Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Kia Sorento: The Quick Answer
The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento are both midsize three-row SUVs with the same 110.8-inch wheelbase, so the choice comes down to details. The Santa Fe offers more cargo space, more standard power and a higher towing rating. The Sorento offers a non-turbo base engine with higher EPA ratings and a plug-in hybrid model.
​
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize three-row SUV built by Hyundai. The Kia Sorento is a midsize three-row SUV built by Kia. Hyundai and Kia are sister brands, so the two share some engineering, but each is designed and equipped differently.
All figures below are for the 2026 model year from Hyundai and Kia media specifications and EPA data. Hyundai lists the same powertrains and dimensions for the 2027 Santa Fe, and Kia says changes to the 2027 Sorento are minimal, so the comparison holds for both years. At Jenkins Hyundai of Homosassa, we are happy to walk you through any 2026 or 2027 Santa Fe in stock.
Santa Fe vs. Sorento at a Glance
Here is how the two SUVs compare on the numbers most shoppers ask about.
Specs vary by trim and drivetrain. Always confirm the details on the window sticker of the exact vehicle you are considering.
What Engines Do the Santa Fe and Sorento Offer?
Every gas-only 2026 Santa Fe uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. For 2026, Hyundai paired it with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Santa Fe Hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter turbo engine with an electric motor for 231 total system horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.
The 2026 Sorento offers more choices. Its base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 hp, while select trims, including the SX, X-Line and X-Pro, use a 2.5-liter turbo with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft. The Sorento Hybrid makes 227 total system horsepower, and Kia also sells a Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.
Front-wheel drive is standard on both, with all-wheel drive available. Hyundai calls its system HTRAC AWD.
Which Is Bigger, the Santa Fe or the Sorento?
The Santa Fe is slightly bigger, measuring 190.2 inches long compared with 189.6 inches for the Sorento. The bigger difference is inside, where the Santa Fe's boxy shape pays off in cargo room.
-
Behind the third row: 14.6 cubic feet in the Santa Fe vs. 12.6 in the Sorento.
-
Behind the second row: 40.5 cubic feet in the Santa Fe vs. 38.5 to 45.0 in the Sorento, depending on seat position.
-
Maximum cargo: 79.6 cubic feet in the Santa Fe vs. 75.5 in the Sorento.
-
Third-row legroom: 30.0 inches in the Santa Fe vs. 29.6 in the Sorento.
How Many Seats Do They Have?
Both SUVs seat six or seven, depending on trim. Most Santa Fe trims seat seven. The 2026 Santa Fe Limited comes standard with second-row captain's chairs and offers a bench, and the Calligraphy seats six. The Sorento also offers six- and seven-passenger layouts, depending on trim.
Which Gets Better Gas Mileage, Santa Fe or Sorento?
The hybrids are nearly tied, and the Sorento's base engine beats the Santa Fe's turbo. Here are the EPA-estimated combined ratings from FuelEconomy.gov:
The Santa Fe Hybrid is rated at 37 mpg city and 36 highway with FWD. With AWD, it is rated at 35 city and 34 highway. Actual mileage varies with how and where you drive, so check the EPA label on each vehicle.
Which Can Tow More, the Santa Fe or the Sorento?
The Santa Fe can tow more. Every gas-only Santa Fe is rated to tow 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes when properly equipped, and the XRT is rated at 4,500 pounds.
Gas Sorento models are rated at 2,000 pounds with trailer brakes. Turbocharged Sorento models with the towing package are rated at 3,500 pounds, according to Kia. The Santa Fe Hybrid is rated at 2,000 pounds with trailer brakes.
Towing ratings depend on equipment, so confirm the rating for the exact vehicle and trailer with our team. For more detail, see our Santa Fe towing capacity guide.
How Do the Trim Levels Compare?
The 2026 Santa Fe comes in five gas trims and four hybrid trims. The 2026 Sorento lineup is built around more gas trims and two hybrid trims.
-
Santa Fe gas: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited and Calligraphy.
-
Santa Fe Hybrid: SE, SEL, Limited and Calligraphy.
-
Sorento gas: LX, S, EX, SX, X-Line EX, X-Line SX, X-Line SX-Prestige and X-Pro SX-Prestige.
-
Sorento Hybrid: EX and SX-Prestige.
One standout is the Santa Fe XRT. It comes only with HTRAC AWD and raises ground clearance to 8.3 inches, with all-terrain tires, Terrain Mode (Mud, Snow, Sand) and the 4,500-pound tow rating. The Sorento X-Line and X-Pro offer a similar outdoorsy look, and Kia made Terrain Mode standard on all AWD Sorento trims for 2026.
What Tech and Safety Features Come Standard?
Both SUVs come well equipped. Every 2026 Santa Fe includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a hands-free smart liftgate. Hyundai also made Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning detection standard on all trims for 2026.
Other standard Santa Fe safety features include Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Safe Exit Assist. Upper Santa Fe trims add a Surround View Monitor, a Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist.
Cars.com named the 2026 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid its Best Family Car of 2026.
Which Should You Choose, Santa Fe or Sorento?
Choose the Santa Fe if you want more cargo room, standard turbo power and the most towing capability. Choose the Sorento if you want a non-turbo base engine or a plug-in hybrid. If fuel economy is your top priority, the two hybrids are within a few mpg of each other.
Here is a simple way to decide:
-
Hauling family gear: The Santa Fe's 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row gives you more room.
-
Towing a boat or camper: The Santa Fe XRT's 4,500-pound rating leads this pair.
-
Long highway trips: Either hybrid is a strong pick.
-
Weekend dirt roads: The Santa Fe XRT adds clearance and all-terrain tires.
Test-Drive the Santa Fe at Jenkins Hyundai of Homosassa
The best way to compare is to sit in the third row and load the cargo area yourself. Browse our new Santa Fe inventory or the full new vehicle inventory, and read more on our 2026 Santa Fe research page. You can also get an estimate on your current vehicle with our trade-in tool.
Jenkins Hyundai of Homosassa is at 937 S Suncoast Blvd in Homosassa, serving drivers in Homosassa and Crystal River. Call 352-364-8740 or contact us online to schedule a test drive.
