Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Santa Fe starts from $53,400 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sorento opens at $51,380. That makes the Kia Sorento the more affordable entry point by $2,020.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $58,740 and $56,518 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Hyundai Santa Fe and 82% for the Kia Sorento.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Santa Fe and 7 in the Kia Sorento.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Santa Fe features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Sorento gets a 8-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with Apple CarPlay, power tailgate and BOSE audio that you will not find on the Kia Sorento. The Kia Sorento counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Santa Fe uses a Petrol producing 206kW and 422Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Kia Sorento responds with a Petrol making 200kW and 332Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the clear power advantage at 206kW vs 200kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sorento is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Santa Fe measures 4,830mm long on a 2,815mm wheelbase, 15mm longer than the Kia Sorento at 4,815mm (2,815mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 642L in the Hyundai Santa Fe and 179L in the Kia Sorento, giving the Hyundai Santa Fe a 463L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1949L vs 2025L.
For towing, the Kia Sorento leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,594/year for the Hyundai Santa Fe and $2,793/year for the Kia Sorento. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Estimated annual total: $2,594 (Hyundai Santa Fe) vs $2,793 (Kia Sorento). The Hyundai Santa Fe saves you roughly $199 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Santa Fe) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento). The Kia Sorento has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Santa Fe if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Hyundai Santa Fe will save you roughly $199 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Santa Fe has a clear edge. The Kia Sorento adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento is the cheapest at $51,380 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Santa Fe by $2,020.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Santa Fe uses the least fuel at 9.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the largest boot at 642L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Sorento has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Santa Fe makes the most power at 206kW. The Kia Sorento is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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