Kia Sorento v Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 comparison review: Which 7-seat SUV is best?

If you have around $65,000 (US$50,000) to spend on a new 7-seat SUV, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2021 Kia Sorento always pop up in conversation. Despite being quite similar, is one of them better than the other?
This is a new comparison format that we're trialling, where we put the two cars up against each other head-to-head to see which is better. Paul Maric gets behind the wheel of both to see if there's a clear winner. We're open to feedback on this format, so let us know whether you like it or not in the comments section below. If you do like it, which cars would you like compared next?
2021 Kia Sorento GT-Line review: • 2021 Kia Sorento revie...
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander review: • Hyundai Santa Fe revie...
Hardness tester results: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
More Kia content: www.carexpert.com.au/kia
More Kia Sorento content: www.carexpert.com.au/kia/sorento
More Hyundai content: www.carexpert.com.au/hyundai
More Hyundai Santa Fe content: www.carexpert.com.au/hyundai/...
Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior - Santa Fe 00:57
Exterior - Sorento 03:22
Exterior - Verdict 05:39
Interior - Santa Fe 06:07
Interior - Sorento 08:01
Interior - Verdict 10:04
Infotainment - Santa Fe 10:53
Infotainment - Sorento 12:16
Infotainment - Verdict 14:20
Safety Tech 14:45
Practicality - Santa Fe 15:19
Practicality - Sorento 19:57
Practicality - Verdict 25:50
Driving - Santa Fe 26:22
Driving - Sorento 30:53
Driving - Verdict 36:15
Overall verdict 36:43
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#review #hyundai #kia #santafe #sorento #comparison

[@CarExpertAus]

*WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK!* - Thanks for watching our comparison. We'd love to hear from you - what do you like and not like about this format? Is there anything you like changed? Let me know as a reply to this comment.

[@gregy1194]

Love the comparison, more of these please. Here's one; Rav4 vs Tuscon/Sportage when the new models both out. Maybe some old school ie review of your SS commo 👍👍👍

[@jancovandenberg5054]

Like the comparison, but if you watched both the previous videos it can feel a bit lengthy and unnecessary so. Maybe a bit more editing to show the similarities and differences clearly. Then the video serves as a comparison rather than two full reviews with some comparative commentary. Then if the audience wants more info they can go watch the full reviews.

[@lukekasper255]

Love the format - however agree with above that it probably needs to be a lighter version I was keen mostly for your final words rather than seeing the full review again. Good idea!

[@givensapula3395]

Great comparison format, well done to you and the team 💪. Awesome work, keep them coming👍

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks guys - great feedback to have!

[@autonewstv86]

I like the Sorento's rugged look and the 3-row with captain's chairs options, but I love the Santa Fe's sleek interior much better.

[@mariowhyte2816]

I for one am absolutely digging this comparison format. Your other weekly videos are on point too. You progress from one part of the vehicles to another with sheer professionalism and the video camera and editing work is topnotch!!! Keep up the great work!!!

[@Bacender]

5:05 when the material is reflective but diffused (can’t make out what it’s reflecting) it’s called satin.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thank you!

[@BrianCanavan]

UK viewer here. Love these side-by-side comparisons. I would love to see a family of 4 or 5 actually live with the cars for a week or two to see how they get on and what niggles or positives that might throw up.

[@patrickchebos6041]

I thoroughly enjoyed the comparison, it also shows the consistency in your reviews which is commendable. Please let us have more of them, perhaps 'live' comparisons, not only historical ones. Discovery Vs Prado; Tiguan Allspace Vs Outlander. Great idea Paul !

[@benjaminfedrigo3642]

Great reviews of both cars we bought the Santa Fe after month and months of research and driving all cars in the price guide of 70k we found the Santa Fe drove a little different to the Sorrento in the case of being smoother and just felt like it had a different tune on the dsg and motor on paper they are the same but driving them side by side they are different. Love the channel btw 👌🤘

[@reesharris2959]

Love the comparison video - I’d like to see the stats on screen next to each other (like engine specs, prices, load capacity etc.) and perhaps having the two vehicles next to each other would help with this.

[@davidbull5962]

Yep this is a really good format - I’m looking for a Sorento (in the UK) so any tests like this are really useful. Keep up the good work.

