2023
See Hyundai Santa Fe for saleHyundai Santa Fe
From AED 94,300
Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento: Which Should You Buy in UAE?
A complete comparison of the Hyundai Santa Fe VS Kia Sorento — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across UAE.
2023
See Kia Sorento for saleKia Sorento
From AED 116,000
Hyundai Santa Fe VS Kia Sorento: the verdict
The Hyundai Santa Fe emerges as the stronger contender for most UAE buyers, offering a compelling blend of value, practicality, and performance. Its significantly larger trunk space and more accessible starting price make it ideal for families. While the Kia Sorento boasts better potential fuel economy on its most efficient trims and an available RWD option, these advantages are often overshadowed by the Santa Fe's overall utility.
| #1 Hyundai Santa Fe#1 | #2 Kia Sorento#2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Comparison | ||
| Starting at | 94,300 – 147,250 AED | 116,000 – 165,000 AED |
| Engine & Power | ||
| Engine | 2,497 – 3,470 cc · 4 – 6 cyl | 2,497 cc · 4 – 6 cyl |
| Horsepower (bhp) | 176 – 272 hp | 178 – 268 hp |
| Torque (Nm) | 232 – 331 Nm | 232 – 331 Nm |
| Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec) | 8 – 10.1 s | 8.7 – 10.3 s |
| Top Speed (Km/h) | 195 – 210 km/h | 190 km/h |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 Km) | 8.5 – 9 L/100km | 7.8 – 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 70 L |
| Gears | 6 – 8 | 6 – 8 |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Drive Type | All Wheel Drive / Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Measurements | ||
| L×W×H | 4.8 m × 1.9 m × 1.7 m | 4.8 m × 1.9 m × 1.7 m |
| Wheelbase (meters) | 2.8 m | 2.8 m |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,605 – 1,790 kg | 1,755 – 1,885 kg |
| Trunk Capacity (liters) | 1,036 L | 320 L |
| Overview | ||
| Body Style | SUV Crossover | SUV Crossover |
| Seating Capacity | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Features | ||
| Key features | 12V Socket360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive BonnetActive SteeringAdaptive Brake LightsAirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Door LockAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)BluetoothBody Colored GrilleBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesClimate ControlCollision DetectionCompassCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFabric SeatsFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberHDMIHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomMap Reading LampsMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRoof RailsRoof SpoilerSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSpare WheelSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreenTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Welcome LightWheels - AlloyWinchWireless HeadphonesWood Trim | 12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAshtrayAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Retractable Hardtop RoofAutomatic ACAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBody Colored MirrorsBonnet LightBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Door MirrorsChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDrive ComputerDVDDVD PlayerDynamic Damper ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog Lamp - Front and RearFog LightsFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFrameless DoorsFront BrakesFront BumperFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHalogen HeadlampsHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRoad Sign AssistRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresSD Card SupportSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSide Impact BarSilver TrimSkid PlatesSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSport PedalsSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverToolkitTouchscreenTouchscreen SizeTowing HookTraction ControlTraffic Jam AssistantTrip ComputerTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood TrimXenon Headlamps |
Which one should you buy?
1
Best for Families & Cargo
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the clear winner here, boasting a massive 1,036 liters of trunk capacity compared to the Sorento's 320 liters, making it far superior for hauling groceries, luggage, or sports gear.
2
Best Value for Money
For budget-conscious buyers, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a more attractive entry point starting at 94,300 AED, significantly less than the Kia Sorento's 116,000 AED base price.
3
Best for Dynamic Driving
With a higher maximum horsepower of 272 hp and a quicker 0-100 km/h acceleration of 8 seconds, the Hyundai Santa Fe provides a more spirited driving experience for those who appreciate performance.
4
Best for Fuel Efficiency (Specific Trims)
The Kia Sorento can achieve a more impressive 7.8 L/100km on its most efficient trims, making it a better choice if maximizing fuel economy is your top priority, though its range can also go higher.
Pros & cons
Hyundai Santa Fe
Pros
- Lower starting price (from 94,300 AED)
- Vastly superior trunk capacity (1,036 L)
- Higher maximum horsepower (272 hp)
- Faster 0-100 km/h acceleration (8 seconds)
- Higher top speed (up to 210 km/h)
Cons
- Fuel economy not as low as Sorento's best (8.5 L/100km minimum)
- No Rear-Wheel Drive option
Kia Sorento
Pros
- More fuel-efficient on select trims (as low as 7.8 L/100km)
- Offers a unique Rear-Wheel Drive option
Cons
- Higher starting price (from 116,000 AED)
- Significantly smaller trunk capacity (320 L)
- Slightly lower maximum horsepower (268 hp)
- Slower 0-100 km/h acceleration (8.7 seconds minimum)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento better for families in the UAE?
For families in the UAE, the Hyundai Santa Fe is generally better due to its vastly superior trunk capacity of 1,036 liters, which is essential for family outings and cargo. While both offer 7 seats, the Santa Fe provides significantly more space for luggage and gear. Therefore, the Santa Fe is the recommended choice for family-oriented buyers.
Which SUV offers better performance, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?
The Hyundai Santa Fe edges out the Kia Sorento in terms of performance. It boasts a higher maximum horsepower of 272 hp, a quicker 0-100 km/h acceleration in 8 seconds, and a higher top speed of 210 km/h. For drivers prioritizing a more dynamic and responsive ride, the Santa Fe is the better option.
How does the fuel economy compare between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento can be more fuel-efficient on certain trims, achieving as low as 7.8 L/100km. The Hyundai Santa Fe's best fuel economy is 8.5 L/100km. If you prioritize the absolute lowest fuel consumption figures, the Sorento might appeal, but consider the Santa Fe's consistent performance across its range.
Which is the more affordable SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Kia Sorento?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the more affordable option, with a starting price of 94,300 AED. The Kia Sorento begins at a higher price point of 116,000 AED. For buyers looking for a budget-friendly 7-seater SUV, the Santa Fe presents a more accessible entry into the segment.
