2026 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Comparison

2026 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

When it comes to 3-row SUVs, the roomier the better. Kia and Hyundai now make the most compelling SUVs on the road today. But which one is the best fit for your family? We've compared them so you don't have to! Take a closer look at the 2026 Kia Sorento and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe with all the details you need to make an informed decision when you visit Kia of Bedford for incredible 3-row SUVs near you. Can't wait? You can browse our new inventory online before coming in for a test drive!

2026 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

Kia knows how to treat a family with optimal power, comprehensive safety features, and interior amenities that make every seat in the car seem equally appealing. With much to admire in the 2026 Sorento, it's hard to imagine any situation where the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe would be the better option.

Vehicle Comparison

	2026 Kia Sorento	2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Starting Price	Starting at $32,190	Starting at $34,800
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Horsepower	191 HP @ 6,100 RPM	277 HP @ 5,800 RPM
Engine Torque	181 LB-FT @ 4,000 RPM	311 LB-FT @ 4,000 RPM
Maximum Towing Capacity	4,500 lbs	4,500 lbs
Maximum Payload	1,204 lbs	1,223 lbs
Cargo Space	45.0 cu ft	40.5 cu ft
Seating Capacity	7	7

When it comes to price, the 2026 Kia Sorento is the value leader with a selling price almost $2k less than the Hyundai's. Does this mean it's not as good? We certainly don't think so - read on to find out!

Performance

The 2026 Sorento has two distinct powertrains to choose from. The standard 2.5L 4-cylinder offers 191 HP, which most drivers will be happy with. For buyers who need more speed, the upgraded 2.5L turbocharged engine is sure to get your adrenaline pumping with 281 horsepower on tap. Both available engines come with an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission, giving the Sorento top fuel economy in its class. The base engine can drive 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged variant returns 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

The powertrain options on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe are more limited. It comes with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 277 horsepower. While this is more than you get with the Kia, fuel economy suffers a bit as the Santa Fe only manages to produce 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Safety Features

Over the last decade, Kia and Hyundai have both become synonymous with family-friendly value. Neither will disappoint buyers in this category with over 15 standard safety and driver-assist features. This includes useful tech like Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist & Warning, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist, and much more.

Interior

There isn't a bad seat in the Sorento, even with 7 different places to sit. However, the second row is a favorite spot for many with available captain's chairs that are heated for ultimate comfort, all while offering high-tech amenities like ventilated front seats and a Bose premium audio system. Speaking of high tech, the Sorento supports a massive 12.3-inch landscape-style infotainment screen that stretches from the driver's door to just before the passenger seat. Also coming in standard is wireless smartphone connectivity and Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige owners will be able to experience all of this, plus a luxury touch-up with leather upholstery and a SynTex suede headliner.

The 2026 Santa Fe's rather polarizing sheetmetal gives way to a cabin that can be configured to seat either 6 (with Captain's Chairs) or 7 passengers. While this is nice, there's not much else that sets the Santa Fe apart other than a few gimmicks that likely won't benefit the majority of drivers.

Bottom Line

When you don't want to hold back on your next 3-row SUV, the 2026 Kia Sorento has the means to treat you to the good life, catering to both your practical and luxurious needs. While the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is also a compelling option, it does not have the cohesive design and fuel economy buyers want.

Take the 2026 Kia Sorento for a Test Drive!

Your family deserves the best, so come down to Kia of Bedford to experience the latest 3-row SUVs like the new 2026 Kia Sorento. Give us a call at (866) 344-0006 to learn more about Kia's current lineup of incredible rides, or shop our new inventory online to see what's available in your area.

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Disclaimer

*All pricing and details are believed to be accurate, but we do not warrant or guarantee such accuracy. The prices shown above may vary from region to region, as will incentives, and are subject to change. Vehicle information is based off standard equipment and may vary from vehicle to vehicle. Call or email for complete vehicle information. All specifications, prices and equipment are subject to change without notice. Prices and payments do not include tax, titles, tags, finance charges, documentation charges, emissions testing charges, or other fees required by law, vehicle sellers or lending organizations.

Based on 2025 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

While every effort has been made to ensure display of accurate data, the vehicle listings within this website may not reflect all accurate vehicle items. Accessories and color may vary. All inventory listed is subject to prior sale. The vehicle photo displayed may be an example only. Vehicle Photos may not match exact vehicles. Please confirm vehicle price with Dealership. See Dealership for details.