Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai SANTA FE: A Family-Friendly Showdown

Choosing the right SUV for your family requires careful consideration of safety, space, technology, and value. The Kia Sorento and Hyundai SANTA FE stand out as two popular options in the midsize SUV segment, each offering distinct advantages for families. While both vehicles share the same parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, they have unique features that set them apart. Let’s explore what each has to offer and why you may want to choose the Sorento.

Dynamic Kia SUV Driving on Scenic Coastal Highway taken by Hyundai Motor Group licensed with Pexels license

Comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento and Hyundai SANTE FE

The 2025 Sorento and SANTA FE are similarly priced, placing them in a competitive range for family buyers. Both SUVs come equipped with the essential safety features you’d expect from a modern vehicle. They also provide four complete sets of LATCH connectors for child safety seats, demonstrating their commitment to family safety. Read on to learn about both SUVs and see which suits your family better.

Pricing and Value

When choosing a new vehicle, it’s important to consider the immediate costs, long-term value, and your financing options. Here’s a quick breakdown of the 2025 Kia Sorento and Hyundai SANTA FE’s pricing and costs.

First, here are the starting prices for each of the Kia Sorento’s trims:

• LX: $31,990
• S: $34,890
• EX: $38,090
• SX: $41,690
• X-Line EX AWD: $41,790
• X-Line SX AWD: $43,490
• X-Line SX Prestige AWD: $46,390
• X-Pro SX Prestige AWD: $47,390

Next, let’s take a look at the beginning prices for each of the Hyundai SANTA FE’s trims:

• SE: $34,200
• SEL: $36,700
• XRT:  $40,850
• Limited: $43,600
• Calligraphy: $46,750

When it comes to long-term value, the Kia Sorento earned a J.D. Power Quality & Reliability score of 82 out of 100, surpassing the Hyundai SANTA FE’s score of 79. Both manufacturers offer identical warranty coverage: a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, providing long-term peace of mind for owners.

Fuel economy is a factor in long-term costs as well. The Sorento matches or does better than the SANTA FE in terms of fuel efficiency. With the Sorento, you can get up to 23 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and a combined 26 mpg. The SANTA FE offers up to 20 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and a combined 24 mpg.

In addition, both vehicles offer competitive financing rates and lease terms through their respective manufacturers. However, the slightly lower starting price of the Sorento can result in lower monthly payments, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families.

Safety Features Comparison

Safety is a top priority when looking for a family vehicle, and the Sorento and SANTA FE offer similar safety features. Safe exit assist and rear occupant alert are standard across all trims of both SUVs. They also provide comprehensive airbag systems, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The standard driver-assistance features on both SUVs include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist — an advanced adaptive cruise control system with assisted lane changes — is an option for both SUVs.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology can be an added benefit to family vehicles, especially if you’re looking for entertainment for your little ones on the road. The Sorento and SANTA FE feature a standard 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The navigation systems in both vehicles can offer real-time traffic updates and route optimization, helping you to stay on track. With multiple USB ports, wireless device charging, and an available Bose sound system on the Sorento and SANTA FE, everyone will be able to stay connected and entertained while on the road, no matter which SUV you choose.

Interior Comfort and Space

While driving with family, interior comfort and space are important features you may consider. The 2025 Kia Sorento and Hyundai SANTA FE offer standard third-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. Both SUVs provide the choice between a bench seat or captain’s chairs in the second row, allowing families to customize the interior layout based on their needs. The Hyundai SANTA FE provides 79.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats folded, while the Sorento offers 75.5 cubic feet. Both vehicles feature split-folding rear seats and available power liftgates for easy access.

Exterior Styling and Aesthetics

Both vehicles are distinct in appearance and offer personalization options to make them yours. The Sorento has smooth curves and a bold front design with a tiger-nose grille and LED headlights. The SANTA FE presents a refined, angular appearance with its wider stance and distinctive grille design. The trim levels for both SUVs also offer varying exterior features, including different wheel sizes, paint colors, and styling elements.

Hybrid Models

Both vehicles are also available as conventional hybrids, and the Sorento features an additional plug-in hybrid model. The Kia Sorento Hybrid and the SANTA FE Hybrid achieve up to 36 mpg combined, both using a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. If you opt for the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, you can get an all-electric range of 31 miles, an efficiency of 33 mpg when using the engine only, and a combined 74 mpg equivalent. Both manufacturers also designed each model with recycled materials and implemented eco-friendly manufacturing processes to reduce environmental impact.

Which SUV Is Best for Your Family?

While both SUVs excel in their own ways, your choice depends on specific family’s needs. The Sorento’s lower price and better fuel efficiency make it ideal for families prioritizing cost and fuel economy. The SANTA FE is a larger SUV with more cargo space and refined styling, but the Sorento can match many of its features.

Visit Pride Kia of Lynn To Check Out the 2025 Sorento For Yourself!

Are you interested in learning more about the Sorento? Visit Pride Kia of Lynn in Lynn, Massachusetts, to experience the 2025 Sorento firsthand. Our expert staff can help you determine if it meets your family’s current and future needs.