The Bold Redesign: 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2026 Kia Sorento in Conway, AR

For families in Conway, choosing between the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Kia Sorento is a common decision. Both SUVs have three rows of seats and come from related brands, but they have grown into very different vehicles. While the Sorento keeps a traditional look, the 2026 Santa Fe uses a bold, boxy design that creates more room inside and a premium feel.

Whether you are driving the kids to school in Greenbrier, commuting into Little Rock, or heading to the Ozarks for the weekend, you need an SUV that handles daily life. At Chris Crain Hyundai, the new Santa Fe is the better choice for Arkansas families. This guide explains why.

Vehicle Comparison

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

Horsepower

277

AWD Availability

Available

Fuel Economy / Range

20 city/28 hwy/23 combined MPG mpg (city/hwy)

Seating Capacity

7

Top Features

• Hyundai SmartSense
• Available Dual Wireless Device Charging
• 12.3-inch Infotainment Touchscreen

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2026 Kia Sorento

Horsepower

281

AWD Availability

Available

Fuel Economy / Range

20 city/27 hwy/23 combined MPG mpg (city/hwy)

Seating Capacity

7

Top Features

• Kia Drive Wise
• Premium Sound System
• Dual Panoramic Displays

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Design and Style

The most significant difference between these two is how they look on the road. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has a square shape and unique H-shaped lights. This design helps it stand out in any parking lot in Vilonia or Mayflower. The flat back isn’t just for style; it widens the trunk opening, making it easier to load heavy gear like coolers or strollers.

The 2026 Kia Sorento has a more rounded, traditional SUV shape. It is shorter and narrower than the Santa Fe. While this might make it slightly easier to park in tight spots, it doesn’t have the same high-end look or “road presence” as the Santa Fe.

Driving and Comfort

On the road, the 2026 Santa Fe focuses on a smooth and steady ride. For 2026, Hyundai updated the transmission to a traditional eight-speed automatic. This makes driving in stop-and-go traffic on Harkrider Street feel much smoother.

The Kia Sorento feels a bit sportier and stiffer. While it is easy to handle, it can feel more like a large car than a sturdy SUV. The Santa Fe has a broader base, which helps it feel more stable on the highway, especially when it’s windy on I-40.

Interior Space and Comfort

Inside the cabin, the Santa Fe feels much larger than the Sorento. Hyundai designed the interior to feel like a modern living room.

• 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe: Offers 79.6 cubic feet of total cargo space and 30.0 inches of legroom in the third row.
• 2026 Kia Sorento: Has 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space and 29.6 inches of third-row legroom.

The Santa Fe’s square roof means you have more room for tall items. It also has a special center console that opens from the front and the back. This means passengers in the second row can reach into the storage bin just as easily as the driver.

Technology and Features

Both SUVs are full of tech, but the Santa Fe offers more convenience.

• Technology (Hyundai): The Santa Fe features a large Panoramic Curved Display with two 12.3-inch screens. It also offers a UV-C cleaning tray in the glovebox to sanitize your phone and two wireless chargers so the driver and passenger can both charge at once.
• Technology (Kia): The Sorento also has two 12.3-inch screens, but it lacks the dual chargers and the cleaning tray found in the Hyundai.

Both vehicles come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to help you navigate to Morrilton or play your favorite music.

Safety Systems

Safety is very important for Arkansas families. Both SUVs come with excellent safety tech.

• Safety (Hyundai): Every Santa Fe comes with Hyundai SmartSense. This includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping help. Higher trims also have Highway Driving Assist 2, which helps the car stay centered and safe during long trips.
• Safety (Kia): The Sorento has a similar system called “Drive Wise.” It includes blind-spot monitoring and braking help. However, the Santa Fe’s newer sensors are often smoother when traffic gets heavy.

Power and Performance

The Santa Fe gives you more power right from the start.

• 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe: Every model comes with a 2.5L Turbocharged engine that makes 277 horsepower. It also offers HTRAC All-Wheel Drive and can tow up to 4,500 pounds.
• 2026 Kia Sorento: The base Sorento has a much weaker 191-horsepower engine. If you want the same power as the Santa Fe, you have to pay more for a higher trim level. The Sorento can also tow up to 4,500 pounds if you buy the right model.

The Santa Fe gives you the best engine without making you pay for the most expensive trim level.

Value for the Money

In Conway, the Santa Fe offers significant value. You get a powerful engine, a vast interior, and a hands-free trunk that opens automatically when your hands are full. You don’t have to buy the most expensive version to get a great vehicle.

The Verdict: Why the Santa Fe Wins in Conway

The 2026 Kia Sorento is a good SUV, but the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the better fit for most families in the Conway Area.

With more standard power, a larger interior, and more modern features, the Santa Fe is ready for everything from the daily commute to a long road trip. It feels like a luxury vehicle but stays at a practical price point. For drivers in Maumelle or Greenbrier, the Santa Fe is the smartest choice for long-term value.

FAQs

1. Which SUV has more room for groceries and gear?

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has more room, offering 79.6 cubic feet of space compared to 75.5 in the Sorento. Its square shape also makes it easier to fit big boxes.

2. Is the Santa Fe faster than the Sorento?

Yes, at the base level. The Santa Fe starts with 277 horsepower, while the base Sorento has only 191. You have to pay extra to get a faster engine in the Kia.

3. Can both SUVs handle snow or dirt roads?

Yes. Both offer All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD is great for staying safe on slippery Arkansas roads.

Ready to see the new Santa Fe for yourself?

Check out our New Inventory! 

Schedule a Test Drive today.

Visit Chris Crain Hyundai in Conway today to find the perfect SUV for your family.

Tags: 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2026 Kia Sorento, 2026 Santa Fe, 2026 Sorento, Chris Crain Hyundai, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai SUV
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