Kia Sorento Vs Hyundai Santa Fe Comparison

Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Santa Fe
VS

Kia Sorento
Kia Sorento

This is the Hyundai Santa Fe Vs Kia Sorento comparison for 2021. It may not seem like it at first but both medium to largish SUVs share the same platform. The Hyundai Santa Fe was released 2 years ago and we have been waiting for Kia’s take on the medium sized SUV. The Kia brand is more  about better looking interiors and exteriors than the more basic Hyundai models and Kia are positioning themselves as the ‘Audi’ of the Hyundai conglomerate.  So is the new Kia Sorento worth buying of the aged Hyundai?

Hyundai Santa Fe Vs Kia Sorento exterior comparison: The Santa Fe is a modern looking medium sized SUV that has a Jeep style front end and Nissan like appearance everywhere else. While certain model grades look good, entry level models are a little on the poverty side. The Santa Fe also looks smaller than the Sorento. The newest Kia Sorento is an equally good looking modern SUV more Audi like on the front and what we would perceive Cadillac styled elsewhere. We prefer the exterior design of the Sorento and so will most.

Hyundai Santa Fe Vs Kia Sorento interior comparison: The Hyundai Santa Fe has a very good interior that impresses in terms of look and feel. It does really look and feel upmarket when the correct model grade is picked. Sure it initially looks like a mash up of any number of Japanese manufacturer styling from the 90’s but it works. You wouldn’t pick this interior as a mere Hyundai 20 years ago. Since the Sorento is based on the same platform Kia have done something quite different in design and you wouldn’t pick this as a Kia 20 years ago. We have no real complaint about either interior design and quality. Overall we prefer the Sorento due to the digital instruments so we think is the better interior to be in.

Hyundai Santa Fe Vs Kia Sorento engine and technology comparison: Both share engines and safety systems and the number of systems dependent on the model grade. There are also plenty of gadgets like lighting, sunshades USB ports etc.. You can check their respective websites for the full run down. That said none of these gadgets are essential even in 2021 and a bit tacky if using them as the sales pitch. For example a foot operated powered rear tail gate is nice to have but won’t be a key selling feature especially since they are so slow to open and close.

Hyundai Santa Fe Vs Kia Sorento drive report : N/A

The conclusion and winner of the Hyundai Santa Fe Vs Kia Sorento comparison is a draw. We think the choice of either will be based on which exterior and inter design you prefer and price. Although Kia is positioning themselves as a more upmarket brand these days the brand image needs a few more decades. Hyundai is clearly targeting would be Toyota buyers but like Kia the brand still needs a few more years of work and marketing to impress the neighbours. You see, anyone buying a largish SUV in this price bracket aka expensive will be looking at other models with better brand pedigree. Yes they are overpriced for their branding but a mistake that $5000-10000 price drop will be able to fix.

2021 Kia Sorento  Hyundai Santa Fe
Engines
6 Cylinder – Petrol
3.5 Litre (3470cc)
DOHC CVVT EFI
Claimed 200Kw @ 6300RPM
Claimed 332Nm @ 5000RPM
6 Cylinder – Petrol
3.5 Litre (3470cc)
DOHC CVVT EFI
Claimed 206Kw @ 6300RPM
Claimed 336Nm @ 5000RPM
4 Cylinder turbo diesel
2.2 Litre (2199cc)
DOHC DI CR
Claimed 148Kw @ 3800RPM
Claimed 440Nm @ 1750RPM
4 Cylinder turbo diesel
2.2 Litre (2199cc)
DOHC DI CR
Claimed 147Kw @ 3800RPM
Claimed 441Nm @ 1750RPM
Weight
Kerb weight FROM 1900Kg
Towing capacity up to 2000Kg
Kerb weight FROM 1726Kg
Towing capacity up to 2500Kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 67 litres
V6 3.5 Petrol 9.7 litres per 100km
IL4 2.1 Turbo Diesel 6.1 litres per 100km
Up to 64 litres
IL4 Diesel 7.7 litres per 100km (Auto)
IL4 Petrol 9.4 litres per 100km (Auto)
Other specifications
8 Speed Auto DCT Diesel
Overall height/width 1700/1900
Overall length/wheelbase 4810/2815
4WD system: AWD on demand
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
8 speed Auto
Overall height/width 1690/1880
Overall length/wheelbase 4700/2700
NCAP safety rating 5/5
Capability
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) 185 mm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Min ground clearance 185mm
Water Fording depth xxxmm Max
4WD system: Front Wheels or AWD
Performance
Pricing
2021 $48,290 – 66,290 AUD
2018 $42,990 – 58,490 AUD
2021 $48,290 – 65,200 AUD
2018 $43,000 – 60,500 AUD
*Specs change due to model grade and configuration. Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!