The Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are both large, seven-seat SUVs that offer a blend of practicality, ruggedness and upmarket qualities. While closely related under Hyundai's ownership of Kia, they have their own distinct personalities and strengths.
The Santa Fe aims to blend go-anywhere capability with a premium, almost Land Rover-esque vibe inside. Meanwhile, the latest Sorento has pushed further upmarket than ever before, rivaling premium brands with its stylish design and plush cabin ambiance. Both offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options for greater efficiency too. So which of these spacious family haulers comes out on top?
Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento
Practicality
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are both hugely practical family vehicles, but the Santa Fe just edges it in this area. Brimming with versatile touches, it offers masses of passenger space across all three rows. Even adults can be accommodated reasonably comfortably in the third row, helped by sliding/reclining middle seats and one-touch access.
With all seven seats upright there's still room for a buggy or soft bags, and the boot measures a generous 621 litres in five-seat mode. Clever features like Isofix in the third row and an optional six-seat layout add to the family-friendly credentials.
Disappointingly, the Santa Fe's towing capacity has taken a nosedive in this latest generation to just 1,110kg - lower than you'd expect for a large SUV, and less than the 2,500kg you get with the Sorento. But if lugging isn't a priority, the high-set cabin with its rugged Land Rover-inspired design is a lovely place to spend time.
The Sorento is no less spacious and versatile, mind. Adults may find the third row cramped on longer journeys, but there's ample room in the first two rows - in fact the middle row is especially generous. The boot is 604-616 litres too, so it'll swallow just as much family luggage as the Santa Fe.
The Sorento impresses is its cabin ambiance, which has a level of premium design and material quality that is almost a rival to prestige brands. There's no evidence of Kia's budget roots here. However, the new Santa Fe is even better still in this regard.
Driving Impressions
Neither the Santa Fe nor Sorento are aimed at keen drivers, but they do offer more driving satisfaction than you might expect from large SUVs. The Santa Fe is particularly composed and refined, with smooth integration of its hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Its self-levelling suspension provides a cosseting ride too.
Sport mode adds weight to the steering for a bit of fun on twistier roads, though of course the Santa Fe's considerable size ultimately limits outright agility. Off-road ability isn't bad either, with the AWD system and terrain modes allowing light off-roading.
The Sorento is tuned more for comfort than entertainment, with a particularly plush low-speed ride on smaller wheels. It handles securely but isn't quite as rewarding as premium SUV alternatives from BMW or Audi. The plug-in hybrid powertrain provides useful electric range, though its 34-mile capability is a little lacklustre by the standards of today's best PHEVs. The availability of a diesel powertrain in the Sorento will appeal to come buyers, particularly on account of this model's 2,500kg towing capacity.
Technology and Equipment
Both cars come comprehensively equipped with all the latest tech and safety kit you'd want from a modern SUV. Even base the Santa Fe gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring, a digital driver's display, heated seats and semi-autonomous driving aids.
Higher trims add luxuries like a panoramic roof, Bose audio, wireless charging and fully digital instrumentation. The range-topping Calligraphy model is the real showstopper though, with features like Nappa leather and a powered reclining front seat.
The Sorento matches its cousin feature-for-feature at the upper end, but the entry-level spec is a little more basic pre-facelift with an 8-inch screen and analogue gauges. Post-facelift the kit list improved to include a 12.3-inch dual screen setup.
Both offer the latest smartphone integration and online connectivity too. You'll want for little in terms of in-car tech in either SUV.
Running Costs
With prices starting around £47,000 for the Santa Fe Hybrid, or £52,000 for the PHEV, it's not a cheap car to buy - though you do get a lot of equipment for your money. The Sorento is similarly pricey, particularly after the 2024 facelift which pushed most versions over £40,000 and incurred higher annual car tax as a result.
Day-to-day running costs shouldn't break the bank though. The Santa Fe PHEV's official 166mpg shows the potential for affordable electric-only commuting if you can keep it charged. Otherwise, both hybrids manage around 40mpg, while the Sorento diesel is a little more frugal on longer journeys.
Reliability
With both Hyundai and Kia consistently performing well in reliability surveys, you can buy either the Santa Fe or Sorento with confidence. The Santa Fe and Sorento themselves haven't been around long enough to garner specific data, but their brands' reputations and warranty cover bode well.
Hyundai offers unlimited mileage over five years, while Kia's seven-year warranty transferred to subsequent owners is arguably even better value. You're well protected from unexpected bills in the early years.
Verdict
The Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are both superb, hugely capable family SUVs that punch above their respective prices. The Santa Fe just about edges it for us though.Its cavernous interior space, rugged-yet-premium cabin design and composed driving experience make it an outstanding all-rounder.
That said, the Sorento counters with its optional diesel engine and, with Kia's longer warranty, it could make more sense as a used buy in a few years' time. Ultimately though, if we had to choose one new, it'd be the Santa Fe. It's a consummate all-rounder.