[@BenjaminMutuku]

I LOVE this SUV comparison, and this new review style. You definitely get more from a single video. Both of these SUVs have surprisingly premium interiors. I'm not a fan of the black piano lacquer trim - its a finger print and scratch magnet. Santa Fe's interior appears more premium and that might be because of the color option and the bolstered seats/leather. Infotainment and tech of these cars has improved tremendously. Drive techniques are impressive. I give this review a 10/10. G'day mate!

[@Pummel1974]

You’ve very quickly become my fav car review show on KZbin. I love the tempo and in-depth details you offer and the footage you use is superb. I’ve watched every video and especially liked your videos on the parking sensors you uploaded, found that very interesting. Early 2021 I was looking to buy a new 7 seater SUV, which is how I found your channel. I had bought a Santa Fe ActiveX brand new back in 2018 and was looking to upgrade to something more luxurious. I thought I’d like the Mazda CX8 or CX9 but was disappointed when I took them for a test drive. So then I saw your review on the 2021 Santa Fe Highlander and that was it… bought the exact same car (white diesel Highlander) as what you reviewed. Needless to say, I’m super happy with my purchase, so thanks for your hard work on your channel. BTW, didn’t like Mazda as it had quite a big delay when I accelerated (diesel) and also quite a bit of engine noise which I didn’t expect. Much like you I hate the “piano black”, so the Sorento was not an option. Also test drove the new 2021 Tiguan Allspace but that felt very basic inside compared to the Highlander. Keep up the good work guys!

[@HDeemand]

Love this review format. Excited for next review. Keep it up!

[@miesteryt]

these head to head car comparisons are fantastic! More of these!

[@nathanwinn8671]

Gday Paul. Love this format. I’ve been looking for something exactly like this. And you chose the 2 cars I’m considering. Keep up the great work

[@adrianoconnor4120]

Love your comparisons , would love to see more 👍

[@hassansalman7453]

Love this new format 😍 easily digestible comparisons 👌🏻

[@dolguldur4706]

The best comparison video format at the moment...nice one

[@andrewharris513]

I love this format. Great. Please do more.

[@Malc664]

Great idea, with new reviews. I don't really like watching repeats though. Good to see your verdicts.

[@rezaabiz]

Quality content! Very informative! Consistent structure throughout all videos. Keep up the good work

[@fritzmouton430]

Thoroughly enjoyed the format, well done!

[@bonnybabu6443]

Nice one Paul, will look forward to more comparisons in the future. We've booked a SantaFe Highlander in diesel. Glad to know you think it's marginally better too. We liked the interior better in it over the Kia (lack of piano black and better put together we thought). Also got a very good deal where we got it at less than the Sorrento despite the latter being slightly less expensive (Kia dealers were exploiting the demand and selling even the test vehicles for over 75k!). Also, loved the format!! Honestly, very difficult to not like the content you guys make!

[@danpd]

Great review love this format keep it up!

[@CarExpertAus]

Much appreciated!

[@mleibel4]

Love this format! Your doing a great job 😉

[@ptrcksln]

Enjoying this format 👍🏻. What about a category based series ? Best mid size SUV, best luxury wagon under XX …. I would enjoy that.

[@CarExpertAus]

Great suggestion! Definitely open to that. We could even do it as a 'car of the year' format for each segment.

[@ptrcksln]

@@CarExpertAus or every time there is a new car released, comparing it to the segment leader. Showing where it’s lacking or leading … that would be useful from a potential buyer perspective

[@brainsmatterpodcast]

Great format Paul! As a Victorian resident I keep thinking Kia forgot one of the R’s in Sorento/Sorrento 🙄

[@CarExpertAus]

Ha ha, me too!

[@stevenlai8188]

Love this comparison format video please do more

[@adamross3462]

always enjoy your content, keep it going mate.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for the visit!

[@indetailcarcaresolutions3770]

Hi Paul, I actually enjoy car comparisons. The fact that this is a relevant (to me) market segment made it all the more interesting. I feel the only area that needs more work on your part is more detail about how the two vehicles differ. More detail comparing their centre stacks would have been good, etc.. Obversely, it would be good to point out with more emphasis how the two vehicle are similar. I am particularly interested in, for example, how each integrate the 360º camera system. Keep up the great work. I do enjoy your presentations. Lloyd

[@karl6203]

Would definitely like to see more comparison videos like this, maybe with all big players in the segment eg. Sorento vs Santa Fe vs Kluger vs CX9

[@boskojovanovic2770]

Very good format for the comparison. Thanks for highlighting differences in features. It’s good to see these engines aren’t complete slugs 🐌. It’s a shame we don’t get US engine variants. A 2.5L turbo from Sonata N-Line would be a awesome.

