2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Kia Sorento
These 3-row SUVs won't cost you much, but they certainly do a lot! Hyundai and Kia are the two brands that large families trust for full-sized rides packed with value. This guide compares the versatility and modern capability of the new 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Kia Sorento! Upgrade the family car at Great Lakes Hyundai of Dublin, your reputable Hyundai dealership in Ohio, for reliable 2026 Hyundai vehicles near you.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Kia Sorento
When your options are narrowed down to a Hyundai and a Kia, it's hard to make the "wrong" choice. Both are reliable and have much to offer. But if you're taking the word of local drivers into account, many parents prefer the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe in Dublin for its more powerful drivetrain, additional safety features, and more sophisticated style. The Kia Sorento is considered a fair choice, but lacks many of the Santa Fe's offerings
Performance
Your trusted Hyundai dealer in Dublin can attest to the 2026 Santa Fe's engine being capable in every given situation in Ohio. Families never have to worry about making it to their destination thanks to the properly equipped 2.5L turbocharged engine that delivers 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai favors the traditional 8-speed transmission system and offers HTRAC AWD as an optional upgrade that many new Santa Fe owners have come to rely on for odd days and abnormal road conditions. Adventurous families in Ohio love the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim, which comes with an additional 1.3 inches of ground clearance.
Want reliable power and gas savings? Read, "Should I Get The 2026 Santa Fe Gas Or Hybrid? Our Powertrain Guide" to learn more about your electrified options!
The Kia Sorento might be decent for the average city drive, but many Sorento owners fear pushing the powertrain too hard with a less powerful 2.5L engine that only puts out 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. Parents will need to scale up to a higher trim level for the available 2.5L turbocharged engine that barely matches the Hyundai Santa Fe's standard output. Every 2026 Santa Fe model is set up for a reliable drive, whereas you'll need to be careful choosing the correct Sorento trim for reassuring capability.
Safety Features
Many drivers in Ohio choose Hyundai mainly for the standard Hyundai SmartSense package that comes with every new model, including the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe in Columbus. Everything you need for ample proactive protection can be found in this suite of driver-assist features, from forward collision avoidance to lane-keeping assist and blind-spot awareness. Hyundai is also known to improve SmartSense each year with enhanced versions of essential features. Drivers in the community also know to find next-gen technology under Hyundai for a modern driving experience. For the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, new groundbreaking driver-assist features include Remote Smart Parking Assist and a full display rearview mirror.
Kia Drive Wise is a well-thought-out package, making the Sorento a viable option for family safety. However, the list of standard offerings is less than what Hyundai offers in the new Santa Fe. Aside from this crucial fact, the Kia Sorento is able to match some of its competitors' optional driver-assist features, including the rather new full display rearview mirror.
Interior
The best part about 3-row SUVs? The sheer amount of interior volume. Ohio drivers get the most space in the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe in Powell with up to 79.6 cubic feet of cargo room.
Managing your load is simple with the standard hands-free smart lifegate feature that promotes valuable convenience with auto-open technology. A 12.3-inch infotainment display comes standard for a high-tech family car with any 2026 Santa Fe trim you choose. A couple of the most popular interior upgrades among Ohio drivers include the Relaxation driver's seat for relief after long drives and the Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium for full control of your car with your smartphone.
If we're doing a direct comparison, the latest Kia Sorento offers less cargo space with a maximum of 75.5 cubic feet to spare. Anyone who's interested in the time and labor-saving benefits of a smart power liftgate will need to pay extra in the Sorento, even though it comes as standard equipment in the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Bottom Line
It may take a handful of optional upgrades for the Kia Sorento to feel like a truly reliable SUV. If you're not looking to spend any more than you have to, you get more features standard in the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe near you. More power, more safety features, and more cabin conveniences and comfort come at no extra charge when you go with the new Santa Fe.
Take the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe for a Test Drive!
Visit Great Lakes Hyundai of Dublin today for a personal tour of the new 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, the perfect family car in Ohio. Call (614) 889-2441 for more details on the latest Santa Fe model or to ask about our new inventory of 2026 Hyundai vehicles in Dublin, OH!
