2023
See Hyundai Santa Fe for saleHyundai Santa Fe
From KWD 9,450
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.
2023
See Kia Sorento for saleKia Sorento
From KWD 11,000
Hyundai Santa Fe VS Kia Sorento: the verdict
The Kia Sorento narrowly takes the lead for buyers prioritizing modern versatility, offering more engine options, superior fuel economy with potential hybrid trims, and available All-Wheel Drive. However, the Hyundai Santa Fe remains a highly compelling choice for those seeking robust standard performance and excellent value, thanks to its powerful V6 engine and lower entry price.
| #1 Hyundai Santa Fe#1 | #2 Kia Sorento#2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Comparison | ||
| Starting at | 9,450 KWD | 10,200 – 12,800 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 | 7.6 – 10.2 s |
| Top Speed (Km/h) | 200 km/h | 189 – 210 km/h |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 Km) | 8.5 L/100km | 5.4 – 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 66.9 – 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 – 1,803 kg |
| Trunk Capacity (liters) | 1,036 L | 187 – 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 SocketABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Adaptive HeadlightsAirbagsAlloy PedalsAmbient LightingAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored MirrorsCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCompassCornering LightsCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDVDEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Door MirrorsElectronic HandbrakeFabric SeatsFog Lamp - Front and RearFog Lamps - Front OnlyFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront Seat ArmrestHalogen HeadlampsHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED TaillightsLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMoving Object Detection SystemMP3Multi-Information DisplayNavigation SystemOdometerPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC VentsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRoad Sign AssistRoof RailsRoof SpoilerSD Card SupportSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSemi-LED TaillightsSkid PlatesSpeed LimiterSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTouchscreenTouchscreen SizeTraction ControlTrip ComputerTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyXenon Headlamps |
Which one should you buy?
1
Best for Fuel Efficiency
The Kia Sorento is the clear winner here, with its most efficient engine option achieving an impressive 5.4 L/100km, significantly better than the Santa Fe's 8.5 L/100km.
2
Best for Value-Conscious Buyers
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a more attractive entry point, starting at 9,450 KWD, making it the better choice for those looking for strong features without breaking the bank.
3
Best for All-Weather Capability
For varied driving conditions, the Kia Sorento stands out with its available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) option, providing better traction and control compared to the Santa Fe's Front-Wheel Drive only.
4
Best for Consistent Performance
The Hyundai Santa Fe delivers consistent, strong performance across its lineup with a standard 3.5L V6 engine producing 280 hp, offering reliable power without needing to opt for higher trims.
Pros & cons
Hyundai Santa Fe
Pros
- Lower starting price (9,450 KWD)
- Powerful standard 3.5L V6 engine (280 hp)
- Generous standard trunk capacity (1,036 L)
- Lighter kerb weight (1,628 kg)
- Consistent acceleration (7.8 s)
Cons
- No All-Wheel Drive option
- Higher standard fuel consumption (8.5 L/100km)
- Fewer engine choices available
- No hybrid variant offered
Kia Sorento
Pros
- Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- More fuel-efficient engine options (as low as 5.4 L/100km)
- Wider range of engine choices (1.6L to 3.3L)
- Potentially higher maximum horsepower (290 hp)
- Versatile seating options (6 or 7 seats)
Cons
- Higher starting price (10,200 KWD)
- Heavier kerb weight (up to 1,803 kg)
- Base models offer lower power and slower acceleration
- Smaller minimum trunk capacity (187 L with all seats up)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento is more fuel-efficient, capable of achieving as low as 5.4 L/100km with its smaller engine options, likely including a hybrid variant. In contrast, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a standard fuel economy of 8.5 L/100km, making the Sorento the better choice for those prioritizing fuel savings.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento better for families in Kuwait?
Both are excellent choices for families. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a consistently large cargo space and a lower entry price, providing great value. The Kia Sorento, however, offers more versatile seating options (6 or 7 seats) and available AWD, which might appeal to families seeking greater flexibility and all-weather capability.
Which SUV offers better performance, the Santa Fe or Sorento?
The Hyundai Santa Fe provides strong, consistent performance across its range with a standard 3.5L V6 engine delivering 280 hp and 7.8-second acceleration. The Kia Sorento's top trims can offer slightly more horsepower (290 hp) and quicker acceleration (7.6 seconds), but its base models are significantly less powerful. For consistent power, the Santa Fe is a strong contender.
Which has a better starting price, the Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a significantly better starting price at 9,450 KWD. The Kia Sorento begins at 10,200 KWD, making the Santa Fe the more budget-friendly option for initial purchase.
Does the Kia Sorento offer AWD in Kuwait?
Yes, the Kia Sorento offers an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) option in Kuwait. This provides an advantage in terms of traction and stability in various driving conditions, unlike the Hyundai Santa Fe which is exclusively Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
