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.

⁦Hyundai Santa Fe⁩ VS ⁦Kia Sorento⁩: the verdict

The Hyundai Santa Fe takes the lead for families and those prioritizing cargo space and spirited performance. While the Kia Sorento offers slightly better fuel efficiency at its optimal configuration and a unique rear-wheel-drive option, the Santa Fe's significantly larger trunk and quicker acceleration make it a more compelling overall package for many buyers in Bahrain.
Other Years
20262025202420232022
#1#2
Price Comparison
Starting at0 BHD0 – 14,850 BHD
Engine & Power
Engine2,497 – 3,470 cc · 4 – 6 cyl2,497 cc · 4 – 6 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)176 – 272 hp178 – 268 hp
Torque (Nm)232 – 331 Nm232 – 331 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)8 – 10.1 s8.7 – 10.3 s
Top Speed (Km/h)195 – 210 km/h190 – 200 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)8.5 – 9 L/100km7.8 – 9.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity71 L70 L
Gears6 – 86 – 8
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive / Front Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Measurements
L×W×H4.8 m × 1.9 m × 1.7 m4.8 / 4.8 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.7 / 1.7 m
Wheelbase (meters)2.8 m2.8 / 2.8 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,605 – 1,790 kg1,755 – 1,885 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)1,036 L320 L
Overview
Body StyleSUV CrossoverSUV Crossover
Seating Capacity7 seats7 seats
Doors5 doors5 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 storage, boasting a massive 1,036 litres of trunk capacity compared to the Sorento's 320 litres.

2

Best for Performance

For drivers seeking a more dynamic experience, the Hyundai Santa Fe accelerates faster, reaching 0-100 km/h in as little as 8 seconds and offering a higher top speed of 210 km/h.

3

Best for Fuel Economy

The Kia Sorento offers a slight edge in fuel efficiency for its most economical variant, achieving an impressive 7.8 L/100km, making it a better choice for cost-conscious drivers.

4

Best for Driving Dynamics

The Kia Sorento stands out by offering a Rear Wheel Drive option, which can appeal to drivers who prefer its distinct handling characteristics over the Santa Fe's Front Wheel Drive.

Pros & cons

Hyundai Santa Fe

Pros

  • Exceptional trunk capacity (1,036 L)
  • Faster acceleration (0-100 km/h in 8 seconds)
  • Higher maximum horsepower (up to 272 hp)
  • Lighter kerb weight (starts at 1,605 kg)
  • Higher top speed (up to 210 km/h)

Cons

  • Less fuel-efficient at its best (8.5 L/100km)
  • No Rear Wheel Drive option
  • Potentially narrower trim/price range (price listed as 0 BHD)

Kia Sorento

Pros

  • More fuel-efficient option (as low as 7.8 L/100km)
  • Available Rear Wheel Drive
  • Broader trim and price range (up to 14,850 BHD)

Cons

  • Significantly smaller trunk capacity (320 L)
  • Slower acceleration (starts at 8.7 seconds)
  • Lower maximum horsepower (up to 268 hp)
  • Lower top speed (up to 200 km/h)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which SUV has more cargo space, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers significantly more cargo space with a massive 1,036 litres of trunk capacity. In contrast, the Kia Sorento provides 320 litres. For shoppers prioritizing hauling capability and family trips, the Santa Fe is the superior choice.

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento better for performance?

The Hyundai Santa Fe generally offers better performance, with a quicker 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 8 seconds and a higher top speed of 210 km/h. Its engine can also produce up to 272 hp. The Kia Sorento is slightly less brisk, making the Santa Fe the better option for those seeking a more dynamic drive.

Which is more fuel-efficient, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?

The Kia Sorento has a more fuel-efficient option, achieving as low as 7.8 L/100km, compared to the Santa Fe's best of 8.5 L/100km. If fuel economy is a top priority, the Sorento's more efficient variants will offer better savings at the pump.

What are the main differences in driving dynamics between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento?

The primary difference lies in their available drivetrains. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers Front Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive, while the Kia Sorento provides All Wheel Drive or a Rear Wheel Drive option. Drivers who prefer the handling characteristics of RWD will find the Sorento more appealing, whereas the Santa Fe sticks to FWD/AWD.

Which car is better for a family, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento?

For families, the Hyundai Santa Fe often presents a stronger case, primarily due to its vastly superior trunk capacity of 1,036 litres. Both offer 7 seats, but the Santa Fe's ability to carry more luggage or gear makes it more practical for family outings and travel.