2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe provided an initial impression that was less than stellar due to its new XRT treatment. Critics suggested that a suspension lift and more aggressive tires would have better convinced as off-road enhancements. Side steps, while useful for roof rack access, often impeded entry and exit and reduced off-roading angles. Without regular use of the roof rack, many recommended skipping the XRT package and its superficial enhancements.

The Santa Fe’s XRT trim was one of five gasoline options available in 2022, also offered were Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid versions. Parked between the lower SE and SEL trims and the higher turbocharged Limited and Calligraphy trims, the XRT included a decent equipment package for its price starting at $34,095, inclusive of the $1,295 destination charge. Our test model, painted in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, lacked visual contrast and evoked a monochromatic black-and-white image. This test vehicle’s MSRP was $35,940 with AWD and optional floor mats.

Despite the simplicity of its interior compared to the upscale Limited or Calligraphy trims, the XRT showed thoughtful design and quality for its price point. Bright interior patterns made it a pleasant cabin to occupy, though it did not exude the luxury found in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento impressed with its stylish and commanding X-Line treatment, elevating its design through rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black body cladding, raised suspension, and robust roof rails. The X-Line package was available on the S and EX trims and our SX Prestige test model, which started at $45,310 including a $1,215 destination charge.

Even without opting for the high-cost versions, the Sorento maintained an aesthetic of quality across all trims. With LX trim starting at $29,590, buyers could still capture the essence of the Sorento’s stylish and strategic design without the premium price tag. Our test model, decked out in extra-cost Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather, felt luxurious and robust, thanks to well-chosen materials and exceptional attention to detail.

Despite the high price point, customers could enjoy significant value and quality even in a base Sorento, ensuring excellent overall satisfaction.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled under nearly two tons of curb weight, making it a lackluster performer in quick accelerations but adequate for reaching highway speeds and cruising comfortably. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine in Limited and Calligraphy trims offered a substantial 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.

The Santa Fe’s eight-speed automatic transmission handled shifts with competence using simple pushbutton controls. With driving modes like Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, as well as an AWD lock for lower speeds, the vehicle adapted to a variety of driving conditions. However, the standard engine fell short in high-demand scenarios, such as climbing hills or rapid acceleration out of corners.

Fuel efficiency was a mixed bag. Our test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg on a Southern California loop, against the EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The turbocharged variants promised the same EPA efficiency with superior performance, while hybrid models offered even more impressive fuel economy figures between 32 and 34 mpg in combined driving.

The Santa Fe garnered praise for its ride quality and quiet cabin, even over rougher pavements. Nevertheless, occasional bounciness and stiffness were noted, detracting from an otherwise commendable driving experience. Although the XRT avoided off-road testing due to its cosmetic nature, past models showed it had potential that the XRT did not fully capitalize on.

Kia’s 2022 Sorento, however, pivoted away from its base engine’s lackluster 191 horsepower and segmented this powertrain to the LX and S trims only. The EX trim onwards boasted a 281-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine paired with 311 pound-feet of torque, delivering a thrilling experience much more satisfying than the Telluride V6’s 262 pound-feet of torque.

This powertrain shifted with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, better aligning with the Sorento’s sporty nature. Despite an AWD-equipped Sorento achieving a 0-60 mph sprint in approximately 7.5 seconds, the SUV embodied an energetic sensation complemented by superior torque distribution and polished suspension tuning.

The SX Prestige X-Line added a sense of refinement with 20-inch alloy wheels and high-traction tires, enhancing its compliance and composure over various terrains. On twisty paths like those in the Santa Monica Mountains, Sorento surprised with its capability and poise, a considerable feat given its higher center of gravity from a raised suspension.

Even with higher-than-expected fuel consumption (averaging 20.5-20.7 mpg against an EPA estimate of 24 mpg combined), the turbo Sorento presented a balance between thrilling performance and manageable efficiency.

The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT’s interior featured a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and rear air conditioning vents. While its eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, adorned in stain-resistant fabric, ensured comfort and durability, the XRT lacked refinement in passenger accommodation without a height-adjustable front passenger seat.

Rear-seat accommodations stood out in the Santa Fe, providing ample room for families, comfort, and practical features such as side-window shades, generous legroom, USB charging ports, and rear air conditioning vents.

In storage, the Santa Fe offered 36.4 cubic feet of space behind its rear seats, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet when the rear seats folded flat, enhancing its versatility for carrying cargo or luggage.

Kia Sorento’s interior reflected a luxurious concept marred only by its Rust-colored leather upholstery, yet the SX Prestige offered unparalleled comfort with its 14-way power driver’s seat, 10-way adjustable passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. Despite the attractive design and thoughtful features, the Sorento’s third-row seating fell short in comfort and space, limiting its practicality for adult passengers.

However, for cargo management, the Sorento outpaced the Santa Fe, with 12.6 cubic feet of space folding out to 38.5 cubic feet when the third row was down, and a total of 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats folded flat. This expanded cargo space made the Sorento flexible and convenient for various storage needs, further enhanced by practical touches like the “Smart” power tailgate for ease of loading and unloading.

The Santa Fe XRT’s technology featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and Bluelink connected services. Users appreciated the system’s simplicity, responsive design, and elimination of unnecessary wires due to wireless connectivity. Upgraded infotainment systems in higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with enhanced features and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

Kia’s technology suite in the Sorento highlighted a distinct step up from its base trim 8-inch infotainment system to a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen across other models. However, wired smartphone integration for the larger screen stood in contrast to the wireless capabilities of the smaller display. Despite their extensive applications, Kia’s voice recognition systems did not match the efficiency of Hyundai’s, meriting some differentiation in user experience.

Exclusive to the SX Prestige X-Line trim, a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system enhanced the promising tech features, coupled with wireless smartphone charging starting at EX trim. These features amped up the sensory appeal and operational convenience for the driver and passengers alike.

The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT upheld safety with the Hyundai SmartSense suite, comprising forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. The inclusion of a unique Junction Turning Detection system and Safe Exit Assist, plus an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system, enhanced the vehicle’s safety measures.

Hyundai’s Bluelink services provided real-time safety alerts and emergency functions, making it ideal for parents of teenage drivers. The Santa Fe maintained stellar safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA except for a four-star rollover resistance score.

Similarly, the Kia Sorento’s safety features were robust, packaged under Kia Drive Wise and featuring rear-seat reminder systems, Junction Assist, Blind View Monitor, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The latter, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aid, proved highly effective.

Sorento’s standard across-range safety technology, added to its IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and NHTSA’s four-star overall rating, reinforced the vehicle’s credibility and assurances for driver and passenger security.