The 3-row midsize SUV segment continues to grow, not just in the number of vehicles offered with three rows but also in the size of those vehicles. For shoppers, consider it the Goldilocks Conundrum. Some SUVs may be too big to handle, some SUVs may be too cramped for a third row, and some, like the vehicles compared here, are just right.
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Kia Sorento size up smaller than the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, but still have adequate room in the third row to handle carpool duty. They’re also more efficient, easier to maneuver, and better to fit into garages and parking spots than their larger counterparts.
The Hyundai Santa Fe still looks fresh after its 2024 redesign, but that newness is reflected in a higher starting price than the aging Sorento. Keep in mind that the Sorento’s lower starting price includes a less powerful, non-turbocharged engine.
For 2026, Hyundai replaced its troublesome 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with a more traditional 8-speed transmission featuring a torque converter, paired to the standard engine. The DCT led to a recall requiring new transmissions in certain Santa Fes. Interestingly, although some versions of the Kia Sorento utilize the same DCT, Kia did not replace it for the 2026 model year.
Let’s take a closer look at the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe’s boxy design made it longer, taller, and broader than its predecessor, which opened up the vehicle’s cabin and made it roomier than the Sorento.
Like the Sorento, the Santa Fe offers three rows of seats standard, allowing seating for seven. The exception is the Calligraphy trim that features captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing seating to just six passengers. The cabin features its new Panoramic Curved Display, which integrates the digital gauge cluster and the infotainment screen into one cohesive display.
The Santa Fe is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 277 horsepower, which is sent to the front wheels or to the optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. There’s also a Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid that trades power for efficiency. It features a 231-hp hybrid system and an EPA rating of 36 mpg combined, compared to 24 mpg combined for the non-hybrid Santa Fe with FWD. The Hybrid only costs about $1,500 more.
Hyundai Santa Fe Highlights
Semi-autonomous: Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist combines various technologies, including adaptive cruise control and lane centering, to make highway driving safer and easier. It’s available in two versions, including Highway Driving Assist 2 on the Calligraphy models, adding functionality like lane-change assist.
Extra room: These SUVs are similar in size, but as the specs table below highlights, the Santa Fe is the roomier of the two. The Hyundai offers slightly more space in the third row and cargo area compared to the Kia, enhancing its comfort and versatility.
Easy access: The new Santa Fe features a built-in grab handle on the side, providing users with easier access to the SUV’s roof. The handle remains flush with the side of the vehicle until you push it in and use it. It’s also lockable to prevent others from using it.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Santa Fe models near you.
2026 Kia Sorento
Sitting somewhere between a compact and a midsize, the Sorento enjoys just enough space to include an optional third row. It’s nice to have when you need to haul smaller people around for short trips. However, average-sized adults can’t fit for any reasonable length of time.
One of the reasons the Sorento is cheaper than the Santa Fe is because it has a smaller 191-hp 4-cylinder base engine. On EX and above trims, it has the same 281-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder as the Santa Fe. Adding the turbocharged engine increases the price by approximately $4,000 and reduces the fuel economy from 26 mpg to 25 mpg. It’s also available with AWD.
For the fuel-conscious consumer, Kia offers the Sorento Hybrid, which is only $600 more than the Sorento EX non-hybrid. Unlike the Santa Fe, Kia also sells a Sorento Plug-In Hybrid that lets you travel on electric power only for 31 miles, perfect for tailpipe emission-free driving for most daily errands. When the electric juice runs out, it still gets about 33 mpg combined. The downside is that it costs nearly $10,000 more than the Sorento Hybrid.
Kia Sorento Highlights
Easy access: Sorento models with the EX trim and higher feature the Smart Power Tailgate, allowing hands-free opening and closing. This adds considerable convenience to loading and unloading the cargo area.
X-Line: The X-Line models in the Sorento lineup feature a rugged appearance package, including an extra inch of ground clearance, high-utility roof rails, and unique wheels and bumpers. They all come standard with torque-vectoring AWD for added capability.
Drive Wise: Standard on every Sorento, it’s a suite of safety technology that includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, driver attention warning, and more.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models near you.
Similarities
The Santa Fe and Sorento are attractive on the outside while providing plenty of room and convenience features on the inside. They both come standard with 3-row seating and essentially the same infotainment tech.
Pricing
New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (43085)
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|
$36,295 |
TBD |
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$38,835 |
TBD |
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$43,285 |
TBD |
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$45,845 |
TBD |
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$48,845 |
TBD |
New 2026 Kia Sorento Prices
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Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
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|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$33,635 |
TBD |
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$36,535 |
TBD |
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$39,735 |
TBD |
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$43,535 |
TBD |
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$44,035 |
TBD |
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$45,335 |
TBD |
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$48,035 |
TBD |
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$49,035 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles and New 2026 Kia Sorento vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2026 Kia Sorento | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds | 2,000 pounds |
| Horsepower | 277 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed w/shiftronic | automatic, 8-speed |
| Fuel Economy | 20 city/29 highway/24 combined mpg | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 110.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 190.2 inches | 189.6 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 74.8 inches |
| Height | 67.7 inches | 66.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | 37.9 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.1 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.6 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 37.7 inches | 36.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 44.4 inches | 41.4 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 42.3 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.0 inches | 29.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.5 inches | 59.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 58.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.5 inches | 53.0 inches |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 14.6 feet | 12.6 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 40.5 feet | 45.0 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 79.6 feet | 75.5 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Kia Sorento offers a broader range of powertrain options and a corresponding range of prices, making it both more affordable and more expensive than the Santa Fe. The Santa Fe has more daring styling and a luxury-leaning Calligraphy trim line. Its third row and cargo area are also slightly larger. These two vehicles were recently put through their paces by KBB editors, and the Santa Fe finished on top—barely.
