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 emerges as the stronger contender for those prioritizing performance and practicality, offering a higher maximum horsepower of 280 hp and a significantly larger 1,036 L trunk capacity. However, the Kia Sorento presents a compelling value proposition with a lower starting price of 127,188 SAR and potentially better base fuel economy, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
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Price Comparison
Starting at133,325 – 193,700 SAR127,188 – 191,473 SAR
Engine & Power
Engine2,497 – 3,500 cc · 4 – 6 cyl2,497 cc · 4 – 6 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)176 – 280 hp178 – 268 hp
Torque (Nm)232 – 363 Nm232 – 331 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)7.8 – 10.1 s8.7 – 10.3 s
Top Speed (Km/h)195 – 210 km/h190 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)8.5 – 9 L/100km7.8 – 9.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity67 – 71 L70 L
Gears6 – 86 – 8
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive / Front Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Measurements
L×W×H4.8 / 4.8 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.7 / 1.7 m4.8 m × 1.9 m × 1.7 m
Wheelbase (meters)2.8 / 2.8 m2.8 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,605 – 1,790 kg1,755 – 1,885 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 Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAshtrayAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Retractable Hardtop RoofAutomatic ACAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBody Colored MirrorsBonnet LightBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Door MirrorsChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDrive ComputerDVDDVD PlayerDynamic Damper ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog Lamp - Front and RearFog LightsFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFrameless DoorsFront BrakesFront BumperFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHalogen HeadlampsHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRoad Sign AssistRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresSD Card SupportSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSide Impact BarSilver TrimSkid PlatesSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSport PedalsSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverToolkitTouchscreenTouchscreen SizeTowing HookTraction ControlTraffic Jam AssistantTrip ComputerTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood TrimXenon Headlamps

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for families

The Hyundai Santa Fe is the top choice for families needing ample cargo space, boasting a generous 1,036 L trunk capacity compared to the Sorento's 320 L.

2

Best for performance enthusiasts

With a potent 280 hp engine and a quicker 0-100 km/h acceleration of 7.8 seconds, the Hyundai Santa Fe delivers a more spirited driving experience.

3

Best for budget-conscious buyers

The Kia Sorento offers a more accessible entry point, starting from 127,188 SAR, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a capable SUV without breaking the bank.

4

Best for fuel efficiency

For drivers prioritizing fuel economy, the Kia Sorento's base models achieve an impressive 7.8 L/100km, slightly better than the Santa Fe's 8.5 L/100km.

Pros & cons

Hyundai Santa Fe

Pros

  • Higher maximum horsepower (280 hp)
  • Faster 0-100 km/h acceleration (as low as 7.8s)
  • Significantly larger trunk capacity (1,036 L)
  • Higher top speed (up to 210 km/h)
  • Wider range of engine sizes (up to 3,500 cc)

Cons

  • Higher starting price point
  • Less fuel-efficient base model
  • No Rear Wheel Drive option

Kia Sorento

Pros

  • Lower starting price (from 127,188 SAR)
  • More fuel-efficient base model (as low as 7.8 L/100km)
  • Available with Rear Wheel Drive option

Cons

  • Significantly smaller trunk capacity (320 L)
  • Slower maximum acceleration (8.7 seconds)
  • Lower maximum horsepower (268 hp)
  • Lower top speed (190 km/h)

Frequently Asked Questions

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

For families in KSA, the Hyundai Santa Fe is generally better due to its much larger trunk capacity of 1,036 L, making it more practical for luggage, strollers, or groceries. While both offer 7 seats, the Santa Fe's superior cargo space provides a significant advantage for family trips and daily needs.

Which SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento, offers better performance?

The Hyundai Santa Fe delivers superior performance, boasting a higher maximum power output of 280 hp and quicker acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in as little as 7.8 seconds. The Kia Sorento's maximum power is 268 hp with a slower acceleration time of 8.7 seconds, positioning the Santa Fe as the sportier choice.

Which is more fuel-efficient, the Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe?

The Kia Sorento offers a more fuel-efficient base model, achieving as low as 7.8 L/100km compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe's lowest of 8.5 L/100km. If minimizing fuel consumption is a top priority, the Sorento has a slight edge in its entry-level trims.

What are the key differences in trunk space between the Santa Fe and Sorento?

There's a significant difference in trunk space, with the Hyundai Santa Fe offering a massive 1,036 L, while the Kia Sorento provides 320 L. This makes the Santa Fe far more practical for carrying large items, luggage, or equipment, giving it a clear advantage in cargo utility.