2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2026 Kia Sorento Comparison

If you are shopping three-row midsize SUVs in Ocean County, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Kia Sorento will almost certainly both be on your list. They are priced within a narrow margin of each other and compete for the same buyer. Here is where they actually differ, using current manufacturer figures, so you can decide which one fits how you drive.

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2026 Kia Sorento: Specifications

Figures compare the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE and 2026 Kia Sorento LX. Manufacturer figures published August 2026.

Specification	2026 Hyundai Santa Fe	2026 Kia Sorento
Starting MSRP	$35,050	$32,390
Engine	2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder	2.5-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower	277 horsepower	191 horsepower
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain options	Front-wheel drive or HTRAC all-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
EPA combined MPG	24 MPG FWD; 23 MPG AWD	Up to 26 MPG combined, depending on configuration
Cargo behind rear seats	14.6 cu. ft. behind third row; 40.5 cu. ft. behind second row	12.6 cu. ft. behind third row; 38.5 to 45.0 cu. ft. behind second row
Maximum cargo volume	79.6 cu. ft.	75.5 cu. ft.
Passenger volume	152 cu. ft.	Not listed as a directly comparable figure by Kia
Standard touchscreen	12.3-inch touchscreen display	12.3-inch touchscreen display
Maximum towing	4,500 pounds on XRT with trailer brakes	4,500 pounds on X-Pro SX Prestige with proper equipment
Basic warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles	5 years / 60,000 miles
Powertrain warranty	10 years / 100,000 miles for original owners	10 years / 100,000 miles for original purchasers

Interior and cargo space

The Santa Fe's current shape is a major part of its appeal. Its squared-off rear design gives the vehicle 14.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row, with 79.6 cubic feet available behind the front seats. The third row also provides 37.7 inches of headroom and 30.0 inches of legroom.

The Sorento is smaller in several key exterior dimensions and gives you 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 38.5 to 45.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 75.5 cubic feet with the rows folded. Its third row provides 36.8 inches of headroom and 29.6 inches of legroom. The difference is not enormous, but if the third row is used regularly, the Santa Fe's extra rear space is worth experiencing in person. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Technology and connectivity

Both SUVs now put a 12.3-inch touchscreen into the conversation, so screen size alone does not settle this matchup. The Sorento's base LX includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims can add dual panoramic displays, navigation, premium audio, and additional convenience technology. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

The Santa Fe also makes a strong technology case, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen available across the lineup and features such as wireless smartphone connectivity, Hyundai Digital Key, Bluelink, and charging options extending into the second and third rows. The right comparison is therefore not simply which SUV has more technology, but which features are included on the trim you would actually buy. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Performance and drivetrain

The standard gas powertrains are meaningfully different. The Santa Fe uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims, with HTRAC all-wheel drive available and standard on the XRT. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

The Sorento starts with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims offer a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, while all-wheel drive is available on the appropriate configurations. That gives the Sorento a broader gas-engine range than the Santa Fe. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Hybrid choices

This is one area where the original comparison needs an update. Both Hyundai and Kia offer electrified versions of these SUVs for 2026. The Santa Fe Hybrid gives shoppers a hybrid version of the three-row SUV, while Kia offers both the Sorento Hybrid and the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

That makes the hybrid decision less about whether you can get an electrified three-row SUV and more about which vehicle, configuration, and driving range fit your needs. If fuel economy is a priority for a long Route 37 or Parkway commute, compare the actual hybrid trims and their EPA estimates rather than assuming the gas-powered figures apply.

Warranty and ownership

There is no meaningful warranty advantage between these two brands on the headline numbers. Hyundai provides 5 years or 60,000 miles of new vehicle coverage and 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage for original owners. Kia's published warranty program also lists 5 years or 60,000 miles of basic coverage and 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage for the original purchaser. Terms and conditions apply. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

So unlike a comparison involving Nissan or Toyota, warranty should not be the reason you choose one of these SUVs over the other. Look instead at the configuration, interior space, powertrain, technology, and the way each vehicle feels when you drive it.

Towing

If towing is part of the plan, pay attention to the exact trim rather than the maximum number in a general advertisement. The Santa Fe can tow up to 4,500 pounds on the XRT when properly equipped, while the Sorento reaches 4,500 pounds on the X-Pro SX Prestige with the required equipment. Kia also lists up to 3,500 pounds on certain turbocharged Sorento configurations. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

If you are pulling a boat toward the Forked River, Barnegat, or Manahawkin area, bring us the loaded trailer weight. A vehicle's maximum tow rating is not the same thing as the weight you should automatically plan to tow every weekend.

Which one fits Ocean County driving?

For a growing family in Toms River or Beachwood that uses the third row regularly, the Santa Fe makes a strong case with its larger cargo area and slightly more generous third-row dimensions. Its 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row is also useful when all the seats are occupied and you still need room for groceries, sports equipment, or beach gear.

The Sorento deserves a serious look if you want a somewhat smaller vehicle, a lower starting MSRP, or more choice among gas and electrified powertrains. It also offers a 4,500-pound maximum towing rating on the X-Pro configuration. If you frequently park in tighter areas around Seaside Heights or Lavallette, the Sorento's smaller footprint may be worth more to you than the Santa Fe's additional cargo space.

Frequently asked questions

Which has a more usable third row, the Santa Fe or the Sorento?

The Santa Fe has slightly more third-row headroom and legroom, along with more cargo space behind the third row. The Sorento remains competitive and has a smaller exterior footprint. If adults or older children will use the third row regularly, sit in both before deciding.

Is the Santa Fe bigger than the Sorento?

Yes. The Santa Fe is longer overall and offers more cargo volume, including 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 79.6 cubic feet behind the front seats. The Sorento offers up to 75.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space and has a slightly smaller exterior footprint.

Do both offer all-wheel drive?

Yes. All-wheel drive is available on both models, with availability depending on trim and powertrain. Hyundai calls its system HTRAC All Wheel Drive, while Kia offers available all-wheel drive with Terrain Mode on applicable Sorento configurations.

Do the Santa Fe and Sorento both have hybrid models?

Yes. The 2026 Santa Fe is available as a hybrid, while Kia offers both the Sorento Hybrid and Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. If fuel economy is important to you, compare the specific hybrid trims rather than the conventional gas models.

Which has more cargo space, the Santa Fe or Sorento?

The Santa Fe has more maximum cargo volume, with 79.6 cubic feet behind the front seats and 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row. The Sorento offers up to 75.5 cubic feet maximum and 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row.

Can I test both with my car seats?

Yes, and we recommend it. Bring your car seats to Lester Glenn Hyundai at 386 Route 37 East in Toms River and fit them in the second and third rows. It is one of the fastest ways to determine which three-row SUV actually works for your family.

Specifications and pricing reflect manufacturer figures published as of August 2026 and are subject to change. Comparison figures are for the trims noted. Actual mileage will vary. Cargo, seating, drivetrain, and towing capacity can vary by configuration. Towing requires proper equipment and should never exceed the vehicle's rated capacity. Warranty terms and conditions apply; see dealer for details. Lester Glenn Hyundai is not affiliated with Kia.