2026 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Families comparing 2026 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe want three-row utility, confident winter traction, and modern tech that is easy to use every day. At Prestige Auto, we focus on those essentials because that is what matters on school runs, weekend trailheads, and longer drives through the Northwoods. Both SUVs now present bold, squared-off profiles and roomy cabins, but Sorento’s available X-Pro equipment, smart-liftgate convenience, and adventure-ready tuning push it ahead for buyers who want capability without complexity. You will find available 24-in. total combined Panoramic Displays, Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Wireless Android Auto™, and an available Full Display Digital Rearview Mirror that keeps sightlines clear when the cargo area is full. The Santa Fe leans into its “H” lighting signature and upscale amenities, yet Sorento counters with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive with Terrain Mode and up to 4,500 pounds of towing when properly equipped. If you are shopping in Eau Claire, WI or coming from Chippewa Falls and Menomonie, our team will help you select the configuration that fits your family’s needs and confidently explain why Sorento checks more boxes for Upper Midwest life.
| Feature | Sorento (2026) | Santa Fe (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 3rd-row seating | Yes | Yes |
| Available 2nd-row captain’s chairs | Yes | Yes |
| Approx. 24-in combined dual panoramic displays w/ Navigation | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Power Liftgate w/ Auto Close | Yes | No |
| Torque-vectoring AWD w/ Terrain Mode | Yes | No |
| Full Display Digital Rearview Mirror | Yes | Yes |
| 360° Surround View Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Blind-Spot View Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| 4,500-lb towing capacity | Yes | Yes |
| X-Pro grade with blackout design & all-terrain tires | Yes | No |
Exterior - Kia Dealer serving Eau Claire, WI
Both SUVs embrace confident, geometric styling, but Sorento’s details signal a purposeful approach. The X-Pro grade brings all-terrain tires, unique front and rear fascias with high-utility roof rails, matte black finish wheels, embossed front seats, black badges, and a blackout exterior look that communicates readiness for trailheads and snow-packed side streets alike. Paints, including Wolf Gray, complement the athletic stance, while an available panoramic sunroof with power sunshade brightens the cabin from the first row to the third. The available hands-free Smart Power Liftgate w/ Auto Close is a daily difference-maker — it senses the key, opens automatically, and then auto-closes when the key is no longer nearby, ensuring the cargo area is secured without juggling keys or buttons. Santa Fe’s “H” lighting signature and long, tall profile are striking, and its rugged XRT styling cues and additional ground clearance are welcome. Still, Sorento’s available blackout cues, practical tie-downs, and attention to trail-friendly details present a more cohesive adventure package for drivers who split time between pavement and gravel — especially here in Eau Claire, WI, where winter and weekend plans often collide.
Interior - 2026 Kia Sorento in Eau Claire, WI
The cabin delivers the flexibility modern families expect. The 2026 Kia Sorento makes three-row seating standard, with a one-touch slide for easy third-row access and an available second-row captain’s chair setup designed for all-day comfort. Available heated and ventilated front seats, available heated second-row seats, and an available heated steering wheel help tailor the interior to Wisconsin winters, while available acoustic laminated front-row glass helps keep the cabin quiet. The highlight for many drivers is the available Dual Panoramic Displays with Navigation that offer approximately 24 inches of combined screen space, with Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Wireless Android Auto™ to simplify everyday connections. The available Bose® 12-speaker system immerses everyone in rich audio, and the available Smart Power Liftgate w/ Auto Close makes hands full a non-issue. Sorento’s thoughtful storage — from large console bins to easy-fold second and third rows — supports bulky gear without sacrificing passenger space. Materials range from Black Woven Cloth Seat Trim to genuine leather seat trim with available premium suede headliner. If you manage car seats or tall teens, this layout in the 2026 Kia Sorento feels intuitive the first time you climb in.
Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Santa Fe Mechanical Specs
Confidence starts under the hood. Sorento X-Pro models combine 8.2 inches of ground clearance with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and Terrain Mode, giving useful traction tools when pavement ends or storms roll through. The Terrain Mode selector teams with the AWD system to tune throttle mapping and power distribution for conditions, while the suspension and tire package balance ride quality with control on rougher surfaces. An available 360° Surround View Monitor helps in tight trailhead lots, and available side parking sensors join standard front and rear parking sensors to keep low-speed maneuvering stress low. Santa Fe counters with HTRAC AWD and a chassis that feels solid over long distances, plus available Surround View Monitor and rugged trim tuning on XRT. Yet, Sorento’s mechanical mix — torque-vectoring logic, practical ground clearance, and those X-Pro all-terrain tires — adds a level of composed capability drivers appreciate when snow ruts, slush, and gravel are part of the weekly routine. At Prestige Auto, our product specialists, in Eau Claire, WI, demonstrate Terrain Mode and parking tech on local streets, so you feel how these systems work before you ever leave the lot.
Powertrain - Kia Dealership in Eau Claire, WI
Performance comes from an available turbocharged engine rated at 281 hp, backed by a powertrain tuned for towing and passing with confidence. Properly equipped, Sorento X-Pro offers up to 4,500 pounds of towing capacity, ideal for small boats, pop-up campers, or utility trailers. Throttle response is decisive without feeling abrupt, and the AWD calibration pairs well with the turbo’s torque for smooth launches on slick surfaces. Santa Fe lists a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder at 277 hp and also offers 4,500-lb towing on select trims, delivering similar headline figures. Where the difference emerges is in the breadth of adventure-focused configuration — Sorento’s available all-terrain tires and torque-vectoring AWD work in tandem with its towing hardware to instill confidence when boat launches or wet gravel enter the equation. The 2026 Kia Sorento further streamlines road trips with the available Full Display Digital Rearview Mirror, keeping the rearward view clear even when cargo rides high. For shoppers who want an efficient daily commute matched to authentic weekend capability, this powertrain and drivetrain suite strike a persuasive balance.
Safety - Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Santa Fe
Advanced driver assistance comes standard and scales smartly. Sorento includes standard Auto Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist, Car, and Junction Turning Detection, with available Evasive Steering Assist for added support. Available Highway Driving Assist 2 helps manage speed, following distance, lane centering, and can assist with steering during signaled lane changes, while available Blind-Spot View Monitor displays a live feed in the digital gauge cluster. The available 360° Surround View Monitor enhances awareness in tight spots, and standard Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist provides an extra set of eyes in crowded lots. Santa Fe’s Hyundai SmartSense suite is robust, offering Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and available Highway Driving Assist or HDA 2 on upper trims, plus available Remote Smart Parking Assist. Feature for feature, both SUVs earn high marks, but Sorento’s blend of accessible tech and clear interface design reduces learning curves — especially helpful for households sharing driving duties. When you visit us in Eau Claire, WI, our team will walk you through these technologies hands-on, ensuring settings, alerts, and displays match your preferences before you take the first drive home.
Request more 2026 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe in Eau Claire, WI information
When the comparison is 2026 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, the details tip the scales. Sorento’s available torque-vectoring AWD with Terrain Mode, practical Smart Power Liftgate w/ Auto Close, trail-ready X-Pro equipment, and available 24-in. total combined Panoramic Displays align to deliver daily convenience and weekend readiness in one package. Santa Fe is a strong competitor with a striking design and rich feature set, yet Sorento’s cohesive focus on usability — from easy third-row access to a clean, intuitive infotainment layout — is the advantage our customers notice most. At Prestige Auto, our product experts will help you tailor seating, traction, and towing options to your routine so you leave with confidence. If your search starts here in Eau Claire, WI and spans neighboring communities, you will find our inventory, guidance, and after-sale support set the tone for an easy ownership experience. For families who juggle school, gear, and getaways, Sorento is the three-row that feels ready on day one — a decisive edge in the 2026 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe matchup.
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