When shopping for a new or used vehicle, it’s common to run into two similar models from different manufacturers, which seem to offer comparable opportunities. When two vehicles are similar, it’s important to have expert advice to help you differentiate and determine which is better suited to your wants, needs, and budget.
Two such similar options are the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Both represent midsize SUVs near the top of the class based on consumer ratings, and both share similarities in their designs and capabilities. With this guide, we examine what separates the Kia Sorento from the Hyundai Santa Fe in order to help you determine which might be the right option for you. Let’s take a look at some of the main features of each vehicle for this comparison.
Pricing for the 2021 Kia Sorento and 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
The first consideration anytime you’re looking to purchase a new or used vehicle is the price. If two options are similar in quality but have a disparity at price point, that can provide a significant reason to opt for the less expensive option. When comparing the Sorento to the Santa Fe, this is a clear advantage to the Kia vehicle. While the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe arrives with an MSRP of up to $42,250, the 2021 Kia Sorento is available for nearly $6,000 less, with an MSRP of $36,790.
Seating Capacity and Space for the 2021 Kia Sorento and 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
When it comes to comfortable rides for you and your passengers, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento provide similar offerings. They contain identical measurements for leg room for your passengers in the second row, while measurements across other interior dimensions vary slightly from dimension to dimension, with each vehicle taking a turn as the slightly more expansive option.
The biggest differentiation between the two vehicles when it comes to seating and spacing is in the total passenger capacity. While the Hyundai Santa Fe maxes out at five passengers, the Kia Sorento has an additional seat, meaning you can drive yourself as well as an additional six passengers for a total of seven occupants in your Kia Sorento.
Cargo Dimensions for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2021 Kia Sorento
When shopping for an SUV, its cargo capacity is often an important factor in deciding if it’s the right fit for you and your needs. The first noticeable difference between the two vehicles when comparing for cargo capacity is the number of available configurations. While both feature the ability to operate as a single or two row SUV, the third row seating in a Kia Sorento offers a third configuration.
Because the third row takes up a significant portion of the cargo space, it reduces cargo capacity to just 12.6 cubic feet. By folding down the extra row however, the Kia Sorento immediately passes the Hyundai Santa Fe with 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space to the Santa Fe’s 36.4 cubic feet when operating with two rows up. This advantage remains if you opt to fold down the second row of seating with the Santa Fe’s 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space falling short of the Kia Sorento’s 75.5 cubic feet. No matter how you configure them, cargo capacity presents a clear advantage for the Kia Sorento.
Towing With a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe or 2021 Kia Sorento
One area where you can’t distinguish the two vehicles, but where both excel within the midsize SUV class, is in their ability to serve as a towing vehicle. Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento’s 2021 models can tow up to 3,500 pounds behind them. This allows you to increase the carrying capacity of your SUV significantly by attaching a trailer and towing it. Be sure to check out the 2021 Kia Sorento’s trim levels.
A towing capacity of 3,500 pounds also allows for towing smaller vehicles behind your midsize SUV. If you’re planning a weekend away and wish to bring a personal watercraft or an all-terrain vehicle with you to ride, both the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe can make that happen with ease.
Engine Specifications for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2021 Kia Sorento
Both the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2021 Kia Sorento make use of a 2.5 liter intercooled turbo regular unleaded I4 engine. while both midsize SUVs use the same engine, they don’t get exactly the same performance out of it. Both options generate 311 pound feet of torque, but the Sorento comes out ahead on horsepower, with 281 to the Santa Fe’s 277.
Common Areas Where the 2021 Kia Sorento and 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Excel
Both the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe are excellent midsize SUV options, and there are many areas where it’s difficult to distinguish between the performance of the two. Both options handle extremely well and make for a smooth and enjoyable ride when you get behind the wheel. Similarly, both the Santa Fe’s entertainment features and Sorento’s entertainment are excellent for these SUVs. The technology and safety features that make each drive not only more enjoyable and convenient, but safer for you and your passengers as well.
If you’re interested in purchasing a new or used Kia Sorento, then the staff at Huffines Kia Corinth are here for you. Whether you prefer to come out and see us in person straight away, or to speak with one of our representatives on the phone or through our online contact form first, our staff have the knowledge they need to help you find an SUV that you love.
When you visit the dealership at Huffines Kia Corinth, you can browse through our leading selection of new and used cars in Corinth. Our staff can direct you to a Kia Sorento that suits your needs so that you can take it for a test drive to see how it feels on the road. If you like what you find, we will work with you to finance your purchase and help you drive off the lot in your new or used Kia Sorento today!
Image via Kia.com