The 2024 Kia Sorento is known to shoppers as a 3-row ride with a small backseat. Returning this model year with a bigger style, the Santa Fe has added its own third row.

These two share some traits due to the Hyundai-Kia connection. However, as you will see in this Sorento vs Santa Fe, one SUV emerges as a clear winner.

Size and Spaciousness

With its complete redesign, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers more space for riders on every row. It surpasses the 2024 Kia Sorento with an extra inch of headroom on the first and third rows and two inches on the second row.

Legroom is the same or better with the Santa Fe claiming an extra three inches of wiggle room on the front row. Both rides have reclining rear seats to help the kids get more comfortable.

The 2024 Kia Sorento in Phoenix AZ comes in eight trims, but only the first two trims have the 7-seat layout. Meanwhile, the Santa Fe comes with the 7-seat layout as standard on its first four trims.

In the Santa Fe Calligraphy, second-row passengers are treated to chairs that have a power recline and tilt capability. These also have power-fold and dive for fast transitions to carrying cargo.



Utility and Capability

Cargo holds are small in SUVs like these, but the Santa Fe manages to offer 14.6 cubic feet. This beats the Sorento’s 12.6 cubic feet. The difference continues if you fold the seats. You’ll find an extra two cubes behind the second row and an extra four cubes when both rows are folded.

Santa Fe third-row seats are made to fold and sink to create a flat floor with the cargo hold. A dual-level floor adds versatility.

A special Santa Fe feature, the center console has been made to open from the front and back. This makes it accessible to kids on the second row.

As for tow ratings, the standard tow ratings for the Santa Fe are higher due to one simple reason. The Hyundai turbo is standard whereas its extra on the Kia. Learn more about important standards in this new Santa Fe Review.

Powertrains and Efficiency

The 2024 Kia Sorento earns its lower price by retaining a lower-power engine. The standard output is 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. That’s not much for a 3 row SUV.

On the other hand, the 2024 Santa Fe has a turbo engine. It cranks out 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. That’s why it can tow more and go faster than the Sorento.

Then there are the hybrid powertrains. The 2024 Kia Sorento HEV and 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid offer the same 227-horsepower powertrain. This combines a turbo four with a hybrid battery and an electric motor.

Hyundai pulls ahead in this category in another way. It offers up to three years of scheduled maintenance on either the standard or hybrid Santa Fe.

Family Matters

When it comes to taking care of families, the Santa Fe has more special features and amenities than the Sorento. The value starts with Yes Essentials stain-resistant upholstery. It helps parents keep their ride clean even with messy children on board.

Both brands offer other items that families love such as standard reclining rear seats, available ambient lighting and rear sunshades. However, only the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a UV-C sterilization feature for the glovebox.

If you are worried about little ones on the back rows, you can use the Quiet Mode. This silences the rear sound while making sure parents can hear it on the front row.

Speaking of quiet, the front windows are laminated for acoustics on every Santa Fe. You’ll have to choose the Sorento X-Line SX Prestige AWD to enjoy that extra measure of quiet ride quality.

Conclusion

In addition to topping the Sorento in all of these categories, the Hyundai Santa Fe has one more ace up its sleeve. The unique H-shaped aspects of its exterior, distinctive angular features of its interior, and the overall use of high quality materials give it a high-class style.

Schedule a test drive of the Santa Fe or Santa Fe Hybrid. Earnhardt Hyundai - San Tan is your home for the best 3 row SUVs in Phoenix.