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    The relationship between Hyundai and Kia is very much like that shared by squabbling siblings.

    Despite sharing the same parents – the Hyundai Motor Group in this case – the South Korean brands are permanently locked in a fierce rivalry with neither taking a backward step.

    It can be difficult to comprehend at times, especially when you look at the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento large SUVs.

    While the carmakers are closely intertwined, both fight for the same customers with these vehicles.

    Given the Santa Fe has received a complete overhaul for 2024, it’s the obvious pick then… especially in top Hybrid Calligraphy AWD trim, right?

    Not necessarily. The flagship Kia Sorento HEV GT-Line AWD is cheaper, and not everyone is a fan of Hyundai’s new, boxy design language.

    Let’s try and split the pair on paper.

    Pricing

    Both SUVs featured here are range-topping hybrid variants priced in excess of $70,000 before on-road costs. The Sorento HEV GT-Line AWD comes in $1670 cheaper than the Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD.

    The same applies at the bottom of the range; the entry level Sorento S V6 petrol retails for just over $50,000 before on-road costs, while the base Santa Fe Hybrid 2WD is $55,500 before on-roads.

    There are petrol versions of the Santa Fe due locally late in the fourth quarter of 2024 which will likely reduce this ~$5000 entry price gap.

    Model VariantPrice before on-roads
    2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD$75,000
    2024 Kia Sorento HEV GT-Line AWD$73,330

    Drivetrains and efficiency

    It’s basically impossible to split the Santa Fe and Sorento in this regard as they share a powertrain.

    The Hyundai takes small wins when it comes to power, torque, and fuel economy, as it has a newer version of the hybrid powertrain, but this really is like splitting hairs.

    Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWDKia Sorento HEV GT-Line AWD
    Engine1.6L turbocharged 4cyl1.6L turbocharged 4cyl
    Engine power132kW132kW
    Engine torque265Nm265Nm
    Electric motor power44kW44kW
    Electric motor torque264Nm264Nm
    Battery1.5kWh1kWh
    Total system power172kW169kW
    Total system torque367Nm350Nm
    Transmission6-speed auto6-speed auto
    Driven wheelsAWDAWD
    Fuel economy (claimed)5.6L/100km5.7L/100km
    Fuel tank capacity67L67L
    Fuel type91 RON91 RON
    C02 (combined)128g/km129g/km

    Dimensions

    There are also plenty of similarities to be found here as the Santa Fe and Sorento are built on the same platform.

    However, the Hyundai is the bigger car, being longer, taller and 91kg heavier.

    That doesn’t translate to much of a boot space advantage. With two seating rows in place the Santa Fe has 20L more room, but Kia claims a roomier maximum figure for the Sorento with the second and third rows folded.

    Both cars are boxy in shape, and come with a braked towing capacity of 1650kg.

    Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWDKia Sorento HEV GT-Line AWD
    Length4830mm4810mm
    Width1900mm1900mm
    Height1770mm1700mm
    Wheelbase2815mm2815mm
    Ground clearance177mm176mm
    Boot capacityN/A/628L/1949L179L/608L/1996L
    Kerb weight2105kg2014kg
    Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)2680kg2640kg
    Towing capacity (braked)1650kg1650kg

    Servicing and warranty

    Hyundai and Kia differ when it comes to warranty offerings.

    The Sorento offers a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty as opposed to five years of coverage for the Santa Fe.

    But, you’ll pay more to service the Kia through your local dealership. The fourth service for the Sorento costs $1098, which is more than double the cost of the equivalent Santa Fe service.

    Both the Santa Fe Hybrid and Sorento HEV have shorter 12-month/10,000km logbook service intervals compared to the typical 12-month/15,000km intervals.

    According to Hyundai and Kia, this is because the hybrid engines are turbocharged.

    Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWDKia Sorento HEV GT-Line AWD
    Warranty5 years, unlimited kilometres7 years, unlimited kilometres
    Interval12 months or 10,000km12 months or 10,000km
    1st service$459$352
    2nd service$459$732
    3rd service$459$426
    4th service$459$1098
    5th service$459$396
    Total first 5 years$2405$3004
    Avg. service price first 5 years$459$600.80

    Safety

    The Hyundai Santa Fe has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. 