[@letsseeif]

Excellent format Paul. Enjoyed the comparison of the Hyundai/Kia very popular brands. :-) :-)

[@MrSameerd]

Hi Paul I’m from NZ and love all your car reviews. Always wished you did comparison videos so loving this format now. On this particular one I prefer Santa Fe’s sleeker outside and inside design over Sorento. Unfortunately Hyundai only offers 3 years warranty here in NZ (not sure why) Vs Kia’s 5 years. It would be great if you could also include some mild off-roading review especially for SUVs. BTW I have just booked a 2021 Santa Fe 2.2L Diesel Limited which has about 3 months wait. Keep up the great work 👍

[@Crazy_Dave]

Excellent review on both SUV's, really informative even though I'm in the UK. Did I enjoy it? Most definitely and would welcome seeing more reviews like this.

[@andyaldworth7807]

Great format. Thanks for producing great content.

[@scottallison2296]

Excellent format here Car Expert keep it going

[@bensmeaton3906]

Great video. Really liked the format. Comparing cars in same class would be good, like RAV4 versus the new Mitsubishi Outlander.

[@ss84human14]

Great work mate, thanks for a comprehensive comparison of two very nice family vehicles. 👍

[@Glofindel]

I like this format. Keep up your awesome work.

[@CarExpertAus]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@aslamlulaniya4987]

I like the new format. Very good. Keep it up.

[@blessingm917]

Like this format, great to see them side by side

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@alainn8675]

Hi Paul thanks for the way you do cars review. Just wanna ask you if you could drop more videos at least two videos per week coz There's currently a lot new cars on market and updated ones which you haven't made a review on. Such as Mercedes Benz s class, audi e tron, peagot 3008, Haval, Infiniti, Tesla, new Toyota Land Cruiser etc

[@mazza9753]

I love the format, I think the next cars you should do is land cruiser vs patrol

[@DMcOz_Down_Under]

Excellent comparison format, Paul & team. I find your compiling of two close competitors into one narrated review really useful. For me, the format could probably be condensed, as I'll tend to have already watched the full videos you do on vehicles in which I'm interested. Definitely more, please, & thank you!

[@dlee9547]

Sorento exterior looks the best .. both interiors look great, and that infotainment set up is cool..makes the mazda CX9 infotainment look archaic. awesome vid Paul

[@suphatrachaiyasit7531]

Your the best on KZbin Paul don't change anything well done

[@DPK12]

Paul great informative, enjoyable video

[@jasperc4572]

Good clip. Fair comment. Would still like your focus on individual review and maybe some comparison on similar/ close model.

[@allstarsahota2469]

👍 to the comparison format

[@CarExpertAus]

Thank you!

[@miketurner4462]

I'd like to see a comparison with top specifications Sorento vs Mazda cx8, Toyota kluger and Mitsubishi outlander, with all top specifications of course. As for this new format, it's great and it also means that at the time of testing, you're not testing against another vehicle, so each review is concentrated to the one vehicle, but then bring them all together for the final verdict.

[@Ellipirelli69]

Great comparison. Strange thing is that as an owner of a Santa Fe in Europe I can use the voice recognition without any phone connection. It works like a charme. I do really wonder as to why it should not work as the car has an active internet connection used for live traffic information, current gas prizes and the like. Remote services via app are also available.

[@denisehowe9110]

Loving your reviews and comparisons, very helpful and well done team, outcome for me, I still don't know what I'm looking for. Currently driving a Commodore Wagon V6 of which I love but its getting to a time to change. Cookie cutter SUV or sedan?? I'll keep researching.

[@michaellazar_1593]

Hi Paul! Nice review

[@CarExpertAus]

Glad you liked it!

[@prakashphilip3360]

The comparison was good. This format is good and should compare more cars segment wise which will help us to decide. While Hyundai and Kia are popular it is a shame that they can’t keep up with delivering these cars to consumers unless one is prepared to wait for 8 months

[@kashhelp2372]

Good one....I was wondering why this was not coming through !! Some other comparisons that will be great: CRV 7 seater vs CX8 Civic Vs Elantra Vs Mazda 3

[@CarExpertAus]

Great suggestions!

[@fatihaycin9639]

Excellent comparison! Congrutulation...

