2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Kia Sorento near Hastings, NE
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Kia Sorento
Choosing between two well-known three-row SUVs often comes down to everyday usability, confidence-inspiring tech, and how thoughtfully each brand solves real family needs. In that spirit, this 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Kia Sorento comparison focuses on features and capabilities that matter daily—spacious packaging, smart driver assistance, effortless loading, and long-haul comfort. SANTA FE stands out with its bold design, standard three-row layout, available HTRAC All Wheel Drive, and family-first innovations like the C-pillar assist handle for roof access, available dual wireless device charging, and available Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA). Sorento counters with a capable lineup including available AWD with Terrain Mode, helpful camera tech, and its own premium touches. At Hyundai of Grand Island, we keep the emphasis on how these strengths translate to simpler, safer, and more rewarding ownership, especially for shoppers near Hastings, NE. As a regional hub for families from St. Paul and Central City, our team understands how Nebraska roads, weather, and schedules challenge a vehicle—so we highlight what turns a good SUV into a great one for your household.
| Feature | 2026 Hyundai SANTA FE | 2026 Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Three-row seating (standard) | Yes | Yes |
| Available HTRAC All Wheel Drive | Yes | No |
| 4,500-lb. towing (when properly equipped) | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) | Yes | No |
| Full-Display Digital Rearview Mirror | Yes | Yes |
| Dual wireless device charging | Yes | No |
| Surround View Monitor (360-degree view) | Yes | Yes |
| Blind-Spot View Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Nappa leather seating surfaces | Yes | No |
| C-pillar assist handle for roof access | Yes | No |
Exterior - Hyundai Dealer serving Hastings, NE
The SANTA FE’s long, upright stance and “H” motif signature LED lighting create a confident, unmistakable presence. Functional design touches bring the outdoors in—open the hands-free smart liftgate with auto open and fold the seats to turn tailgate moments into lasting memories. Hyundai designers also integrated a clever C-pillar assist handle, giving you a higher step when loading gear on the roof and a handhold that makes rooftop access feel secure. On upper trims, bold wheel designs and available 21-inch alloys elevate curb appeal without sacrificing utility. Sorento’s design language takes a rugged-modern route with its X-Pro blackout cues, matte-black wheels, and off-road-inspired details. Both SUVs present strong personalities, but SANTA FE’s blend of signature lighting front and rear, long roofline for gear, and practical touches like the assist handle give it an advantage for families who need both style and substance. Whether you’re parked at the field or packed for a cross-state drive, the Hyundai design looks upscale and feels engineered for real-world use, which is a meaningful edge when your week includes everything from commutes to camping.

Interior - 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe near Hastings, NE
Inside, the SANTA FE thoughtfully embraces the three-row brief with space that feels open and useful, plus upscale details typically reserved for larger luxury SUVs. Available second-row captain’s chairs create an easy pass-through to the third row. The center console with front-and-back opening improves access for both rows, and available Nappa leather-trimmed seating surfaces and a relaxation function for the driver seat underscore its premium positioning. Tech is elegantly integrated with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, a hi-res 12.3-inch touchscreen with available navigation, Bluelink+, and an available Full-Display Digital Rearview Mirror. Families benefit from available dual wireless device charging and multiple USB ports that help keep everyone powered. Sorento brings a compelling approach as well, with available 24-inch total combined Panoramic Displays, available heated and ventilated seating, and an available Smart Power Liftgate with Auto Close. The key difference near Hastings, NE is day-to-day convenience—the SANTA FE’s available dual wireless device charging means two phones can charge side by side, and the cabin’s ergonomic storage solutions make school drop-off, weekend tournaments, and grocery runs feel less like a juggling act and more like a smooth routine.

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento Mechanical Specs
Versatility stems from how the chassis and traction systems support your plans. The SANTA FE offers available HTRAC All Wheel Drive, tuned to help balance traction and agility, and the XRT trim adds all-terrain tires and additional ground clearance for dirt roads and trailheads. When properly equipped, the SANTA FE can tow up to 4,500 pounds, giving you a healthy margin for pop-up campers, small boats, or gear trailers. Hyundai also offers practical add-ons like an AC power outlet and thoughtful roof-access solutions via the C-pillar assist handle—small features that pay big dividends on active weekends. Sorento makes a strong case with available AWD with Terrain Mode, 8.2 inches of ground clearance in X-Pro, and a matching 4,500-pound max tow rating when properly equipped. Where the SANTA FE pulls ahead is in how cohesively its features are integrated to simplify adventures—loading, charging, towing, and stepping up all feel a touch easier. At Hyundai of Grand Island, we see those daily wins matter most to owners who carry kids, pets, and equipment throughout the seasons.

Powertrain - Hyundai Dealership near Hastings, NE
Power is only as good as its delivery, and here both SUVs come to the table with robust engines. The SANTA FE’s turbocharged 2.5-liter delivers ample horsepower for merging, passing, and towing, with response that remains composed at highway speeds and confident on back roads. For shoppers who want brawn reimagined for efficiency-focused performance, SANTA FE Hybrid adds an electrified edge without complicating life, blending smooth torque with familiar driving manners. Sorento’s available 281-hp turbocharged engine provides spirited performance and pairs well with its available torque-vectoring AWD and Terrain Mode. The decisive benefit for many families comes down to how the whole system works day after day: SANTA FE’s drivability feels balanced, predictable, and calm, even when loaded with passengers and cargo. That refined demeanor is reinforced by quietness and tuning that minimize fatigue on long drives, which can make a noticeable difference on your way to and from school events, weekend games, or seasonal getaways.
Safety - Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento
Hyundai SmartSense embeds an impressive list of standard and available driver-assistance systems across the SANTA FE lineup. Highlights include Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, while upper trims add Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist or Highway Driving Assist 2. Advanced Rear Occupant Alert on most trims uses overhead sensors and can send alerts through Bluelink+, enhancing peace of mind in ways that resonate with families. Sorento mirrors several core capabilities with Auto Emergency Braking, available Blind-Spot View Monitor, available 360 Surround View Monitor, and available Highway Driving Assist 2. Still, SANTA FE’s breadth of assistance, the availability of RSPA, and comprehensive enhancements on top trims deliver tangible advantages when parking in tight quarters or commuting through busy corridors near Hastings, NE. Our team at Hyundai of Grand Island will guide you through how these systems work together, ensuring you choose the configuration that fits your daily routes and driving style.
Request more 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Kia Sorento near Hastings, NE information
When you weigh the details that make family life easier over time, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Kia Sorento matchup favors the SANTA FE for its integrated usability, thoughtful touches, and comprehensive driver-assistance options. The “H” signature lighting, C-pillar assist handle, available dual wireless device charging, available Remote Smart Parking Assist, and upscale materials show a clear commitment to comfort and convenience without sacrificing capability. Sorento remains a confident alternative, but the SANTA FE’s packaging advantages and day-to-day polish stand out for households that juggle a lot. We invite you to explore trims and features with our specialists at Hyundai of Grand Island and see how each choice supports your routines near Hastings, NE. From school runs to ski runs, the right SUV should make every mile feel easier—SANTA FE proves that premium, practical, and poised can live under one roof, and it is ready for your test drive near Hastings, NE today.
For In-Transit inventory, any date of arrival is estimated. The actual date of delivery may vary due to circumstances beyond Hyundai and the dealer’s control. Please contact your local Hyundai dealer for availability details.
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| Vehicle eligibility | 6 model years old and newer with 80k miles or less |
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| Vehicle inspection | 173-point inspection | 117-point inspection |
| Limited warranties |
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