VS
At a Glance
Power
277hp @ 5800
281hp @ 5800
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1700
311lb-ft @ 1700
Towing
3500lbs
4500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152cc
2.5 L/152cc
Choosing between the Hyundai Santa FE and the KIA Sorento is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Santa FE delivers 277hp @ 5800 while the KIA Sorento produces 281hp @ 5800. Pricing starts at $35,050 for the Santa FE and $47,590 for the Sorento. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
277hp @ 5800
281hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1700
311lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152cc
2.5 L/152cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
—
20mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
—
27mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
17.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
190.2in
189in
Width (in)
74.8in
74.8in
Height (in)
69.7in
70.3in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
110.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4343lbs
4213lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
4500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Santa FE
Practicality
Sorento
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Santa FE
Lower starting price ($35,050)
Few notable weaknesses
KIA Sorento
Higher towing capacity (4500lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Santa FE or Sorento?
The Santa FE produces 277hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Sorento delivers 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Santa FE and Sorento?
The Santa FE starts from $35,050 and the Sorento from $47,590. The Santa FE is cheaper by $12,540 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Santa FE or Sorento?
The Santa FE has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Sorento can tow 4500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Santa FE or the Sorento?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.