2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Kia Sorento - Cousins in the Midsize SUV Class
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Kia Sorento - Cousins in the Midsize SUV Class
Posted on March 8, 2021
Kia and Hyundai are cousins in the automobile manufacturing industry with both being owned by the South Korea-based Hyundai Motor Company. Because of this fact, many Hyundai and Kia vehicles share the same platforms and powertrains, making them mechanically similar while aesthetically different.
In the midsize SUV class, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2021 Kia Sorento are cousins competing against each other. They both underwent redesigns for the 2021 model year, offering more features, more power, and more space than ever before.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
Redesigned for the 2021 model year, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV that focuses on comfort and space in two rows of seating. Starting at $31,399, the Santa Fe is well-equipped, powerful, and stylish, with standard features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a push-button shifter, and an 8-inch touchscreen.
A 191-hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine powers the 2021 Santa Fe, delivering 9.1 L/100km combined fuel economy. Drivers can opt for more power with a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine that delivers 277 horsepower while still providing a smooth ride and controlled handling. For safety, Hyundai equips the 2021 Santa Fe with its SmartSense safety suite, which includes standard technologies such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, lane following assist, driver attention warning, and high beam assist.
2021 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento was also redesigned for the 2020 model year, upgrading to three rows of seats to carry up to seven passengers. Its larger proportions and bolder styling are a stark contrast to the old Sorento, but its additional seating and features bump the price up by several thousand dollars. Starting at $33,995, the Sorento is outfitted with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and smartphone connectivity.
The Sorento shares the same powertrain offerings like the Hyundai Santa Fe--a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder as well as a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder for additional power.
Features
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2021 Kia Sorento are very similar vehicles and from warranties to powertrains to technology, they have many aspects in common. However, for drivers that want a midsize SUV with a lower price, higher interior quality, and smoother ride, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is the vehicle to choose.