2016 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento Comparison
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe
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2016 Kia Sorento
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Base Engine: |
2.4 L Inline 4 |
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Horsepower: |
185 hp @ 6000 rpm |
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Torque: |
178 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm |
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Maximum towing capacity: |
2000 lbs. |
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Seating capacity: |
5 |
Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento
Serving Clearwater, Tampa, Largo, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor FL
Over the last 20 years, Korean automakers have made a concerted effort to capture a portion of the lucrative American SUV market. Hyundai, the largest auto manufacturer in Korea, and Kia, the second-largest, regularly do battle across several SUV categories, including the mid-size segment. It's there that Hyundai offers its 2016 Santa Fe and Kia, the 2016 Sorento. Hyundai's Santa Fe has been a part of that automaker's lineup for more than a decade while the Sorento has been in Kia’s American dealerships since 2002.
Exterior, Interior Looks
Both SUVs bring a full range of good looks, both inside and out. Hyundai's 2016 Santa Fe has, since 2013, sported grown-up looks and modern sheet metal that's instantly pleasing to the eye. The Sorento, by contrast, has had to play a catch-up game, and it took a complete redesign, along with significant re-engineering for 2016, to bring it close to Santa Fe's playing level. Still, even with the exterior and interior redesign, Sorento seems to melt into the mid-size crossover SUV terrain, with not much to help it stand out from the crowd. The Hyundai Santa Fe's looks have helped propel it to the forefront regarding design awards, and 2016's model continues that winning trend. Interior accouterments in the Santa Fe are premium, and everything fits together tightly to deliver a quiet cabin. The Sorento designers obviously did some work, though some more may be needed to match up with the rival Santa Fe.
Powertrains
Korean SUVs have advanced greatly when it comes to engines and transmissions. The three-row Santa Fe comes with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine that produces 290-hp in whisper-smooth fashion. The engine and transmission combo in the Santa Fe is so well-mated to the SUV that it can also tow 5,000 pounds with ease. The Sorento's base engine is a 2.5-liter inline four cylinder power plant that delivers 185-hp. A new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available for the 2016 Sorento models, along with the tried-and-true 3.3-liter V-6 option that puts out 290-hp. All Santa Fe’s come equipped with the 3.3 V-6.
Driving Experience and Utility
The Santa Fe's looks promise much, and they deliver much when it comes to a smooth, worry-free driving experience. Hyundai's mid-size SUV couples its V-6 engine with a high-quality six-speed automatic transmission, and its ride is not only quiet, but it seems to plant itself firmly on the road. Driver and occupants will feel safe and secure in Santa Fe's 160. cu. ft. roomy interior, while the 5,000 lbs. maximum towing capacity is more than double the Sorento’s and allows for serious hauling. Kia's Sorento is still working to catch up to the more experienced Santa Fe in these regard, lacking in interior space as well as hauling power.
Hyundai Santa Fe is popular partly because of the amount of equipment it offers even at base or entry levels, and the 2016 version doesn't disappoint. Schedule a preview and test drive at your local Hyundai dealer today.
* EPA estimated MPG may vary by transmission, trim and individual driving behavior.