While the Santa Fe and Sorento share many characteristics, the Hyundai offers a more rewarding package of features and performance. Check out how they compare for 2024.

Exterior Style and Features

As Car and Driver put it, the new Santa Fe has a bold design with more curb appeal. They note that it has high style, is boldly boxy, and built for adventure. This is what really sets it apart from its corporate cousin, the 2024 Kia Sorento in Avondale AZ.

These Hyundai 3 row SUVs have a unique style that allows its roof to accommodate a special tent. The liftgate has been designed to open wider than many thought possible. Tail Light placement factored into how this hatch opening can be wide enough for large camping gear.

While many of the Kia’s lights are LEDs, all of the Santa Fe exterior lights are LEDs right down to the taillights. The Hyundai wears dressy LED headlight accents for a distinctive light signature. Plus it wears dressy 18-inch wheels rather than the entry-level 17-inch wheels on the Sorento.

Standards and Amenities

As part of its amenity-rich cabin, the Santa Fe starts out with more standards than the Sorento. The most important standard may be the power liftgate which helps parents who have their hands full.

Both 3-row SUVs offer a wireless charger, but only the Santa Fe has a dual wireless charging system on the menu. Both offer the ventilated seats that Phoenix drivers love. However, the Hyundai driver has more ways to get comfortable with available 4-way power lumbar support and a driver seat leg cushion extension.

You’ll find the 2-3-3 and 2-2-3 layouts on both vehicles. However, the new Hyundai is able to offer more space for its three rows of seating. Plus the cargo area is bigger, whether it’s just the hold or seats are folded.

The Santa Fe offers power-recline captain’s chairs to keep kids happy. Parents will rely on the exclusive Quiet Mode that permits them to listen to entertainment or navigation while the kids don’t hear a sound. For more details on this mid size SUV cabin, check out this new Santa Fe Review.

Powertrains

The Santa Fe is offered with an exciting turbo that spits out 277 horsepower. It gets good highway fuel economy because it’s got the turbo technology. Plus the idle-stop functions reduce fuel waste at every redlight.

While this engine is offered on the 2024 Sorento, the standard is a 191-horsepower four-cylinder engine. It produces only 181 lb-ft of torque.

This Sorento towing capacity is stuck at 2,000 pounds while the Santa Fe offers 3,500 lbs. Plus while the two offer the longest powertrain warranty coverage available, only Hyundai offers up to three years of free maintenance.

If you choose the fuel efficient Santa Fe Hybrid or Sorento Hybrid in Avondale AZ, the powertrain produces 227 horsepower. It greatly reduces your fuel costs, helping out the family budget. 

Collision Avoidance Features

Overall the suite of driver assist systems is very similar between the two. It includes smart cruise control, lane keeping assistance, a blind spot warning, and a lane following assist. The top of the line front-collision avoidance system includes junction turning as well as pedestrian and cyclist detection.

It’s easier to stay out of harm’s way when parking thanks to the standard rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist. This not only warns you but helps stop the vehicle from rolling into the path of traffic coming from the side.

The Santa Fe standard package includes parking distance warnings for the front and rear. Hyundai drivers will really love the remote smart parking assist. This available feature allows you to park the car while standing aside with the keyfob in your hand. That is especially welcome when the spot is a tight squeeze.

Conclusion

With more power, more wiggle room, more cargo room, and more amenities, the Hyundai Santa Fe is definitely a better choice.

Schedule a test drive and see how it fits your needs.