[@binzhan5058]

Hi, Paul, great 👍 comparison with two latest 7 seaters from Korea. How about another to pit VW Tiguan Allspace with Skoda Kodiaq. They are smaller size but competitive as well. Thanks, mate!

[@naaniratify8657]

Nailed it! Perfect comparison!

[@AshPragasam]

I think we all want to know, how does the office desk go on the Durometer? How many places can you stick the big water bottle?

[@grantgray8688]

Like the book end review at one viewing Well done Paul

[@ggkguru]

Hi Paul, your videos are always informative and useful. But felt like 38 mins is a bit too much for a comparison video.

[@spiffleable]

Hope you're getting some sleep mate. Keep the comparisons coming! Tucson vs rav 4 vs Tiguan please!

[@CarExpertAus]

Trying to! Ha ha.

[@mcatech05]

loved it look forward to more cheers

[@duncanmcinnes5819]

I enjoyed this and having an old Sorento wanted to see what had changed. You said the Hyundai sat higher but when going through the video I saw the height of the Santa Fe clearance but may have missed the Sorento one. Have you come across the hybrid version of Sorento yet?

[@jerryestrella3954]

Great format =)

[@aquaboy1650]

Sorento is very good looking.

[@CarExpertAus]

Agreed!

[@joannerjoson8596]

dj

[@jackliu6352]

Hey Paul, could you please do a review on new Haval h6 soon?

[@karl6203]

It’s a tough choice between these two. Their features are pretty much identical. I originally put down a deposit on the Sorento but with the ridiculous wait times and stop/start production, I decided to take a look at the Santa Fe. Lucky for me, they had one in stock and available for immediate delivery. So I jumped on it and got it for the same price as the Sorento! I like both cars but I must say it’s a relief to not have to deal with all that piano black that comes in the Sorento. The Santa Fe is also slightly smaller and easier to park.

[@15sixmedia]

Agreed. I rented a Sorento on holidays in December 2023 and whilst it felt and looked okay in general, it wasn’t my cup of tea. I had a look at the Santa Fe when I got back. I was instantly in love with the design. I loved the overall look, both interior and exterior. The interior felt much more premium. They also had one in stock for immediate delivery and offered it to me for only about $2000 more than a 4,000km old demo they had. Couldn’t say no. Contrary to Paul’s remarks concerning the “button explosion”, I actually love that, it’s a huge plus for me as I’d rather that than going through multiple menu sub levels to find something that should be simple to operate.

[@Linoran85]

Excellent video👌

[@15sixmedia]

I just picked my diesel Santa Fe Highlander up on 29/12/23 and I am extremely happy with it. Time will tell with the dual clutch, I rented a Sorento for a holiday beforehand and it had 17,000km on it and it would bang a bit if you let off the throttle and rolled back on to it, would bang when it went into reverse and would keep pulling you up sharply if you tried to move up in traffic instead of allowing you to smoothly roll to a stop. Thankfully, the Santa Fe doesn’t do that. I think the Sorento had been caned the living hell out of throughout its tenure as a rental and wasn’t feeling very well. We shall see.

[@ThestrivingSomali]

Hi probably you won’t see my comment but you are legend love your reviews but now i am going to drive my Haval jullion waiting to pick up now next week so when would you do any reviews for the jullion if you don’t mind asking or it’s not your plan for now ?👋👋😂

[@aapkaapna5703]

Nice review as always but my question is why most makers aren’t doing petrol in AWD. I like Sorrento or Santa Fe. But they both only comes in FWD petrol.

[@NeilSnapePhotography]

Excellent. I am still on the fence on which is better. I want to transport clients for a 1 hour or more trip sometimes 1 or 2 clients in the rear seats. I have sat in both the 2023 Kia and Hyundai. I found getting into the third row harder in the Santa Fe. Is my memory failing me or the Sorento easier?

[@akuapiatas]

We purchased the 2022 Sorento Deluxe 2.2 model - its great so far only had it 3-days

[@lfsantosl]

The video we were waiting for

[@CarExpertAus]

😄

[@andrewd7586]

Definitely the best format I’ve seen today Paul!🤭😆👍🏼

[@sohailqureshi22]

Love it. Thanks

[@therealjeffg]

I really like your reviews and comparison reviews are even better, but would prefer the comparisons done at the one review. I found this format a bit too long….very detailed which can be good….but I think I prefer comparisons done at the same time.