    The 2024 Kia Sorento carries over the pre-update model’s five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2020, which is based on Euro NCAP tests.

    Here’s a breakdown of the standard safety equipment on each car:

    Hyundai Santa FeKia Sorento
    Airbags10 airbags7 airbags
    Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)YesYes
    Lane-keep assistYesYes
    Blind-spot monitoringYesYes
    Adaptive cruise control with stop/goYesYes
    Traffic sign recognitionYesYes
    Reversing cameraYesYes
    Surround-view cameraYesYes
    Rear cross-traffic alertYesYes
    Parking sensorsYesYes
    Park assistYesYes
    Tyre pressure monitoringYesYes

    Standard features

    The biggest differences you’ll notice between the new Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD and flagship Kia Sorento HEV GT-Line AWD comes in their design and standard equipment.

    Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWDKia Sorento HEV GT-Line AWD
    Wheels20-inch alloy wheels19-inch alloy wheels
    Spare wheelFull-size alloyFull-size alloy
    HeadlightsDual-projector, dusk sensing LED with DRLDusk-sensing LED with DRL
    Fog lightsYes, LEDYes, LED
    WipersAuto rain-sensingAuto rain-sensing
    Side mirrorsHeated, powered with auto-dip on reverse, auto foldingHeated, powered with auto-dip on reverse, auto folding
    SunroofPanoramic glass sunroofPanoramic glass sunroof
    TailgateHands-free, poweredHands-free, powered

    There are plenty of common features on the outside of these vehicles, although the Santa Fe is treated to larger 20-inch alloy wheels in Calligraphy trim.

    Neither car is lacking here, boasting all the features you’d expect of a top-specification family SUV.

    Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWDKia Sorento HEV GT-Line AWD
    UpholsteryBlack Ink Nappa leather upholsteryQuilted Nappa leather-appointed upholstery
    Front seatsHeated, ventilated and massaging 14-way power adjustable (10-way passenger)Heated, ventilated and massaging 14-way power adjustable (10-way passenger)
    Rear seatsHeatedHeated
    Steering wheelHeated, leather-wrappedHeated, leather-wrapped
    Gear selectorColumn-mountedShift-by-wire rotary gear selector
    Paddle shiftersYesYes
    Rear-view mirrorAuto-dimmingAuto-dimming
    Climate controlDual-zoneDual-zone

    Many of the specifications align again here, so it comes down to personal preference in materials, aesthetics, and layout.

    One difference? The Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD is available in a six-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs as a $500 option. The Sorento HEV on the other hand is only available with seven seats.

    You’re also able to opt for Forest Green and Pecan Brown upholstery colours for an extra $295 in the Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD. The Sorento HEV GT-Line AWD on the other hand is only offered with black upholstery.

    Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWDKia Sorento HEV GT-Line AWD
    Instrument cluster12.3-inch digital instrument cluster12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
    Head-up displayYesYes
    Infotainment12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen (with OTA software updates)12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen (with OTA software updates)
    Satellite navigationYesYes
    Smartphone mirroringWired and wireless Apple CarPlay
    Wired and wireless Android Auto
    Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay
    Wired and wireless Android Auto
    Phone chargingDual wireless chargersSingle wireless charger
    USB USB-C all three rowsUSB-C all three rows
    Sound system12-speaker Bose Premium Sound System 12-speaker Bose Premium Sound System
    KeySmart key with push button start, keyless entry and remote startSmart key with push button start, keyless entry and remote start

    If you were still on the fence before reading this section, that won’t change.

    The Santa Fe and Sorento are near-identical from an interior technology perspective, although each has a uniquely designed user interface.

    Hyundai also takes the win for connectivity, with an extra wireless smartphone charger available to passengers.

    With so little splitting these SUVs separated at birth, which would you pick? Let us know in the comments

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    Josh Nevett

    Josh Nevett is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Josh studied journalism at The University of Melbourne and has a passion for performance cars, especially those of the 2000s. Away from the office you will either find him on the cricket field or at the MCG cheering on his beloved Melbourne Demons.