2023 Kia Sorento vs. 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV and considering the 2023 Kia Sorento and 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, you’ve come to the right place. These two vehicles share some similarities but also have key differences in terms of price, performance, interior, safety, and technology. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down each aspect to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive right into why the preferred choice is the Kia Sorento.

Both the 2023 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe are compelling options, offering a range of features you’d expect in a midsize SUV, such as a power liftgate, moonroof, and surround-view camera. But let’s delve deeper into their differences.

Sorento vs. Santa Fe: Price Points

Let’s start with the most critical factor for many buyers: price. The 2023 Kia Sorento comes with a starting price of $30,090, while the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at $28,750. While the price difference might not be substantial, it’s worth considering how it aligns with your budget and preferences.

Interior & Cargo Space

The interior of a vehicle can significantly impact your driving experience. The Kia Sorento shines in this department, offering a more upscale feel compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Sorento’s aesthetics rely on horizontal lines, creating a visually appealing and sophisticated interior. Moreover, the Sorento offers leather interiors with the option to choose between terracotta or black door inserts and seating surfaces, giving you more customization possibilities. Features like heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power driver’s seat are shared between these models. However, there’s a key distinction here – the power driver’s seat comes standard with the Kia Sorento but is only available as an option for the Santa Fe.

Additionally, the Kia Sorento comes with a seating capacity of 7, whereas the Hyundai Santa Fe seats 5. So, if you need the flexibility to accommodate more passengers, the Sorento might be the better choice.

When it comes to cargo space, both the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe offer similar capacities in various configurations. The Sorento excels in this category when the third row isn’t in use. With the third row folded down, it provides 38.5 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly outpacing the Santa Fe’s 36.4 cubic feet. With all rear rows folded flat, the Sorento maintains its edge, offering 75.5 cubic feet compared to the Santa Fe’s 72.1 cubic feet. In summary, both vehicles offer cargo space that’s around the industry average for midsize SUVs.

Comparing Performance

When it comes to performance, these two SUVs are nearly identical. They both offer 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, thanks to their 2.5 L Inline 4 engines. The Kia Sorento features an 8-speed automatic transmission, which might provide a slightly different driving experience compared to the Santa Fe. However, this is a category where you’ll find more similarities than differences. As for fuel efficiency, the Sorento offers a city mileage of 24 mpg, a highway mileage of 29 mpg, and a combined rating of 26 mpg. The Santa Fe isn’t far behind, offering a combined mpg of 26. In terms of performance, both vehicles offer budget-conscious options for your daily commute.

Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe: Safety

Safety and reliability are paramount when choosing a family vehicle. The 2023 Kia Sorento earned an impressive reliability score of 83 from J.D. Power, classifying it as “Great.” On the other hand, the Santa Fe scored slightly lower with an “Average” score of 79. These scores are based on factors that influence your vehicle’s longevity and overall dependability, so the Kia Sorento takes the lead here.

The Santa Fe also comes with a comprehensive set of standard driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Kia Sorento, while equally competitive in technology, offers additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These can provide extra peace of mind when driving.

Final Verdict

In the battle of the 2023 Kia Sorento vs. the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, the choice comes down to your priorities and needs. If you seek a vehicle that excels in terms of reliability, interior quality, and a slightly larger cargo space, the Kia Sorento stands out. Its additional safety features are also a bonus for families.

Therefore, our final verdict leans towards the Kia Sorento as the right vehicle to purchase, offering a well-rounded package that ticks many of the boxes for a midsize SUV, making it a fantastic choice for discerning buyers. Stop by our Kia dealership in Gladstone, or browse our incredible new Kia specials to grab an unbeatable deal!