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

$47,990 · Crossover

$34,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid ignites the crossover segment with its electrification advantage, boasting an impressive 30-mile electric range and achieving 33 combined MPG, making short trips emission-free. Conversely, the brawnier 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe counters with superior raw power, unleashing 277 horsepower and a commanding 311 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpunching the Sorento's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. This comparison pits Kia's efficiency focus against Hyundai's muscular performance baseline, creating a $13,190 gap in starting MSRP, favoring the Santa Fe's budget appeal. While the Sorento PHEV is narrower, the Santa Fe offers slightly more utility with 14.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Kia's 12.6 cu ft, signaling a choice between daily plug-in savings and immediate horsepower gratification.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento PHEV is the clear winner for commuters due to its 30-mile electric range and superior 33 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe offers slightly better utility with 14.6 cu ft of cargo capacity and marginally more passenger room due to its height.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe delivers higher performance metrics with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, leading the Sorento's 261 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe provides a substantial $13,190 lower starting MSRP while offering more raw power.

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

Your daily commute is reliably under 30 miles, allowing for significant electric-only driving.
Maximizing fuel economy is critical, as the Sorento achieves 33 combined MPG versus the Santa Fe's 24.
You require an AWD system, as the Sorento PHEV comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

You frequently drive long distances where the Sorento's plug-in advantage is negligible.
You prioritize outright power, benefiting from the Santa Fe's 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
Keeping the initial purchase price low is paramount, given the $13,190 price difference.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	261 hp	277 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
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	Kia	Hyundai
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	33/34 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	33 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	409.2/421.6 mi.	354.0/513.3 mi.
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.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	17.7 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	40.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	42.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	54.9 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much greater is the Santa Fe's power output compared to the Sorento PHEV?

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe produces 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, which surpasses the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV's 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

What is the real-world savings impact of the fuel economy difference?

The Sorento PHEV achieves 33 combined MPG, making it significantly more efficient than the Santa Fe's 24 combined MPG, which translates to notable long-term fuel cost reduction, especially outside the Sorento's 30-mile electric envelope.

Does the difference in drive type affect performance or traction?

Yes, the Kia Sorento PHEV features an All-Wheel Drive system, offering better traction in varied conditions compared to the standard Front-Wheel Drive configuration of the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Which crossover offers more practical storage volume?

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has a slight advantage in rear storage, offering 14.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV's 12.6 cu ft.

Why is the Sorento PHEV so much more expensive upfront?

The higher MSRP of $47,990 for the Sorento PHEV reflects the inclusion of the plug-in hybrid technology, which delivers the 30-mile electric range, contrasting sharply with the Santa Fe's lower $34,800 entry point.

Are there significant size differences between these two closely related crossovers?

While similar, the Santa Fe is slightly taller at 67.7 inches versus the Sorento's 66.9 inches, and the Santa Fe is marginally longer at 190.2 inches compared to the Sorento's 189.6 inches.