2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line package, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. This package added features like rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and a lifted suspension, enhancing the SUV's already attractive design. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, came with all-wheel drive as standard and featured extras like Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310. Despite the high price, the Sorento exuded quality, from its leather upholstery to its solid cabin construction, making it feel like a great deal for buyers.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe maintained a more conservative exterior design, which was still attractive but less distinctive than some of Hyundai's other models. The Santa Fe continued with the same look as the previous year, offering five trim levels with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. Our test vehicle, a top-of-the-line Calligraphy AWD trim, featured Stormy Sea paint and a black interior, with a total MSRP of $45,845. The Santa Fe's cabin, while high-quality, was dark and monotone, though the Nappa leather seats provided comfort and style. The Santa Fe's design was functional, with a focus on comfort and practicality.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, starting with a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which was considered underwhelming. The more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available from the EX trim, delivered 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, making it a more enjoyable option. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, providing a lively driving experience. The Sorento's suspension was tuned for a balance of comfort and control, making it feel agile on winding roads. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging around 20.7 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe also offered a 2.5-liter engine, with the option of a turbocharger in the Limited and Calligraphy trims, boosting output to 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine provided immediate acceleration and smooth performance, with no noticeable turbo lag. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering. While the Santa Fe was not tested off-road, it offered a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds with the turbo engine. Overall, the Santa Fe's performance was competitive for its class, offering a comfortable and capable ride.

Inside the 2022 Kia Sorento, the cabin felt luxurious, with features like a 14-way power driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for comfort, with amenities like USB ports and rear air conditioning vents. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for occasional use. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down expanded the capacity to 38.5 cubic feet, and further to 75.5 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered generous rear-seat legroom of 41.7 inches and a competitive 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Folding the second row expanded the cargo area to 72.1 cubic feet. The Santa Fe's seats were comfortable, with features like an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats in higher trims. The Limited trim added conveniences like a power driver seat cushion extension and ventilated front seats. The Santa Fe's interior was well-equipped, though some drivers might find the seating position less than ideal.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and smartphone integration, though it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, but the graphics and colors might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line trim included a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, while wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, offering a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and wired smartphone integration in most trims. The Limited and Calligraphy trims included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with customizable settings and clear graphics. Voice recognition was mixed, performing well for navigation but less so for music and climate control commands. The Santa Fe also featured a digital key and wireless device charging.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came with Kia Drive Wise, offering a range of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The SX Prestige X-Line trim added a Blind View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Highway Driving Assist was standard on SEL and above trims. The Santa Fe earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high marks for crashworthiness and headlight performance.