2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Sorento Hybrid and PHEV have a different layout with more seats than the Santa Fe Hybrid and PHEV. However, the difference goes deeper than an extra seat, as you will see in this Sorento Hybrid vs Santa Fe Hybrid.

We’ll look at the differences between the two HEV models and the two PHEV models. Hopefully this will give you the information you need to make the right decision about your next SUV.

1. Layout Differences

   Do you need a third row? Many families do, but they don’t realize it until they have bought a two-row SUV. That’s because even if an extra row isn't needed daily, extra seats are always nice when friends, cousins or teammates need to come along for the ride.

   With three rows, the Sorento Hybrid and PHEV give families the extra seats they need. Even better, the standard center captain’s chairs are an excellent way to give two kids or teens some serious elbow room. There will be fewer scuffles since both kids have a little zone of their own.

   Parents with three children will like the Sorento’s 2:2:2 layout even more. Their third child can easily make it to the back row without having to move a seat. Now all three children are in their own private space with less reason to squabble. It’s the exact opposite in a 2:3 layout where the three kids are sitting elbow to elbow.

   Another advantage is the ability to put three carseats in the Sorento. Furthermore, the captain’s chairs will separate two children in child seats more than a bench seat. This can be really important when you have a curious toddler who wants to play with the young baby in the other carseat.

2. Passenger Space Comparison

   The Sorento PHEV has class-leading passenger room. This means more wiggle room for everyone, whether it’s Mom and Dad on the first row, the teens or tweens on the second row, or the kids on the third row.

   In fact, the Kia 3-row plug in hybrid has class-leading second row legroom. Passengers can enjoy 40.7 inches of second row legroom in a cabin with a total volume of 144 cubic feet.

   Santa Fe Hybrid models have less legroom, which means even if just two of the three seat on the bench are in use, the riders are in a smaller space. The second row legroom is 39.5 inches, about 1.2 inches less than in the Sorento Hybrid.

3. Hybrid and PHEV Cargo Space

   Another aspect of a size analysis is cargo space. In addition to slightly smaller second rows, the Santa Fe Hybrid and Plug In Hybrid don’t have as much overall cargo space. This is important to families of all sizes.

   Of course, with all seats in use, the Sorento Hybrid has a small cargo area of 12.6 cubic feet. But that’s not the end of the story. With the third row down, it moves ahead of the Santa Fe Hybrid’s 36.4 cubic feet. Sorento HEV and PHEV models have 38.5 cubic feet with the potential for 45 cubic feet.

   

   Then when you fold the second row, it has up to 75.5 cubic feet which is more than the Santa Fe Hybrid and PHEV with 72.1 cubic feet. When you have kids or just a busy lifestyle, those extra cubic feet really make a difference.

4. Performance

   These hybrid SUVs have similar performance. Sorento Hybrid powertrains earn either 227 horsepower or 261 horsepower while Santa Fe Hybrids earn 226 or 261 horsepower.

   The Santa Fe models have standard all-wheel drive while Sorentos are offered with the more fuel efficient front-wheel drive option. Another reason Sorentos are more fuel efficient is that they have idle stop and go to reduce fuel waste at redlights.

5. Hybrid Fuel Efficiency

   Despite having seats for more people, Sorento Hybrids have better EPA estimated fuel efficiency. Santa Fe Hybrids are rated 34 combined while Sorento Hybrids earn 37 mpg combined. This is due to a significant difference in both city and highway driving. Sorento Hybrids are 3 mpg ahead on city driving and 4 mpg ahead in highway driving.

   If you compare AWD Sorento Hybrids, you will see it still earns 3 more mpg in highway driving. Higher trims of Santa Fe Hybrids lag behind all of these, earning 32 mpg combined. This is 6 mpg less in city driving and 5 mpg less in highway driving. The 33/30/33 mpg figure actually doesn’t sound like hybrid fuel economy at all.

   

   Driving range is significantly longer for the Sorento Hybrid models. You can go an extra 53 miles without getting fuel. There’s a difference of $0.20 per mile that will add up fast for the Santa Fe Hybrid driver.

6. PHEV Efficiency Comparison

   Likewise, the Santa Fe PHEV lags behind the Sorento PHEV. In terms of the electric range, the Sorento is estimated at 32 miles while the Santa Fe is estimated at 30 miles.

   Both of these plug in hybrids have active on-demand all-wheel drive with dual motors. They share the same horsepower output, but the torque is less certain.

   

   It is known that the Santa Fe PHEV rear motor produces 224 lb-ft of torque, but there is no official combined rate. Sorento drivers can be confident that they will command 258 lb-ft of instantaneous torque.

7. Hybrid Value Packaging

   Kia Hybrids have sporty GT Line exterior styling cues. They feature an acoustic windshield to prevent cabin noise. Ride quality is well controlled. Overall the Sorento Hybrid style and ride feel every bit as nice as that of the Santa Fe Hybrid.

   Sorento Hybrid cockpits have 10-way power-adjustable driver seats, and both front seats are heated. Drivers have a Smart Key with push button start and remote start. The cargo area has a dual level floor for organization and security. A standard power tailgate is height adjustable.

   A dual-zone automatic temperature system makes sure everyone gets cool. There are 2nd row air vents to spread the AC around. The second row captain’s chairs are especially comfortable when compared to the typical bench in a Santa Fe Hybrid or PHEV.

   There are 13 Kia driver assistance systems. These include the latest forward collision avoidance assist. Thus it has more coverage and is able to include junction turning as well as car, pedestrian and cyclist detection.

   Smart cruise control is even smarter thanks to this junction-turning assistance. Plus the SCC has the ability to work with navigation for the most effective Curve Control.

   Other Kia standards include lane keep assist, lane departure warning, lane following assist, and intelligent speed limit assist. For parking, front and rear distance warnings are the perfect complement to the rearview camera.

   Ahead of many in its class, Kia Sorento Hybrids have standard HIghway Driving Assist. This is a step toward semi-autonomous travel with a lane function to accompany the smart cruise control.

Conclusion

When you compare them from any angle, the 2023 Kia Sorento PHEV and HEV models are earning their pricetag better than the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV and HEV.

To make sure your automotive dollar goes as far as it can go, you should put the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid or Plug In Hybrid on your test drive list. You’ll find them at your Earnhardt Kia dealer Phoenix area.