{
  "id": 15708850,
  "title": "I drove the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe for a week — here's the 3-row family SUV I recommend",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/i-drove-the-kia-sorento-and-hyundai-santa-fe-for-a-week-heres-the-3",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-20T06:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/vehicle-tech/i-drove-the-kia-sorento-and-hyundai-santa-fe-for-a-week-heres-the-3-row-family-suv-i-recommend"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "After testing the 2026 Kia Sorento X-Line SX-Prestige 2.5T AWD and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT 2.5T AWD for a week each, it becomes clear that only one mid-size three-row SUV stands out among the competition. Both vehicles boast similar specifications, including 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, fuel tanks holding 17.7 gallons, and horsepower ranging between 277 to 281. They also share fuel capacities of 17.7 gallons and feature similar fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and combined 23 mpg for the Kia Sorento, and 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and combined 21 mpg for the Hyundai Santa Fe. Both models come equipped with 17.7-gallon fuel tanks, 20-inch wheels, and a price tag under $50,000.\n\nDesign-wise, the Hyundai Santa Fe exudes a retro-futuristic charm with its boxy silhouette and bold H-shaped LED daytime running lights. However, the Kia Sorento takes the win in terms of overall appearance, with a more cohesive shape and styling cues borrowed from its larger siblings, the Telluride and EV9. The Sorento's high-mounted taillights, black exterior accents, and gloss-black 20-inch wheels give it a purposeful and premium look.\n\nFuel economy is another factor to consider. During the week-long test, the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT achieved a best short-distance fuel economy of 27.3 mpg, while the 2026 Kia Sorento X-Line SX-Prestige averaged 22.9 mpg across 181.1 miles. However, the Sorento outperforms the Santa Fe on long-distance runs, reaching a maximum of 28.6 mpg compared to the Santa Fe's 27.7 mpg. Despite the slight difference in fuel economy, the two vehicles are essentially neck and neck in terms of overall efficiency.\n\nWhen it comes to driving performance, both the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe excel in everyday drivability. They both feel agile and responsive when navigating tight parking spaces and crowded streets. Under the hood, both vehicles are equipped with a powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, with the Kia Sorento boasting a slightly higher horsepower of 281. Both models also offer Eco and Sport modes for customizable driving experiences, delivering quick acceleration even in their respective Eco modes.\n\nIn conclusion, after weighing all factors, the 2026 Kia Sorento X-Line SX-Prestige emerges as the recommended mid-size three-row SUV. Its stylish design, competitive fuel economy, and impressive driving performance make it the clear choice for families seeking a balance of affordability and utility.",
  "summary": "I put the 2026 Kia Sorento and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe to the test by driving them for a week each to grade their performance, design, fuel economy, comfort, and more.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}