2025 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

$31,990 · Crossover

$34,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe (Car 2) and the 2025 Kia Sorento (Car 1) is the powertrain output, with the Santa Fe delivering 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the Sorento's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. This 86 hp surplus gives Car 2 substantial performance advantage, although Car 1 offsets this with superior fuel economy, achieving 26 combined MPG versus Car 2's 24 combined MPG. The Santa Fe commands a higher starting MSRP of $34,800, whereas the Sorento begins at $31,990. Dimensionally, the Santa Fe is 0.6 inches taller and offers marginally more cargo space at 14.6 cu ft versus 12.6 cu ft in the Sorento. Both vehicles utilize a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission and FWD configurations for their base trims.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento

The 2025 Kia Sorento offers a 2 MPG advantage in combined efficiency, resulting in lower long-term fuel costs for daily commuting.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe provides 2.0 cu ft more maximum cargo capacity (14.6 vs 12.6) and greater power for easier freeway merging with a full load.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

With 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, the Santa Fe substantially outperforms the Sorento's 191 hp engine.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento has a lower entry price point at $31,990 compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe's $34,800 MSRP.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

Your primary concern is minimizing annual fuel expenditure, as it achieves 26 combined MPG.
You require the lowest possible initial transaction price, starting at $31,990.
You prefer the slightly more compact exterior dimensions, measuring 189.6 inches in length.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

Maximum attainable power is critical, evidenced by its 277 hp output and 311 lb-ft of torque.
You need the maximum available utility volume, noted by its 14.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer the slightly increased overall height (67.7 inches) and base engine performance over fuel economy.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento	Hyundai Santa Fe
Length	189.6"	190.2"
Width	74.8"	74.8"
Height	66.7"	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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	277 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	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	8-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/31 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	407.1/548.7 mi.	354.0/513.3 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	17.7 gal.

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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
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: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	40.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	54.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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.
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 and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.

What is the performance gap between the base engines of the 2025 Sorento and 2026 Santa Fe?

The 2026 Santa Fe has a significant performance lead, producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the 2025 Sorento is rated at 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, resulting in an 86 hp difference.

How do the fuel economies compare for daily driving?

The Kia Sorento is more fuel-efficient, rating 23/31 MPG city/highway for 26 combined MPG. The Hyundai Santa Fe is slightly behind at 20/29 MPG city/highway, resulting in a 24 combined MPG rating.

Is the higher price of the Santa Fe justified by the specifications?

The 2026 Santa Fe costs $2,810 more ($34,800 vs $31,990 MSRP). This premium covers the substantial power upgrade, 2.0 cu ft of extra cargo space, and slightly larger exterior dimensions.

Which vehicle offers superior space for loading cargo?

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe provides a nominal advantage in cargo capacity, offering 14.6 cubic feet compared to the 2025 Kia Sorento's 12.6 cubic feet.

Do both crossovers utilize the same type of transmission?

Both vehicles are equipped with 8-speed automatic transmissions for their base configurations; the Sorento lists an 8-speed automatic, while the Santa Fe specifies an 8-speed shiftable automatic.

Are there any measurable differences in physical size between the two models?

The 2026 Santa Fe is 0.6 inches longer (190.2 vs 189.6 inches) and 1.0 inch taller (67.7 vs 66.7 inches) than the Sorento, though both share the identical 74.8-inch width.