The New Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Montoursville, PA
Families comparing SUV brands here in the greater Williamsport area often find themselves considering a variety of options. With the mid-size, three-row segment especially crowded and competitive, figuring out which models stand out can be even tougher than usual. The new Kia Sorento, for example, offers stylish looks, reliable capability, go-anywhere fuel economy, and leading-edge technologies, as does its staunch rival, the Hyundai Santa Fe. If you're deciding which crossover to buy or lease, it's a good thing you came to us at Blaise Alexander Kia. You can compare them here; our experts have set their features head-to-head to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Kia Sorento

Hyundai Santa Fe

Performance & Capabilities
At first glance, both the Sorento and the Santa Fe appear evenly matched. The Sorento features:
- A choice between naturally aspirated and turbocharged 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engines capable of 186 to 274 horsepower and 178 to 311 pound-feet of torque
- A selection of eight-speed automatic and eight-speed dual-clutch (DCT) transmissions
- An available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with Snow, Sand, and Mud modes for confident handling in poor weather outside of Milton
- 8.2 inches of maximum ground clearance for avoiding obstacles on rugged terrain more easily
- A max tow capacity of 4,500 pounds, ideal for transporting a pop-up camper or jet ski on an excursion out of Lewisburg
- Fuel economy ratings of up to 23 city mpg, 31 highway mpg, and 26 combined mpg (20 city mpg, 27 highway mpg, and 23 combined mpg for AWD models, including the X-Pro SX Prestige AWD trim)
The Santa Fe features:
- A 2.5-liter I4 turbo engine that produces 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque
- An eight-speed automatic transmission
- Optional HTRAC all-wheel drive
- 7 to 8.3 inches of ground clearance
- A 4,500-pound tow rating
- Fuel economy ratings of up to 20 city mpg, 29 highway mpg, and 24 combined mpg (20 city mpg, 28 highway mpg, and 23 combined mpg for AWD models; 19 city mpg, 25 highway mpg, and 21 combined mpg on the comparable XRT trim)
Interior & Technology
Ever accommodating, the Sorento seats seven passengers comfortably and keeps everyone connected and entertained on the go.
- Cloth-trimmed upholstery, a leather-wrapped gear shift knob and steering wheel, a sizable 12.3-inch touchscreen display, cable-free Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, and a six-speaker audio system come standard on the base LX trim.
- SynTex seat trim, heated front seats, and a wireless phone charger come standard as soon as a step up to the S trim.
- Wi-Fi hotspot support comes standard on the midrange EX trim.
- Ventilated front seats, second-row captain's chairs, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium Audio System come standard in the SX trim.
- Embossed, perforated genuine leather-trimmed upholstery and heated outboard second-row seating are standard in the X-Line SX Prestige AWD and X-Pro SX Prestige AWD trims.
- The SUV provides a cavernous 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded, making plenty of room for everything from school supplies and groceries to camp gear and a long vacation's worth of luggage.
Comparably equipped, the Santa Fe can seat seven riders.
- YES Essentials stain-resistant cloth upholstery, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and wireless Android and Apple connectivity come standard in the base SE trim.
- H-Tex trim, heated front seats, and wireless phone charging come standard in the step-up SEL trim.
- Navigation and a dual wireless phone charger come standard in the XRT trim.
- Leather-trimmed upholstery, front seat ventilation, second-row captain's chairs, heated back seats, and 12-speaker Bose premium audio come standard in the Limited trim.
- Nappa leather-trimmed seating is standard in the Calligraphy trim.
- Fold all rear seating, and you can take advantage of 79.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
Safety Features & Driver Aids
Both the Sorento and the Santa Fe share similar driver-assistance features. The following come standard in Sorento base trims:
- Blind-spot collision warning-parallel exit
- Forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection
- Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping and following assist systems
- Smart cruise control with stop & go
- Intelligent speed limit assist
- Driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert
Graduate to higher Sorento trims, and you can get:
- Sensor-based front and rear park distance warning
- Navigation-based smart cruise control with stop & go for curves
- Highway driving assist
Ascend toward the top of the line, and you get:
- A blind-spot & 360-degree surround view monitor
- Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist-parallel exit
- The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 system, with junction crossing, lane change oncoming, lane change side, evasive steering assist detection, and more
Key Takeaway: Which SUV is Right for You?
Both the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe have similar feature rosters, catering to everyday commuters, off-roaders, and luxury enthusiasts alike. However, with better FWD fuel economy and higher mileage ratings on its all-terrain X-Pro SX Prestige AWD trim, the Kia Sorento pulls ahead. Drivers also widely agree that it's nimbler and more engaging to drive, making it a better handler and more fun for Jersey Shore road trips.
Your Dream Test Drive Awaits at Blaise Alexander Kia
These aren't the only reasons why you should choose Kia vs. Hyundai. You can explore more firsthand here at our dealership in Montoursville, PA. When you're ready, browse our new Sorento inventory to find a trim that excites you and contact us to schedule some unforgettable time in the driver's seat. We'll gladly introduce you to all that the crossover SUV offers for your travels.
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Blaise Alexander Kia
933 Broad Street
Montoursville, PA 17754
- Sales: 570-273-9155