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.
Navigate to a specific research section to learn more:
2026 Kia Sorento
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:
Shared available exterior features:
Exclusive Kia Sorento exterior features:
Exclusive Hyundai Santa Fe exterior features:
2026 Kia Sorento
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:
Shared available interior and tech features:
Exclusive Kia Sorento interior and tech features:
Exclusive Hyundai Santa Fe interior and tech features:
2026 Kia Sorento
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
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
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:
Shared available safety features:
Exclusive Kia Sorento safety features:
Exclusive Hyundai Santa Fe safety features:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
Available Sorento technology features include:
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 |
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. |
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:
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.
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:
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:
Infotainment:
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 |
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. |
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:
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.