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2026 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe | Merrillville, IN

The 2026 Kia Sorento and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe strike a modern balance of style, utility, and family-minded versatility. These three-row SUVs offer premium comforts, advanced technology, and powerful engines that make choosing between them an engaging decision. Continue exploring this 2026 Sorento vs. Santa Fe comparison in this guide from the team at Southlake Kia to see how their seating, performance, safety, and convenience features stack up side by side.

Find the Kia Sorento for sale in our new inventory, and compare the Kia Sorento price options or shop our current lease offers to locate a configuration that fits your needs. From there, visit our Kia dealership in Merrillville, IN, to take the Sorento for a test drive. If you have questions, contact us online or call us at (219) 947-1500, and we’ll gladly assist.


2026 Kia Sorento Exterior Side View By Building

2026 Kia Sorento

2026 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Exterior Design

The 2026 Kia Sorento and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe approach exterior design with bold lines, practicality, and stylish lighting signatures. Each SUV offers multiple alloy wheel options, standard LED lighting, heated side mirrors, and available roof-mounted rails that emphasize daily versatility. Beyond their shared features, a smart, hands-free liftgate is available on the Sorento and standard on the Santa Fe.

Shared standard exterior features:

  • LED headlights with high beam assist
  • LED daytime running lights
  • Heated side view mirrors
  • Rear privacy glass

Shared available exterior features:

  • 20-in. alloy wheels
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Power-folding side view mirrors
  • Roof rails

Exclusive Kia Sorento exterior features:

  • Standard:
    • 17-in. alloy wheels
    • Skid plates
    • LED positioning lights
    • Side mirror-integrated LED turn signals
  • Available:
    • 18-in. alloy wheels
  • LED fog lights and taillights
  • Smart power liftgate

Exclusive Hyundai Santa Fe exterior features:

  • Standard:
    • 18-in. alloy wheels
    • LED taillights
    • Hands-free smart liftgate

2026 Kia Sorento Exterior Parked By Building

2026 Kia Sorento

2026 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Interior Design & Technology

Inside the 2026 Kia Sorento and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, spacious three-row seating layouts create family-oriented cabins supported by modern comfort and infotainment technology. Both SUVs offer cloth seating as standard, with upper trims providing leatherette and leather options, power-adjustable seating, heated and ventilated front rows, and available captain’s chairs. On the tech front, large digital displays, smartphone compatibility, and available premium audio bring intuitive connectivity to everyday drives.

Shared standard interior and tech features:

  • Cloth seat upholstery
  • Manually adjustable front seats
  • Split-folding second- and third-row bench seats
  • 12.3-in. infotainment display
  • Bluetooth®
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
  • 12V cargo area power ports
  • HomeLink® universal transceiver

Shared available interior and tech features:

  • Leather seat upholstery
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated second-row outboard seats
  • Second-row captain’s chairs
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Second-row window sunshades
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Full Display Mirror® digital rearview mirror
  • Bose® 12-speaker audio system
  • Wireless phone charger
  • 115V power outlet

Exclusive Kia Sorento interior and tech features:

  • Standard:
    • Dual-level cargo floor
    • 4-in. instrument cluster display
    • Six-speaker audio system
    • Front and third-row USB ports
    • Second-row 12V power ports
  • Available:
    • Panoramic sunroof with power sunshade
    • SynTex seat upholstery
    • Ten-way or 14-way power driver’s seat
    • Eight-way or ten-way power front passenger’s seat
    • LED interior lighting
    • 12.3-in. curved instrument cluster display
    • Navigation
    • Second-row USB charging ports

Exclusive Hyundai Santa Fe interior and tech features:

  • Standard:
    • LED interior lighting
    • Underfloor storage tray
    • 4.2-in. instrument cluster display
    • Rear seat Quiet Mode
    • High-power front- and second-row USB ports
    • Front 12V power ports
  • Available:
    • Conventional or dual-pane sunroof
    • H-Tex® or Nappa leather seat upholstery
    • Eight-way power driver’s seat
    • Six-way power front passenger’s seat
    • Ambient interior lighting
    • 12-in. head-up display
    • 12.3-in. instrument cluster display
    • Dual wireless device charging
    • Third-row USB ports

2026 Kia Sorento Interior Dashboard And Infotainment

2026 Kia Sorento

2026 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Engine Specs & Fuel Economy

Performance for the 2026 Kia Sorento and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe centers around four-cylinder engines paired with eight-speed transmissions for confident daily driving. The Sorento is standard with a naturally aspirated engine and an automatic transmission for efficiency. A turbocharged upgrade with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for more power and towing capability is available. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the Sorento, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on select trims. The Santa Fe is standard with a turbo engine and offers FWD or AWD availability across the lineup.

