2025
See Hyundai Santa Fe for saleHyundai Santa Fe
From BHD 13,500
Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento: Which Should You Buy in Bahrain?
A complete comparison of the Hyundai Santa Fe VS Kia Sorento — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across Bahrain.
2025
See Kia Sorento for saleKia Sorento
From BHD 14,850
Hyundai Santa Fe VS Kia Sorento: the verdict
The Hyundai Santa Fe emerges as the stronger contender for families and value-conscious buyers, primarily due to its significantly larger cargo space, lower starting price, and superior top-end performance. However, the Kia Sorento might appeal to those prioritizing slightly better base fuel efficiency or the option of a rear-wheel-drive configuration.
| #1 Hyundai Santa Fe#1 | #2 Kia Sorento#2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Comparison | ||
| Starting at | 13,500 BHD | 13,687 – 17,450 BHD |
| Engine & Power | ||
| Engine | 2,497 – 3,470 cc · 4 – 6 cyl | 2,497 cc · 4 – 6 cyl |
| Horsepower (bhp) | 176 – 272 hp | 178 – 268 hp |
| Torque (Nm) | 232 – 331 Nm | 232 – 331 Nm |
| Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec) | 8 – 10.1 s | 8.7 – 10.3 s |
| Top Speed (Km/h) | 195 – 210 km/h | 190 – 200 km/h |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 Km) | 8.5 – 9 L/100km | 7.8 – 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 70 L |
| Gears | 6 – 8 | 6 – 8 |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Drive Type | All Wheel Drive / Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Measurements | ||
| L×W×H | 4.8 m × 1.9 m × 1.7 m | 4.8 / 4.8 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.7 / 1.7 m |
| Wheelbase (meters) | 2.8 m | 2.8 / 2.8 m |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,605 – 1,790 kg | 1,755 – 1,885 kg |
| Trunk Capacity (liters) | 1,036 L | 320 L |
| Overview | ||
| Body Style | SUV Crossover | SUV Crossover |
| Seating Capacity | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Features | ||
| Key features | 12V Socket360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive BonnetActive SteeringAdaptive Brake LightsAirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Door LockAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)BluetoothBody Colored GrilleBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesClimate ControlCollision DetectionCompassCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFabric SeatsFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberHDMIHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomMap Reading LampsMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRoof RailsRoof SpoilerSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSpare WheelSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreenTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Welcome LightWheels - AlloyWinchWireless HeadphonesWood Trim | 12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAlloy RimsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAshtrayAttention AssistAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Retractable Hardtop RoofAutomatic ACAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBody Colored MirrorsBody KItBonnet LightBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Door MirrorsChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassCooled SeatsCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDrive ComputerDVDDVD PlayerDynamic Damper ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeEmergency Brake AssistFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog Lamp - Front and RearFog LightsFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFrameless DoorsFront BrakesFront BumperFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHalogen HeadlampsHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRoad Sign AssistRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresSD Card SupportSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSecurity SystemSide Impact BarSilver TrimSkid PlatesSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSport PedalsSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverToolkitTouchscreenTouchscreen SizeTowing HookTraction ControlTraffic Jam AssistantTrip ComputerTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood TrimXenon Headlamps |
Which one should you buy?
1
Best for Families & Cargo
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the clear winner for families needing ample space, offering a massive 1,036 liters of trunk capacity, making it perfect for road trips and large shopping hauls.
2
Value for Money
For shoppers looking for a great SUV without breaking the bank, the Hyundai Santa Fe provides excellent value with a lower starting price of 13,500 BHD compared to the Sorento.
3
Performance Enthusiasts
Drivers seeking a more spirited ride will lean towards the Hyundai Santa Fe, which boasts higher maximum horsepower at 272 hp and a quicker 0-100 km/h acceleration of 8 seconds.
4
Fuel Efficiency Conscious
The Kia Sorento takes the edge for those prioritizing fuel economy, with its most efficient trims achieving as low as 7.8 L/100km, slightly better than the Santa Fe's best of 8.5 L/100km.
Pros & cons
Hyundai Santa Fe
Pros
- Significantly larger trunk capacity (1,036 L)
- Lower starting price (13,500 BHD)
- Higher maximum horsepower (272 hp)
- Faster 0-100 km/h acceleration (8 seconds)
- Lighter kerb weight (from 1,605 kg)
Cons
- Higher minimum fuel consumption (8.5 L/100km)
- No Rear Wheel Drive option
- Slightly lower base horsepower (176 hp)
Kia Sorento
Pros
- Potentially better fuel economy (as low as 7.8 L/100km)
- Available Rear Wheel Drive option
- Slightly higher base horsepower (178 hp)
Cons
- Significantly smaller trunk capacity (320 L)
- Higher starting price (13,687 BHD)
- Slower maximum acceleration (8.7 seconds)
- Heavier kerb weight (from 1,755 kg)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families: Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?
For families, the Hyundai Santa Fe is the superior choice, primarily due to its cavernous 1,036 liters of trunk capacity, which vastly outperforms the Kia Sorento's 320 liters. This makes the Santa Fe far more practical for carrying luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. If cargo space is a priority for your family, the Santa Fe is the clear winner.
Which SUV offers better performance, the Santa Fe or Sorento?
The Hyundai Santa Fe generally offers better performance, especially at the higher end of its range. It achieves a maximum of 272 hp and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 8 seconds, compared to the Kia Sorento's 268 hp and 8.7 seconds. For those seeking more power and quicker acceleration, the Santa Fe has a slight edge.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento more fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sorento can be slightly more fuel-efficient in its most economical trims, achieving as low as 7.8 L/100km, whereas the Hyundai Santa Fe's best is 8.5 L/100km. However, the Sorento's fuel economy can also be worse in other trims, reaching 9.7 L/100km. If you specifically target the most efficient Sorento variant, it might save you a little on fuel.
What is the price difference between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento in Bahrain?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a more attractive starting price in Bahrain at 13,500 BHD. In contrast, the Kia Sorento begins at 13,687 BHD and can go up to 17,450 BHD for its higher trims. For buyers focused on initial cost savings, the Santa Fe offers a slightly more accessible entry point.
