2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$34,300 · Crossover

$48,290 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe bursts onto the scene with a potent standard engine delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, offering immediate, satisfying acceleration for the driver eager to hit the road. In contrast, the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid captivates with its dual nature, pairing 261 horsepower with an exceptional 33 combined MPG, and offering 30 miles of pure electric range for greener daily drives. This matchup pits brute force against brilliant efficiency. The Santa Fe is significantly more accessible at $34,300 versus the Sorento PHEV's $48,290, representing a massive $13,990 difference. While the Santa Fe nets 24 combined MPG, the Sorento stretches fuel budgets further with its 9 MPG advantage. However, the Santa Fe offers slightly more cargo space at 14.6 cubic feet compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cubic feet.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento's PHEV system, achieving 33 combined MPG and a 30-mile EV range, significantly reduces daily commuting fuel costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe offers greater utility with 14.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe delivers superior raw output with 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque versus the Sorento's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe commands a significant price advantage, starting $13,990 less than the Sorento PHEV.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

You prioritize the highest possible engine output, benefiting from 277 horsepower.
You want to save nearly $14,000 upfront, as the MSRP is $34,300.
You need maximum physical storage, thanks to its 14.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...

Reducing fuel consumption is paramount, highlighted by its superior 33 combined MPG.
You value plug-in capability allowing for 30 miles of electric-only travel.
You desire the sure-footedness of All-Wheel Drive despite its higher price tag.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Fe	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Length	190.2"	189.6"
Width	74.8"	74.8"
Height	67.7"	66.9"
Wheelbase	110.8"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	277 hp @ 5800 rpm	261 hp
Torque	311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	258 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	33/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	354.0/513.3 mi.	409.2/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	12.4 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	77/71 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	74 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	30 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	45
Charging Time (240V)	—	3.4 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speaker System	—	6

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	44.4 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	59.1 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	55.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Rear Head Room	40.6 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.3 in.	40.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.9 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

How does the fuel economy difference impact long-term ownership costs?

The Kia Sorento PHEV offers a 9 MPG advantage (33 combined vs. 24 combined). Over many years, this significant gap, combined with its 30-mile electric range, will offset some of the Sorento's initial $13,990 higher MSRP.

Is the extra power in the Santa Fe noticeable on the highway?

Yes, the 2025 Santa Fe boasts 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, which is higher than the Sorento's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft, suggesting stronger acceleration pull, especially when towing or fully loaded.

Which vehicle is physically larger inside for hauling gear?

Despite their similar external dimensions, the 2025 Santa Fe offers more dedicated cargo space with 14.6 cubic feet, compared to the Sorento PHEV's 12.6 cubic feet.

Does the difference in transmission affect the driving feel?

The Santa Fe utilizes an 8-speed automated manual for potentially quicker shifts, while the Sorento employs a 6-speed shiftable automatic, which might offer a smoother, more conventional feel, especially when utilizing its electric drive mode.

How does the drivetrain type impact performance in bad weather?

The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, providing superior traction in slippery conditions compared to the standard Front Wheel Drive offered on the base 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Is the Santa Fe's use of regular unleaded fuel a major cost benefit over the Sorento?

Both vehicles specify regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline, keeping refueling costs consistent for either choice when not running on battery power.