2023
See Hyundai Santa Fe for saleHyundai Santa Fe
From BHD 17,500
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.
2023
See Kia Sorento for saleKia Sorento
Hyundai Santa Fe VS Kia Sorento: the verdict
The Hyundai Santa Fe emerges as the stronger contender for shoppers prioritizing outright performance, diverse options, and significant cargo capacity. While the Kia Sorento offers marginally better fuel efficiency and a unique RWD option, the Santa Fe's powerful engine choices and cavernous trunk make it the more versatile and potent SUV for most buyers in Bahrain.
| #1 Hyundai Santa Fe#1 | #2 Kia Sorento#2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Comparison | ||
| Starting at | 11,700 – 17,500 BHD | 12,995 – 14,800 BHD |
| Engine & Power | ||
| Engine | 2,497 – 3,470 cc · 4 – 6 cyl | 2,497 cc · 4 cyl |
| Horsepower (bhp) | 176 – 272 hp | 178 – 191 hp |
| Torque (Nm) | 232 – 331 Nm | 232 – 247 Nm |
| Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec) | 8 – 10.1 s | 10 – 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 – 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 70 L |
| Gears | 6 – 8 | 6 |
| 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 – 1,860 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 Performance Seekers
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the clear winner for those desiring a powerful drive, with engine options reaching up to 272 hp and an acceleration as quick as 8 seconds.
2
Best for Cargo and Family Needs
For families requiring ample storage, the Hyundai Santa Fe outshines the Sorento significantly, offering a massive 1,036 liters of trunk capacity.
3
Best for Entry-Level Value
Starting at 11,700 BHD, the Hyundai Santa Fe provides a lower entry price point, making it more accessible for budget-conscious buyers seeking a 7-seater SUV.
4
Best for Fuel Efficiency
The Kia Sorento holds a slight edge in fuel economy, with its most efficient trims achieving 7.8 L/100km, making it a better choice for those prioritizing lower running costs.
Pros & cons
Hyundai Santa Fe
Pros
- Higher maximum engine power (up to 272 hp)
- Quicker acceleration (as low as 8 seconds)
- Significantly larger trunk capacity (1,036 L)
- More diverse trim levels and price range
- V6 engine option available
Cons
- Higher fuel consumption in some trims (up to 9 L/100km)
- No dedicated Rear-Wheel Drive option
- Higher maximum price point
Kia Sorento
Pros
- Slightly better fuel economy (as low as 7.8 L/100km)
- Available with Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) option
- Simpler engine range with fewer choices
Cons
- Lower maximum horsepower (max 191 hp)
- Slower acceleration (minimum 10 seconds)
- Much smaller trunk capacity (320 L)
- Fewer engine configuration choices
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV offers better performance, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers superior performance, with its top-tier engine delivering up to 272 hp and achieving 0-100 km/h in just 8 seconds. In contrast, the Kia Sorento peaks at 191 hp and takes at least 10 seconds for the same sprint. For a more dynamic driving experience, the Santa Fe is the preferred choice.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento better for cargo space?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is significantly better for cargo space, boasting a generous 1,036 liters of trunk capacity. The Kia Sorento, with only 320 liters, falls far short. If carrying luggage, groceries, or sports equipment is a priority, the Santa Fe clearly wins.
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento is slightly more fuel-efficient, with its best figures reaching 7.8 L/100km. The Hyundai Santa Fe's most efficient trim starts at 8.5 L/100km. For drivers in Bahrain looking to minimize fuel costs, the Sorento holds a marginal advantage.
Which model has a lower starting price, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a lower starting price in Bahrain, beginning at 11,700 BHD. The Kia Sorento starts at 12,995 BHD. This makes the Santa Fe a more attractive option for buyers seeking a 7-seater SUV at a more accessible entry-level cost.
