Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento: Which Should You Buy in KSA?

A complete comparison of the ⁦Hyundai Santa Fe⁩ VS ⁦Kia Sorento⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across KSA.

⁦Hyundai Santa Fe⁩ VS ⁦Kia Sorento⁩: the verdict

The Kia Sorento edges out the Hyundai Santa Fe for shoppers prioritizing performance and diverse powertrain options, offering quicker acceleration and a broader engine range including hybrid and diesel. However, the Santa Fe remains the clear winner for families needing immense cargo space, boasting a significantly larger trunk, and slightly better petrol fuel economy. Price information for the Sorento is currently unavailable.
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Price Comparison
Starting at128,340 SAR165,000 – 185,000 SAR
Engine & Power
Engine2,497 cc · 4 cyl1,600 – 3,497 cc · 4 – 6 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)176 hp177 – 268 hp
Torque (Nm)232 Nm232 – 332 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)10.1 s8.7 s
Top Speed (Km/h)195 km/h190 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)9 L/100km9.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity71 L70 L
Gears66 – 8
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive / Front Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolDiesel / Hybrid / Petrol
Measurements
L×W×H4.8 m × 1.9 m × 1.7 m4.8 m × 1.9 m × 1.7 m
Wheelbase (meters)2.8 m2.8 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,605 kg1,885 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)1,036 L320 L
Overview
Body StyleSUV CrossoverSUV Crossover
Seating Capacity7 seats7 seats
Doors5 doors5 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive BonnetActive SteeringAdaptive Brake LightsAirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Door LockAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)BluetoothBody Colored GrilleBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesClimate ControlCollision DetectionCompassCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFabric SeatsFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberHDMIHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomMap Reading LampsMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRoof RailsRoof SpoilerSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSpare WheelSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreenTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Welcome LightWheels - AlloyWinchWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
12V Socket360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraAcceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAir ConditioningAlloy PedalsAlloy RimsAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAuto Door LockAutomatic TransmissionBody Colored GrilleBody KItBreakover AngleBumper Side StepCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCenter Console BoxChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionConversation Mirror with Sunglasses HolderCooled SeatsCrosswind AssistCVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)Daytime Running LightsDoor Edge ProtectorDoor ReflectorsDVDDVD PlayerElectric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric CurtainElectric SunroofEmergency Brake AssistFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog LightsFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront CameraGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDMIHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeInfotainment ScreenKnee AirbagLED Fog LightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLumbar SupportMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMudguardMulti-Information DisplayNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)Off Road KItOff-Road DampersPanoramic Glass RoofPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower WindowsRacing Or Bucket SeatsRear AC ControlsRear Audio ControlsRear BrakesRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRemote StartRemote Windows DownRWD (Rear Wheel Drive)Screen MirroringSecurity SystemSelf-levelling HeadlightsSoft-closing DoorsSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSuperchargerTailgate with HatchTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsToolkitTorqueTorque SteerTPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)Traction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrunk CapacityTurbochargerTyre Repair KitVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Welcome LightWheelbaseWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Performance Enthusiasts

The Kia Sorento is the top choice for those seeking spirited driving, thanks to its more powerful engine options, delivering up to 268 hp and quicker 8.7-second acceleration.

2

Best for Cargo and Family Trips

The Hyundai Santa Fe is unparalleled for practicality, offering a massive 1,036 liters of trunk capacity, making it ideal for large families and extensive cargo needs.

3

Best for Petrol Fuel Economy

For petrol-only buyers, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a slightly better fuel economy of 9 L/100km compared to the Sorento's 9.7 L/100km for its petrol variant.

4

Best for Powertrain Versatility

The Kia Sorento stands out with its diverse powertrain offerings, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid options, providing more choices to suit different preferences and efficiency goals.

Pros & cons

Hyundai Santa Fe

Pros

  • Significantly larger trunk capacity (1,036 L)
  • Better petrol fuel economy (9 L/100km)
  • Lighter kerb weight (1,605 kg)
  • Higher top speed (195 km/h)
  • Clear pricing available (133,004 – 153,585 SAR)

Cons

  • Less powerful engine option (176 hp max)
  • Slower acceleration (10.1 seconds)
  • Limited powertrain options (Petrol only)
  • Fewer transmission gears (6 speeds)

Kia Sorento

Pros

  • More powerful engine options (up to 268 hp)
  • Quicker acceleration (8.7 seconds)
  • Wider range of powertrain options (Diesel/Hybrid available)
  • More transmission gears (up to 8 speeds)
  • Available with 6-cylinder engine options

Cons

  • Much smaller trunk capacity (320 L)
  • Higher petrol fuel consumption (9.7 L/100km)
  • Heavier kerb weight (1,885 kg)
  • Price information unavailable

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for family road trips, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?

For family road trips, the Hyundai Santa Fe is the superior choice due to its exceptionally large trunk capacity of 1,036 liters. This offers significantly more space for luggage and gear compared to the Kia Sorento's 320 liters. If cargo space is a priority for your family adventures, opt for the Santa Fe.

Does the Kia Sorento offer more powerful engine options than the Hyundai Santa Fe?

Yes, the Kia Sorento offers a wider range of engine options, including more powerful configurations than the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Sorento can be equipped with engines producing up to 268 hp and V6 options, while the Santa Fe's sole listed engine delivers 176 hp. For higher performance, the Sorento is the clear winner.

Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?

When comparing the petrol variants, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers slightly better fuel efficiency at 9 L/100km compared to the Kia Sorento's 9.7 L/100km. However, the Sorento also provides diesel and hybrid powertrain options, which could offer superior fuel economy depending on the specific variant and driving conditions. If you're looking strictly at petrol, the Santa Fe has a slight edge.

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento faster in acceleration?

The Kia Sorento is faster in acceleration than the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Sorento can achieve 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds with its more powerful engine options, while the Santa Fe takes 10.1 seconds. If quick acceleration is a key factor for you, the Sorento will deliver a more dynamic driving experience.

Which car offers more engine choices, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?

The Kia Sorento offers significantly more engine choices than the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Sorento is available with petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains, including 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder options. The Hyundai Santa Fe, however, is listed with a single petrol 4-cylinder engine. For versatility in engine types, the Sorento is the better option.