Compare Sorento and Santa Fe engine specifications in the following table:

Model 2026 Kia Sorento 2026 Kia Sorento 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Engine 2.5L four-cylinder 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder 2.5L turbo four-cylinder
Horsepower 191 HP 281 HP 277 HP
Torque 181 lb.-ft. 311 lb.-ft. 311 lb.-ft.
Drivetrain FWD / AWD FWD / AWD FWD / HTRAC AWD
Transmission Eight-speed automatic Eight-speed DCT Eight-speed automatic
MPG 23 city/31 hwy 20 city/29 hwy 20 city/29 hwy
Max. Towing Capacity 2,000 lbs. 4,500 lbs. 4,500 lbs.

2026 Kia Sorento Exterior Driving Through Stream With Kayak

2026 Kia Sorento

2026 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Size & Cargo Space

The 2026 Kia Sorento and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe provide three-row seating configurations to support your family’s everyday activities, weekend trips, and cargo-heavy errands. Their wheelbase and overall length measurements are closely matched, yet legroom and cargo volume figures give the Santa Fe an edge. The Sorento offers a flexible dual-level cargo floor and the availability of seven- or six-passenger layouts for most trims. On the Santa Fe, a six-passenger configuration is offered exclusively on the top trim.

Compare the Sorento and Santa Fe sizes in the following table:

Model 2026 Kia Sorento 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Overall Exterior Length 189.6 in. 190.2 in.
Seating Capacity Seven; six optional Seven; six optional on top trim
Legroom (Front/Second/Third Row) 41.4 / 41.7 / 29.6 in. 44.4 / 42.3 / 30 in.
Headroom (Front/Second/Third Row) 40.3 / 39.1 / 36.8 in. 41.1 / 40.6 / 37.7 in.
Cargo Space (Behind Front/Second/Third Rows) 75.5 / 38.5 – 45 / 12.6 cu. ft. 79.6 / 40.5 / 14.6 cu.-ft.

2026 Kia Sorento Interior Seating Side View

2026 Kia Sorento

2026 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Options & Features

Safety technology in the 2026 Kia Sorento and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe centers on helping you stay alert and aware of your changing surroundings. Active driver assistance systems designed to help monitor traffic, pedestrians, lanes, and blind spots are standard. Both models include forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and smart cruise control with stop-and-go capability. Upper trims of each SUV add advanced Highway Driving Assist capability, 360-degree camera views, side parking alerts, and upgraded collision avoidance features that help boost confidence in a variety of situations.

Shared standard safety features:

  • Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection
  • Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist
  • Lane keep assist
  • Lane following assist
  • Smart cruise control with stop and go
  • Driver attention warning
  • Safe exit assist
  • Rearview monitor with dynamic parking guidance

Shared available safety features:

  • Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2 with junction crossing, lane change oncoming, lane change side, and evasive steering assist
  • Navigation-based smart cruise control
  • Highway Driving Assist or Highway Driving Assist 2
  • 360-degree view monitor
  • Blind spot view monitor
  • Side parking distance warning

Exclusive Kia Sorento safety features:

  • Standard:
    • Blind spot collision warning – parallel exit
    • Lane departure warning
    • Intelligent speed limit assist
    • Driver attention warning with lead vehicle departure alert
  • Available:
    • Front/rear parking distance warning
    • Blind spot collision avoidance assist – parallel exit
    • Reverse parking collision avoidance assist
    • Smart cruise control with machine learning

Exclusive Hyundai Santa Fe safety features:

  • Standard:
    • Forward/reverse park distance warning
    • Blind spot collision warning
  • Available:
    • Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2 with direct oncoming, driver steering assist, and auto evasive steering assist
    • Blind spot collision avoidance assist
    • Remote smart parking assist
    • Forward attention warning

2026 Kia Sorento Key Advantages

The 2026 Kia Sorento is a versatile three-row SUV with a wide range of trim options offering multiple seating solutions to adapt to changing family schedules and cargo needs. Its sport-inspired appearance, efficient engine, and deluxe cabin appointments keep everyone relaxed and connected. Thanks to a selection of eight unique trims, the Sorento delivers style and utility that scales from practical everyday use to sophisticated comfort.

