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 Hyundai Santa Fe is the overall winner for value and practicality, especially for families, boasting a much larger boot and a more attractive entry price. However, the Kia Sorento counters with a broader range of powerful engine options and quicker acceleration, appealing to those who prioritize performance and versatility.
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Price Comparison
Starting at133,004 – 153,585 SAR149,195 – 193,498 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 Budget-Conscious Buyers

The Hyundai Santa Fe takes the lead with a significantly lower starting price of 133,004 SAR and slightly better fuel economy, offering excellent value in the 7-seater SUV segment.

2

Best for Cargo Space

For families or anyone needing substantial storage, the Hyundai Santa Fe is the clear winner with its massive 1,036 L trunk capacity, dwarfing the Sorento's 320 L.

3

Best for Performance Enthusiasts

The Kia Sorento is the top choice for drivers seeking more power and a dynamic drive, offering engine options up to 268 hp and a quicker 8.7-second acceleration time.

4

Best for Fuel Type Versatility

The Kia Sorento stands out by offering a wider array of fuel choices, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid options, catering to diverse efficiency and preference needs.

Pros & cons

Hyundai Santa Fe

Pros

  • More accessible starting price (from 133,004 SAR)
  • Significantly larger trunk capacity (1,036 L)
  • Slightly better fuel economy (9 L/100km)
  • Higher top speed (195 km/h)
  • Available with FWD for lower cost trims

Cons

  • Less powerful engine options (max 176 hp)
  • Slower acceleration (10.1 seconds)
  • Fewer fuel type choices (Petrol only)
  • Lower max torque (232 Nm)

Kia Sorento

Pros

  • More powerful engine options (up to 268 hp)
  • Faster acceleration (8.7 seconds)
  • Wider range of fuel types (Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid)
  • More transmission gears available (up to 8)
  • More engine configurations (4-6 cylinders)

Cons

  • Higher starting price (from 149,195 SAR)
  • Much smaller trunk capacity (320 L)
  • Slightly less fuel efficient in petrol variants (9.7 L/100km)
  • Lower top speed (190 km/h)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento better for families in KSA?

The Hyundai Santa Fe is generally better for families due to its significantly larger trunk capacity of 1,036 L, making it more practical for luggage and gear. It also offers a more attractive starting price. While both are 7-seaters, the Santa Fe's cargo space makes daily family life easier.

Which SUV is more powerful, the Santa Fe or the Sorento?

The Kia Sorento is more powerful, especially in its higher trims, offering up to 268 hp from its 6-cylinder engine compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe's maximum of 176 hp. If performance and quicker acceleration are your priority, the Sorento is the clear winner.

Does the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento offer better fuel economy?

The Hyundai Santa Fe generally offers slightly better fuel economy for its petrol variant at 9 L/100km compared to the Kia Sorento's petrol option at 9.7 L/100km. However, the Sorento does offer diesel and hybrid options which might provide better efficiency depending on the specific model.

Which car is more affordable, the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Kia Sorento?

The Hyundai Santa Fe is more affordable, with a starting price of 133,004 SAR, whereas the Kia Sorento begins at 149,195 SAR. For buyers prioritizing budget, the Santa Fe offers a more accessible entry point into the 7-seater SUV segment.

What are the main differences in cargo space between the Santa Fe and Sorento?

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a significantly larger trunk capacity of 1,036 L, making it far superior for cargo hauling. In contrast, the Kia Sorento has a much smaller trunk capacity of 320 L. For maximum storage, the Santa Fe is the unequivocal choice.