has Beige or Black options. Whereas Kia’s offering includes Black, Light and Dark Gray as well as Rust seating colors.

Sorento vs Santa Fe Conclusion

Both are capable SUVs that suit family oriented buyers looking for a bit of adventure. If 7 seats is required then the only option is the Kia Sorento, however it does have a higher starting price than the Santa Fe. They both have a long list of standard options and safety features making them good competitors in the small SUV space.

2022 Kia Sorento at Family Kia

Thanks for reading our article comparing the 2022 Kia Sorento vs 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. Family Kia is proud to offer the 2022 Kia Sorento for sale to customers in Florida. Our Kia Sales Specialists are standing by to help answer any questions you have regarding your purchasing decision. Call, click or stop by our Kia dealership in St. Augustine, FL today!