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Key Advantages

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe leans into a bold, rugged design expression of upright body lines paired with confident turbocharged performance. A mix of upscale interior amenities and advanced technologies helps elevate everyday versatility. With generous dimensions, seven-passenger seating or six seats on the top trim, and innovative tech, the Santa Fe is designed for those who desire the latest sophistications.

2025 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe | Crown Point, IN

If you’re located near Crown Point, IN, and are in the market for a mid-size, family-friendly SUV, the 2025 Kia Sorento and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe are excellent models to consider. Both models share a range of similarities, such as contemporary designs, roomy interiors, and cutting-edge technologies. You’ll also find an array of distinct elements for each SUV — but which one suits your needs best? To assist you in making a decision, the Southlake Kia team has put together the following 2025 Kia Sorento vs. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe comparison.

Discover more about exterior paint colors and key highlights with our detailed Sorento review, and explore each model’s standard features with our Sorento trims comparison. 

Southlake Kia is the place to find the Kia Sorento for sale. If this innovative SUV piques your interest, feel free to browse our inventory and explore available Kia Sorento lease deals to secure an attractive rate. When you’re ready to get behind the wheel, we encourage you to schedule a test drive at our Kia dealership in Merrillville, IN. For any inquiries, please contact us online or call us at (219) 947-1500.

2025 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Exterior Design

Both the 2025 Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe boast striking, contemporary designs and come packed with a range of practical amenities. You can select from different LED lighting options on each model, which include headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights. Furthermore, the Kia Sorento exclusively has the option for LED fog lights. While roof rails come standard on the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Kia Sorento offers high-utility roof rails as an available feature.

Available Sorento exterior features include:

  • LED projector headlights, fog lights, taillights, and daytime running lights
  • 17-, 18-, or 20-in. wheels
  • All-terrain tires
  • High-utility roof rails
  • Smart power liftgate with auto close
  • Heated, power side view mirrors with LED turn signals

2025 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Interior Design & Technology

Experience exceptional comfort and seamless connectivity in the 2025 Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. Both SUVs offer the option of heated and ventilated seats, accompanied by premium leather upholstery. The Kia Sorento takes driver comfort to new heights with an optional 14-way power seat, while the Hyundai Santa Fe provides an eight-way power driver’s seat for added convenience.

Each vehicle is equipped with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, as well as an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, making it easy to access your apps and essential driver data. Plus, enhance your audio experience in either SUV with an available 12-speaker Bose® premium sound system.

Available Sorento interior features include:

  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Panoramic sunroof with power sunshade
  • Cloth, SynTex, or leather seat upholstery
  • 14-way power driver’s seat
  • Ten-way power front passenger’s seat
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated outboard second-row seats
  • Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel

Available Sorento technology features include:

  • 12.3-in. infotainment touchscreen 
  • 12.3-in. instrument display
  • Six speakers or 12-speaker Bose premium audio system
  • Wireless phone charger

2025 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Engine Specs & Fuel Economy

The 2025 Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe feature versatile engines perfect for everything from daily driving to long journeys. The standard engine in the Kia Sorento is a 2.5L four-cylinder that generates 191 horsepower, and it’s equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking higher performance, both SUVs also offer a 2.5L four-cylinder turbo engine equipped with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. In the Kia Sorento, this turbo engine produces an impressive 281 horsepower. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a robust engine delivering 277 horsepower. Both SUVs can tow up to 4,500 pounds when equipped with the 2.5L turbo engine.

See the accompanying chart for a comparison of engine specifications.

2025 Kia Sorento

Model

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

2.5L four-cylinder

2.5L four-cylinder turbo

Engine

2.5L four-cylinder turbo

191 HP

281 HP

Horsepower

277 HP

181 lb.-ft.

