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 narrowly edges out the Hyundai Santa Fe for its broader range of engine options and more accessible starting price, appealing to a wider audience seeking power or value. However, the Santa Fe remains a strong choice for those prioritizing a significantly larger standard trunk capacity and a straightforward trim structure.
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Price Comparison
Starting at150,365 – 156,805 SAR114,998 – 193,498 SAR
Engine & Power
Engine2,497 cc · 4 cyl2,197 – 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 – 10.3 s
Top Speed (Km/h)195 km/h190 – 200 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)9 L/100km7.8 – 9.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity71 L70 L
Gears66 – 8
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive / Front Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolDiesel / Petrol
Measurements
L×W×H4.8 m × 1.9 m × 1.7 m4.8 / 4.8 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.7 / 1.7 m
Wheelbase (meters)2.8 m2.8 / 2.8 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,605 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 Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)Air ConditioningAirbagsAlloy PedalsAlloy RimsAluminum 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 MirrorsBody KItBonnet 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 DetectionCompassCooled SeatsCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersCVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)Daytime 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 CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeEmergency Brake AssistFire 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 BrakesRear 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 pretensionerSeatsSecurity SystemSide 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 AssistantTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrunk CapacityTurbochargerTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheelbaseWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood TrimXenon Headlamps

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Performance Variety

The Kia Sorento wins here, offering a wider range of engine choices, including a powerful 268 hp option, making it suitable for drivers seeking varied performance levels.

2

Best for Cargo Space

For maximum utility, the Hyundai Santa Fe is the clear winner with an impressive 1,036 liters of standard trunk capacity, far surpassing the Sorento's 320 liters.

3

Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers

The Kia Sorento offers a lower entry price point, starting at 114,998 SAR, making it a more accessible option compared to the Santa Fe's higher starting price of 150,365 SAR.

4

Best for Family Practicality

The Hyundai Santa Fe takes this category due to its substantially larger trunk capacity, which is crucial for families needing to carry strollers, luggage, or groceries.

Pros & cons

Hyundai Santa Fe

Pros

  • Significantly larger standard trunk capacity (1,036 L)
  • Lighter kerb weight (1,605 kg)
  • Simpler, fixed engine and transmission configuration

Cons

  • Higher entry-level price (150,365 SAR)
  • Limited engine choices (only 176 hp)
  • Slower acceleration (10.1 s)
  • Lower maximum torque (232 Nm)

Kia Sorento

Pros

  • Wider range of engine options (up to 268 hp and 6 cylinders)
  • Lower starting price (114,998 SAR)
  • Higher maximum torque (332 Nm)
  • Faster acceleration in top trim (8.7 s)
  • More gear options (up to 8 gears)

Cons

  • Significantly smaller standard trunk capacity (320 L)
  • Higher maximum fuel consumption (9.7 L/100km in some trims)
  • Heavier kerb weight in higher trims (up to 1,885 kg)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for families, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?

For families prioritizing cargo space, the Hyundai Santa Fe is the superior choice. It offers a massive 1,036 liters of trunk capacity, which is significantly more than the Kia Sorento's 320 liters. This extra space makes the Santa Fe more practical for trips, groceries, and carrying family essentials.

Which SUV offers more power, the Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe?

The Kia Sorento offers a more powerful driving experience, especially in its higher trims. While the Santa Fe has a single 176 hp engine, the Sorento's engine options range up to 268 hp with a 6-cylinder engine, providing greater performance and faster acceleration in its top configuration. If power is a priority, opt for the Sorento.

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento more affordable in KSA?

The Kia Sorento is more affordable at its entry level in KSA, with prices starting from 114,998 SAR. The Hyundai Santa Fe has a higher starting price of 150,365 SAR. For buyers on a tighter budget, the Sorento provides a more accessible entry point into the SUV segment.

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

The key difference in trunk capacity is substantial: the Hyundai Santa Fe boasts an impressive 1,036 liters, making it highly versatile for cargo. In contrast, the Kia Sorento offers a smaller standard trunk capacity of 320 liters. For those needing ample storage, the Santa Fe is the clear winner.