2022
See Hyundai Santa Fe for saleHyundai Santa Fe
From KWD 9,750
Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento: Which Should You Buy in Kuwait?
A complete comparison of the Hyundai Santa Fe VS Kia Sorento — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across Kuwait.
2022
See Kia Sorento for saleKia Sorento
From KWD 9,000
Hyundai Santa Fe VS Kia Sorento: the verdict
The Kia Sorento edges out the Hyundai Santa Fe for its superior versatility and value proposition. With a wider range of engine options, available All-Wheel Drive, and a more accessible starting price, the Sorento caters to diverse buyer needs more effectively. However, the Santa Fe remains a compelling choice for those seeking a powerful, well-equipped SUV with a strong standard engine and ample space.
| #1 Hyundai Santa Fe#1 | #2 Kia Sorento#2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Comparison | ||
| Starting at | 9,750 KWD | 8,000 – 12,700 KWD |
| Engine & Power | ||
| Engine | 3,500 cc · 6 cyl | 1,600 – 3,342 cc · 4 – 6 cyl |
| Horsepower (bhp) | 280 hp | 170 – 290 hp |
| Torque (Nm) | 363 Nm | 225 – 421 Nm |
| Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec) | 7.8 s | 6 – 10.2 s |
| Top Speed (Km/h) | 200 km/h | 189 – 210 km/h |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 Km) | 8.5 L/100km | 6.4 – 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 67 – 70 L |
| Gears | 8 | 6 – 8 |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Drive Type | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive / Front Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Battery Size | — | 1 kWh |
| Measurements | ||
| L×W×H | 4.8 m × 1.9 m × 1.7 m | 4.8 / 4.8 / 4.8 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.7 / 1.7 / 1.7 m |
| Wheelbase (meters) | 2.8 m | 2.8 / 2.8 / 2.8 m |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,628 kg | 1,760 – 1,885 kg |
| Trunk Capacity (liters) | 1,036 L | 320 – 1,050 L |
| Overview | ||
| Body Style | SUV Crossover | SUV Crossover |
| Seating Capacity | 7 seats | 6 / 7 seats |
| Doors | 5 doors | 4 / 5 doors |
| Features | ||
| Key features | 12V SocketABS (Anti-lock Brake System)AirbagsAnti theft alarmAudio Controls on Steering WheelAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)BluetoothCargo Area LightCenter Arm RestCentral LockingCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDrive ComputerEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Door MirrorsElectronic HandbrakeFabric SeatsFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront Seat ArmrestHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLeather Steering WheelLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsMap Reading LampsMP3Multi-Information DisplayOdometerParking SensorsPower OutletsPower SteeringPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRadioRear AC VentsRear CupholdersRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRoof RailsRoof SpoilerSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTouchscreenTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Welcome LightWheels - Alloy | 12V Socket360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive HeadlightsAirbagsAlloy PedalsAmbient LightingAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBody Colored MirrorsBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlCollision DetectionCompassCornering LightsCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDVDDVD PlayerEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFabric SeatsFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog Lamp - Front and RearFog Lamps - Front OnlyFog LightsFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHalogen HeadlampsHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRoad Sign AssistRoof RailsRoof SpoilerSD Card SupportSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSemi-LED TaillightsSkid PlatesSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreenTouchscreen SizeTraction ControlTrip ComputerTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood TrimXenon Headlamps |
Which one should you buy?
1
Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers
With a starting price of 8,000 KWD, the Kia Sorento offers a more affordable entry point into the SUV segment compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe's 9,750 KWD.
2
Best for Varied Driving Conditions
The Kia Sorento's available All-Wheel Drive system provides better traction and control, making it more suitable for diverse Kuwaiti driving conditions than the Hyundai Santa Fe's Front Wheel Drive.
3
Best for Fuel Efficiency
Opting for the Kia Sorento's 1.6L engine variant can achieve an impressive 6.4 L/100km, significantly better than the Hyundai Santa Fe's 8.5 L/100km.
4
Best for Standard Power and Space
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a robust 280 hp 3.5L engine as standard, coupled with a generous 1,036 L trunk capacity, making it excellent for families needing consistent performance and cargo room.
Pros & cons
Hyundai Santa Fe
Pros
- Powerful 3.5L V6 engine as standard (280 hp)
- Large standard trunk capacity of 1,036 L
- Consistent performance across its single trim offering
- Competitive price for its standard features
Cons
- Higher starting price than the entry-level Sorento
- Only available with Front Wheel Drive
- Single engine option, less choice for buyers
- Fuel economy is not as competitive as Sorento's most efficient variant
Kia Sorento
Pros
- More affordable starting price (8,000 KWD)
- Available All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction
- Wider range of engine options, including a more fuel-efficient 1.6L
- Quicker acceleration available (as low as 6.0 seconds)
- Higher maximum power output (290 hp)
Cons
- Top trims can be more expensive than the Santa Fe
- Lower trunk capacity in some configurations (320 L with all seats up)
- Base engine options are less powerful than Santa Fe's standard
- Heavier kerb weight in some configurations (up to 1,885 kg)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento offers a more fuel-efficient option with its 1.6L engine, achieving 6.4 L/100km. The Hyundai Santa Fe, with its standard 3.5L engine, offers 8.5 L/100km. If fuel economy is your top priority, the Sorento with its smaller engine variant is the better choice.
Is the Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe better for off-road driving in Kuwait?
The Kia Sorento is better suited for varied driving conditions, including light off-road or sandy terrains, as it offers an All-Wheel Drive option. The Hyundai Santa Fe is exclusively Front Wheel Drive, which limits its capability in less ideal conditions. For enhanced traction, choose the Sorento.
Which SUV offers more space for families, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento offer 7-seat configurations and competitive cargo space. The Santa Fe boasts a generous 1,036 L trunk capacity (likely with the third row folded), while the Sorento can reach up to 1,050 L. For overall family utility and cargo, both are excellent, but the Santa Fe offers a strong standard capacity.
What are the engine options for the Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Kia Sorento?
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a single, powerful 3.5L V6 engine producing 280 hp. The Kia Sorento offers a wider range of engines, from a 1.6L 4-cylinder to a 3.342L 6-cylinder, with power outputs ranging from 170 hp to 290 hp. If you desire more engine variety and higher top-end power, the Sorento is your pick.