311 lb.-ft.

Torque

311 lb.-ft.

Eight-speed automatic

Eight-speed dual-clutch

Transmission

Eight-speed dual-clutch

FWD / AWD

FWD / AWD

Drivetrain

FWD / AWD

2,000 lbs.

4,500 lbs.

Max. Towing

4,500 lbs.

23 / 31

20 / 29

MPG (City/Hwy)

20 / 29

2025 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Size & Cargo Space

Enjoy family-friendly, three-row cabin designs in either the 2025 Kia Sorento or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. Depending on the setup, they can accommodate either six or seven passengers, with the second row available as a bench seat for seven or captain’s chairs for six.

In terms of cargo space, both vehicles deliver impressive capacities. The Kia Sorento offers up to 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, while the Hyundai Santa Fe provides up to 79.6 cubic feet. For families that still need passenger seating, the Sorento has 45 cubic feet of cargo room available with just the third row down, compared to 40.5 cubic feet in the Santa Fe.

See the accompanying chart for a comparison of interior specifications.

Kia Sorento

2025 Model

Hyundai Santa Fe

Six or seven

Passenger Capacity

Six or seven

41.4 / 41.7 / 29.6 in.

Legroom (First/Second/Third Row)

44.4 / 42.3 / 30 in.

38.7 /37.9 / 36.8 in.

Headroom (First/Second/Third Row)

41.1 / 40.6 / 37.7 in.

12.6 cu.-ft.

Cargo Volume Behind Third Row

14.6 cu.-ft.

45 cu.-ft.

Cargo Volume Behind Second Row

40.5 cu.-ft.

75.5 cu.-ft.

Max. Cargo Volume

79.6 cu.-ft.

2025 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Options & Features

The 2025 Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe come with state-of-the-art safety features aimed at offering you the utmost peace of mind and confidence. Both SUVs provide an array of similar driver assistance technologies, including blind spot collision warning, forward collision avoidance assist, and lane-keeping assist. To enhance visibility when reversing, each model offers an optional surround view monitor that offers 360-degree coverage. Moreover, the Kia Sorento includes additional safety enhancements like parking collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and intelligent speed limit assist.

Shared available safety features include:

  • Blind spot view monitor
  • Surround view monitor
  • Blind spot collision warning
  • Blind spot collision avoidance assist
  • Forward collision avoidance assist
  • Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist
  • Park distance warning
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Lane following assist
  • Smart cruise control with stop and go
  • Highway Driving Assist
  • Driver attention warning
  • Safe exit assist

2024 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe | Merrillville, IN

Find your family’s happy place within either the 2024 Kia Sorento or 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. Both are mid-size SUVs with seating for up to seven passengers, and they each offer modern amenities designed to impress. Learn more about the 2024 Kia Sorento and 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe by reading through this comparison written by the team at Southlake Kia.

Interested in seeing the new Kia Sorento for sale in Merrillville, IN? Pick one out from our new inventory, then pair it with a finance or lease offer. Have questions for our Kia dealership team? Give us a call at (847) 545-0202 or message us online. 

2024 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Exterior Design

The 2024 Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are sophisticated SUVs with convenience features aplenty. Turn your gaze downwards to admire the wheels on both SUVs — the Sorento offers 17- or 20-inch wheels, while the Santa Fe can be built with 18- to 21-inch wheels. The heated side view mirrors available on both SUVs are great for icy winters. Exterior features available on the Kia Sorento include: 

  • High-utility roof rails
  • 17- or 20-in. wheels
  • Automatic LED projector headlights with LED daytime running lights
  • LED positioning lights and fog lights
  • Heated, power-folding side view mirrors with LED turn signals
  • Smart power liftgate with auto-close
  • All-terrain tires

2024 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Interior Design & Technology

You and your passengers can settle in and enjoy the ride in either the 2024 Kia Sorento or 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. Adjust the driver’s seat up to 14 ways with power adjustability in the Sorento, or adjust it up to eight ways in the Santa Fe. Second-row passengers in both SUVs can enjoy heated seats on select models, as can you and your front-seat passenger. Introduce your family to new beats with the available 12-speaker Bose® premium audio system offered on both SUVs. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ allow you to seamlessly connect to the infotainment system in either SUV. Interior and technology features available on the Kia Sorento include:

