2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2023 Kia Sorento | Rocky Mount, NC
Upgrade your daily drive with the versatile space, advanced tech, and trusty performance of a mid-size SUV like the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe or 2023 Kia Sorento. But which model is right for your lifestyle? Learn more about the differences between the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2023 Kia Sorento using this research guide crafted by the team at Medlin Hyundai in Rocky Mount, NC.
To find the Hyundai Santa Fe for sale near you, browse our available inventory and set up a test drive with your preferred model. We also provide a Santa Fe lease deal for you to consider. Have a question? Send us a message or speak with a dealership representative at (252) 985-2601.
In this comparison, we looked at premium trims in each model lineup — 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited, which starts at $40,050 MSRP versus the 2023 Kia Sorento SX Prestige AWD, which starts at $43,490 MSRP.

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2023 Kia Sorento Exterior Design
Whether you’re looking for practical exterior design to make your day-to-day life more convenient, or upscale style, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2023 Kia Sorento have it. While each boasts unique grille and headlight designs, both include LED headlights and tail lights. The Sorento also features LED fog lights. Find a smooth ride on 19-inch wheels for the Hyundai and 20-inch wheels with the Kia. For convenience, both SUVs are built with a smart liftgate and roof rails. The panoramic sunroof on both models invites more natural light inside the cabin.

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2023 Kia Sorento Interior Design & Technology
Every excursion is more enjoyable with comfortable seats, a spacious cabin, and plenty of tech at your fingertips — and that’s exactly what you’ll find in the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2023 Kia Sorento. We looked at premium trim options for both models, so it’s no surprise to see similar features like genuine leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power driver’s seat with lumbar and power thigh support. The three-row Sorento SX Prestige features second-row captain’s chairs and a 50/50-split third-row seat, while the two-row Santa Fe includes a rear 60/40 split-folding bench seat.
Stay connected to all your road trip essentials with the intuitive technology built into the Santa Fe and Sorento. For an exceptional musical experience, the Sorento includes a Bose® premium audio system with 12 speakers and the Santa Fe features a Harman Kardon® premium audio system with 12 speakers. Rear seat quiet mode, which mutes the rear speakers, allows your backseat passengers to rest while you get music in the front seat of the Santa Fe.
Similar technology and interior features in the trims we compared include:
- 10.25-in. touchscreen
- Android Auto™ / Apple CarPlay®
- 12.3-in. digital driver information display
- Wireless charging
- Heated rear seats
- Dual-zone climate control
- Heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel


2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2023 Kia Sorento Engine Specs & Fuel Economy
Find nearly identical engine performance with the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2023 Kia Sorento. In the trims we compared, both SUVs are equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission. For better fuel efficiency when you’re at a standstill, both engines also feature idle stop and go technology.
Front-wheel drive is standard on the Sante Fe, and on most Sorento models, though the trim in our comparison contains standard all-wheel drive (AWD). HTRAC AWD is available on the Santa Fe to carry you wherever adventures call — whether that’s through slippery roads or past the end of the beaten path.
Hyundai Santa Fe Limited | Model | Kia Sorento SX Prestige AWD |
---|---|---|
2.5L turbo I4 | Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 |
281 HP | Horsepower | 281 HP |
311 lb.-ft. | Torque | 311 lb.-ft. |
22 city / 28 hwy | MPG | 21 city / 28 hwy |
3,500 lbs. | Max. Towing | 3,500 lbs. |
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2023 Kia Sorento Size & Cargo Space
One of the key differences between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento is seating capacity. The Santa Fe is a two-row SUV that can seat up to five people, while the Sorento is a three-row SUV that can seat six or seven depending on whether you get a trim with a second-row bench or captain’s seats.
Hyundai Santa Fe | Model | Kia Sorento |
---|---|---|
188.4 in. | Length | 189.4 in. |
Five | Max. Seating | Seven |
44.1 / 41.7 in. | Legroom (front / second / third) | 41.4 / 41.7 / 29.6 in. |
72.1 / 36.4 cu.-ft. | Cargo Volume (max. / behind second / behind third) | 75.5 / 45 / 12.6 cu.-ft. |
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2023 Kia Sorento Safety Options & Features
If you’re looking for a new SUV that’s fully equipped with the latest innovations in safety and driver assistance technology, then look no further than the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe or 2023 Kia Sorento. Both models include a similar collection of standard safety features — branded as Kia Drive Wise in the Sorento and SmartSense in the Santa Fe. However, only the Hyundai Santa Fe Limited includes the modern convenience of remote smart parking assist technology, which lets you step out of your vehicle and remotely control and park your vehicle using the smart key fob.
Select standard safety features in the SUVs we compared include:
- Highway driving assist
- Forward collision avoidance assist
- Rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist
- Navigation-based smart cruise control
- Lane keeping assist
- Safe exit assist
- Rear occupant alert
- Surround view monitor
- Blind spot view monitor

