Discover the differences between these two popular hybrid midsize SUVs and how the Santa Fe Hybrid edges out its sibling.

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vs. 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Read the head-to-head review. Then get behind the wheel.
You're doing a great deed by picking a hybrid. For yourself, and for the environment. But you still have to pick the right one to start seeing the benefits that you want. Make an upgrade you won't regret by going over the specs and other details between the new 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid. From mileage to safety and cabin quality, this read will be a real eye-opener for those who have just started their search for a new ride. Learn even more about Hyundai hybrid and electric vehicles when you reach out to your friendly Hyundai dealer near you at Great Lakes Hyundai of Dublin.

Santa Fe Hybrid proves the all-around winner.
Hyundai is really in it to win it this year, paying special attention to its electrified lineup. Be it all-electric cars or gas-sipping hybrids, this brand should be on your watchlist if you want to best time going electric. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid in Dublin is a prime example with outstanding mileage, a fuller safety package, and plenty of ways to add touches of luxury to your ride. People have been getting by with the Sorento Hybrid, but if there's a chance to get your hands on more, then you might as well, right? Plus, the Santa Fe Hybrid's starting price of $36,150 undercuts the Sorento Hybrid by about $4,850.

The clear performance leader.
What's that beautiful powertrain that Hyundai packed in the latest Santa Fe Hybrid? You can get 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque when you pick the new 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid in Columbus, rigged with a 1.6L turbo engine and 44.2-kW electric motor combo. That's pure synchrony at its finest, working alongside a 6-speed auto enhanced with the brand's SHIFTRONIC system for even greater handling. Add available HTRAC AWD for the entire shebang and the best version of this ride's drivetrain. If you're here for that mileage rating, this Santa Fe Hybrid gets up to 37 in-city and 36 highway MPG.
Hiding inside the new Sorento Hybrid is also a 1.6L turbo paired with an electric motor, except this time, you'll only see as much as 227 horsepower. This hybrid SUV also runs on a 6-speed, although it feels rather weak with Hyundai's SHIFTRONIC system. You can opt for AWD in the Sorento Hybrid, but yet again, pretty lackluster without Hyundai's HTRAC upgrade. This particular hybrid has been a solid pass for many, primarily for its fuel rating of 36 MPG combined. That may be the only aspect that's on par with the Santa Fe Hybrid.

The best choice for your safety.
Hyundai has upgraded the standard SmartSense safety feature package just in time for the release of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid in Powell. Forward Collision Avoidance started off as a basic system that has evolved into Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection for all-encompassing safety. Advanced Rear Occupant Alert has also been tuned over the years to prevent unfortunate mishaps, and why Hyundai gets a gold star. If you've got an eye for trending tech, you'll likely want to get your hands on the Santa Fe Hybrid's available Full-Display Digital Rearview Mirror that projects live footage over your mirror when you're backing up. Pretty nifty, and very cool. Ask for a demonstration the next time you visit your local Hyundai dealership in Dublin.
While Hyundai has been hard at work upgrading SmartSense every year, Kia still offers much of the same, even in the newest 2026 Sorento Hybrid. Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping are all accounted for, but nothing new. The only standard feature that might feel like a nice bonus for those upgrading their older cars is Blind Spot Monitoring. You can also add Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, for a price.

The nicer place to experience the drive.
What's one paid upgrade you always wished came standard? For many, that's a hands-free liftgate, and if that sounds like you, we have quite the surprise. Get the Smart Hands-Free Liftgate with Auto Open in the new 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid near you. For an added dose of convenience, the center console has been reconfigured to be accessible from the front and back. All that's left is making sure everyone is nice and comfortable with available seating upgrades. Opt for the driver's seat with relaxation functions and power-reclining 2nd-row captain's chairs all dressed in gorgeous Nappa leather. Check it out before you buy when you reach out to your friendly Hyundai dealer in Dublin.
The highlight of the new 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid lies in its standard technologies. Now, you don't have to pay extra to have a 12.3-inch infotainment screen or wireless smartphone connectivity. That's great for many who lean more towards Kia, but the thing is, the Santa Fe Hybrid has all of that, too. But with the Sorento Hybrid, you're locked out of all of the amazing add-ons that we talked about for the Santa Fe Hybrid.

The bottom line.
It's clear that the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid does everything that the Kia Sorento Hybrid can do, and more (and better). Once you know what you're missing out on, it just makes more sense to go with Hyundai's knack for hybrid vehicles.


Take the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid for a test drive
If you're planning to go more environmentally friendly with your new vehicle purchase, Great Lakes Hyundai of Dublin has many new Hyundai hybrid and electric vehicles near you. Call today to schedule a test drive of the new 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid or other Hyundai EVs in Dublin.