Disclaimers

2017 Kia Sorento vs. 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Kia Sorento has a lot to offer Motion Kia customers considering their options in the very competitive crossover SUV market. For the current model year, the Sorento makes the latest in Kia connectivity equipment largely standard, furthermore, the Kia crossover is a highly adaptable platform with a very modest base manufacturer's suggested retail price. This level of capability is bound to draw a strong response from the competition. This is very clearly illustrated by a comparison of the 2017 Kia Sorento vs. 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. To be fair, the two crossover SUVs do share several elements and have many things in common. However, the 2017 Sorento has a few tricks up its sleeve to pull buyers from Hyundai dealers in terms of options and technology. 

From the outset, the 2017 Kia Sorento has been built to deliver exactly what its potential owners want. Depending on trim and a few other factors, Motion Kia customers can choose a version of the current Sorento with either two or three rows of seating. Regardless of how many passengers can fit inside of the passenger cabin of the Sorento, the seats can be folded down to open up an impressive amount of cargo space. The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe is only offered in a three-row configuration, regardless of what the buyer may want. Additionally, the 2017 Kia Sorento has been praised by independent reviews for its sophisticated handling as well as its refined and quiet interior. The Santa Fe does well here too, but at a higher price.

2017 Kia Sorento vs. 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

2017 Kia Sorento

VS

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

3.3-L, V-6
Engine
3.3-L, V-6
290/252
Horsepower/Torque
290/252
5,000 lbs.
Max. Towing
5,000 lbs.
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
Compatible Apps
Android Auto

Performance and Technology

Anyone looking at driving home in the 2017 Kia Sorento will have to choose which engine they would like to have under the hood. Kia makes three power plant choices available. The L and LX trims use a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine making 185 horsepower. A 240-horsepower, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine is used with the EX 2.0T model. Top-of-the-line SX and SX Limited models get a 3.3-liter, V-6 engine with a peak output of 290 horsepower. By comparison, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe only comes with its own version of the 3.3-liter, V-6 which makes the same amount of power as the competing engine used in the current Sorento. When properly equipped both crossover SUV can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds.

The ability to connect smartphones to a vehicle's infotainment system has nearly reached ubiquity. Both the 2017 Sorento and 2017 Santa Fe offer this capability. However, the Kia crossover SUV goes further than the technology offered by its Hyundai competitor. Users of Android or Apple smartphones can connect most of their favorite apps into Kia UVO infotainment system. The 2017 Santa Fe is only compatible with the Android Auto suite.