Mid-Size SUV Comparison: 2021 Kia Sorento Vs. 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Mid-Size SUV Comparison: 2021 Kia Sorento Vs. 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
2021 Kia Sorento
VS
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
2021 Sorento LX Base Model Comparison 2021 Santa Fe SE
$29,390 Base Price MSRP* $26,850
2.5L 4-Cylinder Standard Engine 2.5L 4-Cylinder
191 Horsepower 191
182 Torque (lb-ft) 181
24/29/26 EPA MPG Estimates (City/Highway/Combined) 25/28/26
8-Speed Automatic Transmission 8-Speed Automatic
281-HP 2.5L Turbo Available Engine 277-HP 2.5L Turbo
Up to 7 Seating Capacity 5
Standard Third Row Not Available
75.5 cubic feet Cargo Volume Behind Front Seats 72.1 cubic feet
45.0 cubic feet Cargo Volume Behind Second Row 36.4 cubic feet
Standard Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ Integration Standard
8-Inch Touchscreen Standard Display 8-Inch Touchscreen
Features On The Kia Sorento
Available Features
Features On The Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 20-inch Gloss Black Alloy Wheels
  • Panoramic Sunroof with Power Sunshade
  • 2nd Row Captain's Chairs with Seating up to 6
  • Leather Seating Trim, Power Front Seats
  • UVO Link with Navigation and 10.25-inch Display
  • Bose® Premium Audio
  • Surround View Monitor, Blind View Monitor
  • 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
  • Smart Key with Push Button & Remote Start
  • Blind Spot Detection Technology, Safe Exit Assist
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Avoidance
  • Lane Keeping & Lane Following Technology
  • Highway Drive Assist
  • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
  • Rear Occupant Alert
  • 19-Inch Alloy Wheels⁠
  • Remote Smart Parking Assist
  • Heads-up Display
  • Quilted Leather Seating Surfaces
  • Blind-Spot View Monitor
  • Surround View Monitor
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Blue Link® Connected Car System⁠
  • Wireless device charging

Drivers around Jefferson City, Missouri, who are searching for a new family crossover or SUV have a plethora of options today. Mid-size crossover SUVs remain a top choice for families, as they blend the smooth ride and maneuverability of a compact model with the utility of a full-size SUV. The 2021 Kia Sorento is a prime example of an attractive and highly versatile mid-size model that many motorists should have on their test-drive list!

The 2021 Kia Sorento is all-new, offering fresh style and the latest automotive tech features. This spacious three-row crossover SUV comes standard with a 3-row, 7-passenger seating configuration that makes it a smart alternative to a bulky and pricier full-size SUV. Kia's redesigned 2021 Sorento is here for you with pleasant driving dynamics and family-friendly pricing!

Let's review a few of the highlights of Kia's all-new 2021 Sorento before comparing it to the competition, namely the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Kia's reimagined 2021 Sorento impresses on many fronts, including with its roomy interior that accommodates family, friends and cargo with ease. This sleek and sporty new ride is bigger on the inside than it appears when looking at its sculpted and attractive exterior; it's also more spacious than the outgoing model. Thanks to its second and third rows of split-folding seats, it's simple to transition from transporting up to seven occupants to hauling up to 75.5 cubic feet of cargo.

This new Kia three-row crossover for sale offers a choice of multiple powertrains, starting with a standard 2.5-liter engine that returns maximum fuel efficiency. Consider the Sorento's available 2.5-liter turbocharged engine if you're looking for greater performance and towing capabilities. The turbo-four engine generates a healthy 281 hp!

A choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) is offered across the 2021 Sorento range. Kia's available Torque-Vectoring All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Center-Locking Differential utilizes electronic sensors to maximize grip and fuel efficiency. It even includes a driver-activated locking center differential for optimized traction in low-speed situations.

Now that we have briefed you on some of the many selling points of the stellar new Kia Sorento, let's see how it compares to the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Comparing Kia's All-New Sorento & the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

If you're looking for a fair fight in this comparison, you've mostly found it, as the all-new 2021 Kia Sorento and the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offer some similarities. These two mid-size models both come equipped with a 191-hp 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine as standard. Fuel economy with the base engines and FWD are also comparable, although the Sorento comes out on top concerning EPA-estimated highway MPG.

Most of the similarities end there, though. This may be explained by the fact that the Sorento is all-new for 2021; the Hyundai Santa Fe hasn't been redesigned in years and is beginning to show its age. Also, only one of these models currently offers a hybrid edition for enhanced power and efficiency, and that's the 2021 Kia Sorento! This model's available Turbo-Hybrid engine generates 227 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque and returns an EPA-estimated 37 MPG combined, figures the Hyundai Santa Fe can't touch.

What about passenger space and cargo capacity? Remember that every 2021 Sorento comes standard with three rows of seating, but Hyundai's new Santa Fe is only available with five seats in two rows. Kia also gives Sorento shoppers a choice between 6- and 7-passenger configurations when selecting their ideal next family crossover. With an additional row and up to two additional seats, the Kia proves to be the more versatile option for large, growing or active families.

The 2021 Sorento even tops the Hyundai Santa Fe in maximum cargo capacity! That's right; simply fold down the Sorento's second and third rows of seats, and you'll uncover up to 75.5 cubic feet of cargo volume, which bests the Santa Fe's 72.1 cubic feet.

We hope that the above comparison table and review have helped you determine which of these mid-size SUVs you prefer. Remember that you can reach out to the Kingdom Kia team for more details on the complete 2021 Sorento lineup before your visit!

Upgrade to the All-New Sorento at our Rolla, MO, Kia Dealership

If you've decided that the redesigned 2021 Kia Sorento is the right ride for your family -- or you'd like to explore this spacious crossover in greater detail -- head over to our Rolla, MO, auto dealership at your earliest convenience. Start your new family SUV search via our website, where we provide our full array of new Kia vehicles for sale at competitive prices.

Our friendly Kia sales specialists, affordable pricing, favorable finance and lease offers and full-service dealership team are all here for you. Don't wait to reach out to our Kia specialists should you think of any questions about the 2021 Sorento lineup or any other new Kia model. We can review the Sorento's available trims during your visit, detailing the amenities provided with each!

When you're eager to get your new Kia upgrade underway, we invite you to complete our simple and secure online finance application. Our in-house auto loan specialists will promptly review your credentials and begin searching for favorable financing packages on your behalf.

Don't forget to put our vehicle trade-in appraisal service to use or explore the low monthly payments available on a new Kia lease!

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*Starting MSRP is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for base model trim. MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, options, and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

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