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2022 Kia Sorento | Rocky Mount, NC
Looking for a fun-to-drive SUV with excellent capability, stylish design elements, and all of your favorite creature comforts? Two great options to consider are the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2022 Kia Sorento. In this comprehensive comparison, learn more about their similarities and differences so you can choose the right vehicle for your needs. Get in touch with Medlin Hyundai in Rocky Mount, NC, online or by phone at (252) 985-2601 should you have any questions.
Interested in the Hyundai Santa Fe? Search our new inventory, and browse current finance and lease offers.
We’ll be taking a look at the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited, starting at $39,110 MSRP, and the 2022 Kia Sorento EX, starting at $35,390 MSRP.
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2022 Kia Sorento Exterior Design
Sporty design and helpful features will no doubt enhance your driving experience in the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. Options like high beam assist can help improve visibility on the darkest roads, while heated side mirrors can quickly melt away ice and snow so you can continue on with your day.Â
Other available exterior features include:
- LED fog lights
- LED tail lights
- Roof rails
- Smart liftgate
- 19-in. alloy wheels (Santa Fe)
- Side mirror approach lights (Santa Fe)
- Panoramic sunroof (Santa Fe)
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers (Santa Fe)
- 18-in. machine finish alloy wheels (Sorento)
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2022 Kia Sorento Interior Design & Technology
With seating for up to five passengers in the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and up to six passengers in the 2022 Kia Sorento, you can make endless memories with your friends and family in either model. Find up to 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the Santa Fe and up to 75.5 cubic feet in the Sorento to pack up your weekly grocery haul, sports equipment, or camping gear. Plus, both vehicles offer a host of technology options to enhance your driving experience like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.
Other available interior and technology features include:
- Heated front seats
- Wireless phone charger
- 10.25-in. touchscreen infotainment system with navigation
- Harman Kardon® Premium Audio with 12 speakers, ClariFi™ music restoration technology, and QuantumLogic® surround sound (Santa Fe)
- Stain-resistant cloth, leather-trimmed, or quilted premium Nappa leather seats (Santa Fe)
- Eight-way power driver’s seat with leg cushion extension (Santa Fe)
- Ventilated front seats (Santa Fe)
- Heated rear seats (Santa Fe)
- Six-speaker audio system (Sorento)
- Cloth, SynTex, or genuine leather seating (Sorento)
- Ten-way power driver’s seat (Sorento)
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2022 Kia Sorento Engine Specs & Fuel Economy
With similar performance and capabilities, you’ll have a blast driving the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. Both vehicles are equipped with a 2.5L GDI/MPI turbo inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 281 horsepower and 311 pound feet of torque. Also standard is an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). Santa Fe drivers can opt for HTRAC all-wheel drive (AWD) should you want enhanced traction and stability. Both vehicles can also tow up to 3,500 pounds and receive good gas mileage — the Santa Fe up to 22 city and 28 highway MPG, and the Sorento up to 22 city/29 highway MPG.
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2022 Kia Sorento Safety Options & Features
Receive heightened peace of mind thanks to the plethora of safety and driver assistance features. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are standard with lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, and blind spot collision avoidance assist to help you better navigate the road’s many nuances.
Other available safety features include:
- Rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist
- Parking distance warning — reverse
- Highway driving assist
- Lane following assist
- Parking distance warning — forward (Santa Fe)
- Remote start parking assist (Santa Fe)
- Ultrasonic rear occupant alert (Santa Fe)
Make an Inquiry
* Indicates a required field