Interior:

  • Full Display Mirror® with HomeLink®
  • Panoramic sunroof with power sunshade
  • LED interior lighting
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • 14-way power driver’s seat with four-way power lumbar, two-way power thigh extension, and memory settings
  • Ten-way power front passenger’s seat with two-way power lumbar 
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated second-row outboard seats and steering wheel
  • Second-row integrated window sunshades

Infotainment:

  • 12.3-in. touchscreen display
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Navigation
  • Wireless phone charger
  • Wi-Fi® hotspot
  • 12.3-in. curved instrument display
  • Six-speaker audio system or 12-speaker Bose premium audio system

2024 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Engine Specs & Fuel Economy

No matter whether you choose a 2024 Kia Sorento or a 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, you’ll find a 2.5L four-cylinder engine included with each model. The Kia Sorento also offers a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine for a total of two engine options, while the Hyundai Santa Fe is offered exclusively with one engine. You’ll find that front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) are both available across both SUV lineups. Plus, you can tow up to 4,500 pounds regardless of which SUV you choose. Engine specs for both SUVs are included in the accompanying table. 

Kia Sorento

2024 Model

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.5L four-cylinder

2.5L turbo four-cylinder

Engine

2.5L four-cylinder

191 HP

281 HP

Horsepower

277 HP

181 lb.-ft.

311 lb.-ft.

Torque

311 lb.-ft.

23 / 31

20 / 29

Max. MPG (City/Hwy)

20 / 29

2,000 lbs.

3,500 – 4,500 lbs.

Max. Towing Capacity

3,500 – 4,500 lbs.

FWD / AWD

FWD / AWD

Drivetrain

FWD / AWD

Eight-speed automatic

Eight-speed dual-clutch

Transmission

Eight-speed dual-clutch

2024 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Size & Cargo Space

Both the 2024 Kia Sorento and 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe are spacious SUVs with plenty of room for growing families. You’ll find that the Santa Fe does offer more overall cargo space. If you prefer a six-passenger seating capacity, both offer captain’s chairs in the second row to replace the standard bench seat. The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe interior dimensions are both shown in the accompanying table for your reference.

Kia Sorento

2024 Model

Hyundai Santa Fe

Seven

Max. Passenger Capacity

Seven

75.5 cu.-ft.

Max. Cargo Space

79.6 cu.-ft.

45 cu.-ft.

Cargo Space Behind Second-Row

40.5 cu.-ft.

12.6 cu.-ft.

Cargo Space Behind Third-Row

14.6 cu.-ft.

40.3 / 39.1 / 36.8 in.

Headroom (First/Second/Third)

41.1 / 40.6 / 37.7 in.

41.4 / 41.7 / 29.6 in.

Legroom (First/Second/Third)

44.4 / 42.3 / 30 in.

2024 Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Options & Features

Confidently protect your loved ones in either the 2024 Kia Sorento or 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. These two SUVs offer many similar driver assistance systems and safety features. For example, you can monitor blind spots with the blind spot collision avoidance assist on either SUV. Back up with confidence in either SUV thanks to the rearview monitor included with both. Driver assist features available in the 2024 Kia Sorento include: 

  • Side park distance warning
  • Highway Driving Assist 2
  • Blind spot collision avoidance assist – parallel exit
  • Blind spot view monitor
  • Forward collision avoidance assist with junction crossing, direct oncoming, lane change oncoming, lane change side, and evasive steering assist detection
  • Surround view monitor
  • Navigation-based smart cruise control with stop and go – curve and machine learning
  • Rear occupant alert with ultrasonic sensors
  • Safe exit assist
  • Rearview monitor with dynamic parking guidance

Learn More About the Kia Sorento

Explore more about the New Kia Sorento by checking out the various research guides created by our specialists at Southlake Kia. Prefer to get a feel for the Sorento in person? Visit us in Merrillville, IN, to take it for a test drive. Reach out to us online or by calling us at (219) 947-1500 if you have any questions.

New Kia Sorento Inventory

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