Comments by "Stephen Hendricks" (@stephenhendricks103) on "" video.
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A much appreciated comparative review. Too often reviews of either KIAs or Hyundais the closely related cousin is never even mentioned. Almost as if each manufacturer requests that reviewers avoid mentioning what is obviously a cross shopped vehicle. In the case of the Santa Fe and Sorento the two vehicles have shared numerous components and features for several years. For 2021 they're arguably even more closely related with virtually identical engine and drivetrain lineups . The two are almost identical in size (The Sorento now has 2" longer wheelbase than the Santa Fe and is about half an inch greater in overall length) Identical AWD and infotainment systems (with slightly different screens), and almost identical interior space.(The KIA has about 75.5 cubic ft of total cargo space compared to the Santa Fe's 72.1 cf. Cargo space behind the second row is 36.4 cf in the Santa Fe vs 38.4 cf in the Sorento.)
The biggest difference, of course, is the Sorento standard 3 rows of seats compared to the Santa Fe's two rows (in North America). It's a difference that began in the 2018 model year when KIA dropped its two row option and Hyundai dropped its optional 3rd row. That difference has another impact. Captain chairs are standard on upper level trims in the Sorento with a second row bench seat available only in lower trims . In the Santa Fe, on the other hand, the absence of a third row means all trims by necessity have a 2nd row bench seat. So for those who complain they cannot get a bench seat with a top trim Sorento the Santa Fe offers an attractive alternative.
Perhaps the most revealing comparison is between the (US) top trim X-Line Sorento and the new Calligraphy version of the Santa Fe. MSRP's are nearly identical (circa $44,000). AWD and 20" wheels are standard in each as are 20" wheels. But the image each projects is somewhat different. Different, in fact, in a way that mirrors that of the Telluride and the Palisade. The top trim fully loaded Calligraphy Santa Fe projects a "near luxury" image similar to the Palisade while the X-Line Sorento presents a more rugged vibe with greater ground clearance, superior roof rails, a lever gear selector and more external cladding compared to the Santa Fe's additional bells and whistles that include true "nappa" leather upholstery compared to the Sorento's somewhat less premium leather and a dial gear selector rather than a lever.
In short, if you're more attracted to the Telluride than the Palisade, you may well prefer the Sorento. If your taste runs toward the Palisade the Santa Fe may well be your choice.
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