[@yasminwilson7420]

Where I live when these 2 are compared the Sorento comes out on top for value cause for roughly the same money you get the 3rd row in the Sorento where as the Santa Fe is a 2 row and both are 2.5 4 cylinders and the Sorento has a little more features that’s why I got it over the Sorento

[@paulbarbara6178]

I enjoyed the comparison

[@rotoehu9266]

Enjoyed the format Paul, by any chance the idea didn’t come from being home based with a new baby? Right, the pricing comparison in NZ. Sorento Premium AWD (top spec), diesel =NZ$77k, hybrid NZ$83k. Santa-Fe, equivalent spec Diesel =NZ$90k, and hybrid pricing still to be announced, but expect close to NZ$100k. Unsurprisingly, the Kia easily outsells the Hyundai (if Kia actually has stock).

[@CarExpertAus]

Wow that's crazy pricing!

[@sibusiso.mabika]

Watching all the way from South Africa

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for watching mate!

[@BaggySu]

Thanks for listening. Other project for you guys, create a third party website to bridge customers to get discounts from the dealers

[@tajovarghese]

Hi Paul , would love to see a review of the new Sorento HEV ?

[@shahg25]

I need more of this

[@nathb7831]

Would love to see a comparison review between MG ZST (even a standard review for the ZST) versus Havel Jolion; or something within that cheaper price point (and popular) cars. Would also love to see Toyota Kluger vs. Hyundai Palisade.

[@sethgrieves4831]

Speaking of Kia and Hyundai. It looks like we're missing out on some of their best cars. Honestly, if the K5 or Octavia were available, I'd be driving one right now...and I've been shopping for over a year without being able to decide on something. But, that's personal preference. What do you guys think? Comparison format is great. Have fun.

[@CarExpertAus]

Would love to see the K5 here!

[@glennchristinoyosua2109]

G'day! Good review as always mate. Each car has plus and minus. Kia great exterior, Hyundai nailed the interior feel luxury although I prefer Kia button set up. Nothings perfect cause they'll be Sorento Fe if it is 🤭😃🙏 anyway Kia just slighty touch my soul although they couldn't reach up my wallet yet 🤞

[@ulamss5]

So the sante fe interior is slightly quiter as well?

[@colettecrick6344]

I’m looking at the Kia Sorento top of the range vs the Prado VX please help I’d really like some input. Looking for my next forever car! I’ve had my old Audi Q7 for 14 years!!! 😳😅

[@alinemnm6258]

Hi! I'm french and I just bought a Santa Fe hybrid. Catalogue price for the premium model ( executive) 56000€ (89376 AUD). I compared and the Sorento hybrid is more expensive in France but it's a PHEV and not an "ordinary" hybrid as the Santa Fe I choose. The Santa Fe is guaranteed 5 years and the battery 7. I hope you'll understand my comment... I don't speak english very well... Have a nice day!

[@derekstaceynelson4204]

I wnt to know where the road is that you "punt" the corners on ?!?!

[@indetailcarcaresolutions3770]

PS including all details in the one video would be better. I can’t see too many people (like me) going to another link just to check your hardness of soft touch surfaces. The maximum of 20 seconds edited in so that the user experience is more informative, will be far more enjoyable. Lloyd

[@Samuel-hf3xm]

Are you going to review the new Mitsubishi Outlander when that comes out?

[@james6969]

Great comparsion mate

[@CarExpertAus]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@james6969]

@@CarExpertAus I always enjoy your comparisons and reviews

[@adamclayson5347]

Absolutely love the design of the new Santa Fe

[@dyndeexd2234]

I like the Sorento, but the interior of Santa Fe is heaps better. There's just too much piano black and I hate the bezels of the infotainment screen. The cluster of buttons on the Santa Fe doesn't look that good but I reckon it's easier to live with compared to the sensitive touch buttons on the Sorento. All in all, this format is definitely good not just for cars in the same platform but also for cars in the same segment generally to help people decide what their options are in one video.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for that feedback! We want to see what everybody thinks first, but we'll definitely roll out other comparisons shortly - not just same platform.

[@futureod8216]

One key thing not mentioned (unless I missed it) is braked towing capacity. Sorento 2000kg, Santa Fe 2500kg

[@AA-wp7yh]

Plz make a review of the all new Toyota Corolla Cross 2022...

[@ellgee9402]

how is it possible that the sorento has 400L more than the santa fe in boot space?