It’s easy to see why hybrid SUVs have gained significant popularity recently, especially when you consider rising gas prices and increasing environmental concerns.
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A hybrid model offers excellent fuel efficiency without compromising on performance, plus, you can get some great models that provide fantastic levels of comfort and cabin space.
Two popular contenders that lead the way in the mid-size hybrid SUV sector are the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, and the Kia Sorento Hybrid. If you view the Sorento in the flesh at somewhere like Doug Smith Kia, and visually compare it to the Santa Fe, you will see that these vehicles are close competitors from sister brands. They are both owned by Hyundai Motor Group, and share plenty of similar characteristics, yet they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.
Let’s take a closer look at how these two hybrid SUVs stack up in terms of design, performance, technology, interior space, safety, and pricing.
Exterior Design and Aesthetic Appeal
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and Kia Sorento Hybrid feature unique and contemporary designs, though they are designed to appeal to slightly different styles.
The Santa Fe has a bold, modern look with a distinctive grille, sleek LED headlights, and a more rounded, sophisticated shape. Contrast that with the Sorento, which offers a more rugged and boxy design that emphasizes its SUV nature. Its grille is bolder, the headlights are more angular, and the overall look is adventurous and edgy, giving it a more commanding road presence than the Santa Fe.
Powertrain and Performance Comparisons
When it comes to hybrid performance, both models share a similar powertrain but end up delivering slightly different driving experiences.
The Santa Fe Hybrid comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 226 horsepower. It uses a 6-speed automatic transmission, which provides a smooth and comfortable ride.
The Sorento Hybrid has the same 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine and electric motor, also generating 226 horsepower. It’s paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, helping deliver a balanced performance.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is a critical factor for hybrid SUVs, and both models fare well, delivering respectable MPG numbers.
The Santa Fe Hybrid offers around 36 MPG city / 31 MPG highway for the FWD model, while the The Sorento Hybrid edges out the Santa Fe with approximately 39 MPG city / 35 MPG highway. This makes it one of the more fuel-efficient options in its segment.
Interior and Comfort
Both the Santa Fe Hybrid and Sorento Hybrid have comfortable, well-designed interiors with ample space for passengers. However, the layout and feel differ in several pivotal ways.
The Santa Fe seats up to five passengers and offers a spacious, upscale cabin with quality materials, making it feel luxurious. It comes with comfortable seating, and higher trims add premium materials and features, such as ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.
In contrast, the Sorento Hybrid has a third row, allowing it to seat up to seven passengers. This third row is compact and best suited for children, but it gives the Sorento an edge for larger families or those who need the extra seating capacity. The interior materials and design are equally stylish and functional.
Technology and Infotainment
Hyundai and Kia are well known for equipping their vehicles with user-friendly, feature-rich infotainment systems. With that in mind, you won’t be surprised to learn that both models come with advanced tech.
The Santa Fe Hybrid comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offer a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The digital driver display is 12.3 inches on upper trims, adding a high-tech look. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, though wireless Apple CarPlay is only available on the smaller screen.
The Sorento also features an 8-inch touchscreen standard, with a 10.25-inch upgrade available on higher trims. The Sorento also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though, like the Santa Fe, wireless functionality is only available with the smaller screen.
Both models offer excellent infotainment options with intuitive interfaces.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Another similarity is that safety is paramount in both models, and they come well-equipped with driver assistance features.
Standard safety features in the Santa Fe Hybrid include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Higher trims offer additional features such as Remote Smart Parking Assist, which allows the vehicle to park itself in tight spaces.
The Sorento Hybrid also comes with an extensive suite of safety features, including Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Monitoring, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Higher trims include additional features like Highway Driving Assist, which helps maintain speed and distance from the car in front on highways.
Both vehicles provide comprehensive safety technology and they’re very similar in terms of safety features.
Pricing and Value
It’s easy to construct a convincing argument that both the Santa Fe Hybrid and Sorento Hybrid offer good value.
The Santa Fe Hybrid starts at around $34,000, with the highest trim reaching just over $40,000. It offers an impressive array of features for the price, making it a strong value if you are in the market for a two-row hybrid SUV.
The Sorento Hybrid is priced equally competitively, starting around $36,000 and going up to about $42,000 for the top trim. You could argue that the additional seating and versatility give it an edge for families or those needing a bit more space.
Both models are priced competitively, though the Sorento’s third row means you get a bit more bang for your buck with the Kia Hybrid.
It can be hard to separate the two makes and models, and both the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and Kia Sorento Hybrid are strong choices in the hybrid SUV market.
Ultimately, both SUVs offer a compelling package. That means your final choice will probably hinge on your specific needs. Either way, both the Santa Fe Hybrid and Sorento Hybrid represent smart, efficient, and reliable choices in the hybrid SUV segment.
Check these models out for yourself so that you can appreciate why Hyundai and Kia dominate the hybrid SUV sector.
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