Clash of the Large SUVs: Hyundai Santa Fe versus Kia Sorento in the Seven-Seater Category
In the realm of large mainstream SUVs, two models have been making waves: the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento. While they share many similarities, each offers unique features that set them apart.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has set a new benchmark with its exceptional interior. It boasts excellent vision, refinement, ride comfort, and seat support. Despite some lower plastics that hint at cost-consciousness, they are hardly worth criticizing. The Santa Fe's cabin is a testament to modern design, with options for two-tone Forest Green or Pecan Brown, and a striking exterior that attracts attention from pedestrians and fellow drivers.
On the other hand, the Sorento's interior is a generation older, with a slight step down in terms of switchgear slickness and control layout. The cabin space and storage are not as generous as the Santa Fe's, and it cannot compete for sheer X-factor. However, the Sorento's interior is darker and more somber, offering contemporary tech and connectivity.
The second row in the Santa Fe offers a sense of space, high base cushion for better views, and multiple features such as retractable window blinds, twin USB-C outlets, multiple coat hooks, and three-stage heated seats. In comparison, the Sorento's second row offers fewer creature comforts, with only one cupholder in the top section of the door card and only two stages for the heated seats.
When it comes to dynamics, the Sorento has a firmer initial handshake and a more locked-down ride on 19-inch alloys, making it more dynamic and engaging on winding roads. The Santa Fe, on the other hand, is softer and waftier, providing a more comfortable ride.
Both hybrid SUVs offer combined outputs of around 170kW and 350Nm, promising a balance between the response and refinement of a petrol engine and the economy and range of a diesel. The engines in both models offer commendable performance, response, and refinement, with three levels of regenerative braking adjustable via the steering-wheel paddles.
The Santa Fe's cabin also offers superior front storage, including an extra storage cubby between the knees of the front passengers and a cavernous lidded center bin. The Santa Fe's engine is better isolated, while the Sorento's turbo-petrol can be a touch vocal. Both SUVs have similar fuel economy, with the Santa Fe returning 7.1L/100km and the Sorento returning 7.2L/100km.
Third-row access is superior in the Santa Fe due to its boxier design and upright C-pillar, providing more headroom and features like an adjustable backrest angle. The Santa Fe's front seats also get 'relaxation' recline function with electric ottomans, while the Sorento's seats only come in quilted Nappa leather.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a lower loading lip, providing noticeably better boot space access compared to the Kia Sorento. The Santa Fe's cabin features a sleek horizontal badge with four dots, which is Morse code for the letter H.
In conclusion, both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are excellent choices for those seeking a large mainstream SUV. The Santa Fe offers a premium and spacious cabin with a modern layout, featuring two wireless charging pads, an enormous center screen, a head-up display, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The Sorento, while a generation older, still offers contemporary tech and connectivity, and a more dynamic driving experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and specific needs.
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