2025 Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid vs. Kia Sorento Hybrid

In these money-conscious times, many people are looking for more fuel-efficient vehicles, resulting in a growing demand for hybrid SUVs. The Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid and the Kia Sorento Hybrid are two of the most popular midsize hybrid SUVs, but which is the best?

Here at Dublin Hyundai, we’ve compiled a detailed guide comparing the 2025 Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid and the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid. Explore their features, efficiency, comfort, cargo space, and more to help you decide which is the perfect fit for you.

Comparing the 2025 SANTA FE Hybrid and the Sorento Hybrid

For 2025, the Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid underwent a full exterior and interior redesign, giving it a radical new look. The Kia Sorento Hybrid has also been redesigned for 2025 and has more conventional SUV styling.

The SANTA FE Hybrid is offered in the SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy trims, and the Sorento Hybrid is available in the EX and SX Prestige trims.

Exterior Features

The SANTA FE Hybrid’s rugged, boxy appearance makes it look at home on the trails, while its sophistication brings class to the Dublin streets. Unique H-shaped front and rear LED signature lighting stands out day and night. It comes standard with Hyundai Digital Key 2, 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The Sorento Hybrid has bold front-end styling and a sleek, sculpted profile. It offers amber daytime running lights and vertically oriented LED headlights, but only the SX Prestige trim has LED taillights. Both trims come standard with 19-inch wheels, and the top trim has the Digital Key 2 entry system.

Performance and Powertrain

The Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid’s powertrain combines a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automatic transmission for a combined output of 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, or you can opt for the Hyundai TRACtion all-wheel-drive system.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It generates less power than the SANTA FE Hybrid, with a combined output of 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The EX trim comes standard with front-wheel drive and offers the option of all-wheel drive, which is standard for the SX Prestige.

Fuel Efficiency

These hybrid SUVs offer excellent fuel economy, meaning fewer visits to the gas station. Since the SANTA FE Hybrid and the Sorento Hybrid have similar hybrid powertrains, they offer the same mileage ratings. With front-wheel drive, you’ll get an EPA-estimated 36 mpg for combined city and highway driving. All-wheel drive models return up to 34 mpg combined.

Interior and Comfort

In the SANTA FE Hybrid’s elegantly understated cabin, you’ll find ample seating for up to seven people or six with the available second-row captain’s chairs. With a full complement of passengers, you get 14.6 cubic feet of cargo space, while folding the third row gives you 40.5 cubic feet. With the second and third rows folded flat, you get a generous 79.6 cubic feet of cargo space.

The SANTA FE Hybrid SEL features H-Tex simulated leather upholstery. The Limited trim offers genuine leather seats, and the Calligraphy has Nappa leather upholstery. All trims have heated front seats, and the Limited and Calligraphy offer ventilated front seats and driver’s seat memory. The Calligraphy trim adds driver and passenger relaxation seats and second-row power reclining and tilting captain’s chairs with power fold and dive.

Both Sorento Hybrid trims have a stylish cabin that can accommodate six people but without the option of a second-row bench seat. Behind the third row is 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space. With the rear seats folded, you get up to 45 cubic feet of space, and folding both rear seating rows gives you 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The EX trim offers SynTex-trimmed seats, and the SX Prestige has embossed and perforated leather upholstery. Both trims offer one-touch sliding and folding second-row captain’s chairs.

Technology and Safety

All SANTA FE Hybrid and Sorento Hybrid trims have a 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, and satellite radio. The SANTA FE Hybrid includes standard rear-seat quiet mode and HD Radio.

The SANTA FE Hybrid Limited and Calligraphy trims, along with the Sorento Hybrid SX Prestige, feature a 12.3-inch curved digital instrument cluster that combines with the touch screen to create a single vast wide-screen display. The top SANTA FE Hybrid trim adds a 12-inch head-up display.

Driver Assistance Features

Both the SANTA FE Hybrid and Sorento Hybrid come standard with advanced driver assistance technologies. These include smart cruise control, blind-spot collision warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, front and rear parking distance warning, lane following assist, lane-keep assist, driver attention warning, and safe exit assist.

Pricing and Value

Pricing is important when comparing the 2025 Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid and the Kia Sorento Hybrid. Here, we look at the starting MSRP for each model.

Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid:

• SANTA FE Hybrid SEL: $37,200
• SANTA FE Hybrid Limited: $44,100
• SANTA FE Hybrid Calligraphy: $47,250

Kia Sorento Hybrid:

• Sorento Hybrid EX: $38,690
• Sorento Hybrid SX Prestige: $46,890

In terms of equipment and features, the SANTA FE Hybrid SEL and the Sorento Hybrid EX are the closest matches, with Hyundai representing better value. The SANTA FE Hybrid Limited matches the Sorento Hybrid SX Prestige, with Hyundai again representing the best value. The SANTA FE Hybrid Calligraphy has luxury features and amenities that are not included in the other trims.

Sorento Hybrid vs. SANTA FE Hybrid — Which Hybrid SUV Is Right for You?

In our comparison of the Sorento Hybrid and the SANTA FE Hybrid, Hyundai offers more trim choices, a more powerful engine, extra cargo space, and better value for money. Dublin Hyundai is your trusted dealership in Dublin, California, for finding your perfect 2025 Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid. Browse our inventory online and contact us to schedule a test-drive appointment, or stop by our dealership.

Tags: Comparison, Features, Technology
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