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2024 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Kia Sorento: Which is best for Durham Families?

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento
Those who live in the Ontario-Durham region, enjoy a lively and family-oriented atmosphere—one that necessitates a dependable and roomy vehicle to traverse its active streets. Amid the continuously growing SUV market, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2024 Kia Sorento emerge as noteworthy options for families in search of comfort, safety, and adaptability in their ride. In the following blog, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two vehicles, shedding light on their distinctive features and advantages that render them particularly fitting for the specific requirements of family life in the Durham region. Exploring their capabilities and practical attributes, we aim to provide valuable insights for families considering these vehicles as their ideal companions on the roads of Durham.

Not you Mom’s SUVs
You can’t deny it— both the newly redesigned 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2024 Kia Sorento are making waves in the automotive world. That being said, just because these vehicles are great for families, doesn’t mean they have to look like a vehicle for families.

The new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe features a captivating redesign that commands a second glance. A drastic departure from its previous curvier aesthetics, this SUV adopts a distinct straight-edged, boxy appearance—a nostalgic nod to classic, rugged SUVs of the 80’s, while simultaneously presenting a futuristic twist through contemporary lighting elements at the front and rear. This amalgamation of old-school charm and forward-thinking design gives the 2024 Santa Fe a unique and eye-catching presence on the road. On the other hand, the 2024 Kia Sorento has undergone a minor facelift this year as well, showcasing a more assertive front half and adding an extra touch of sportiness, further enhancing its visual appeal and reflecting the latest trends in modern SUV design.

Interior Comfort and Space
If you have kids, you understand the importance of having plenty of space to move around and store everything your family may need along the way. The interior of both the New 2024 Santa Fe and the 2024 Kia Sorento prioritizes comfort and space—with ample legroom and configurable seating options, these SUVs were built to cater to growing families. But when it comes to size and cargo space, there’s a clear winner.

The redesigned 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe features a longer wheelbase and a squared-off rear end, focusing on maximizing cargo space. With an impressive storage area of 1,148 liters (40.5 cubic feet) of space behind the back seats, the 2024 Santa Fe is well-equipped to accommodate various cargo needs, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize practicality and ample storage capacity in their daily routine. The roofline maintains a minimal slope towards the back end of the SUV, and the tailgate appears nearly perpendicular, complemented by headlights and taillights incorporating an “H” pattern in their LED accents. This boxy design creates a spacious cabin, that feels roomy to anyone sitting in any row.

The previous year’s 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe comes exclusively in a two-row configuration—but the 2024 model introduces a foldable third row of seats, expanding the seating capacity to accommodate seven passengers. The interior receives a notable upgrade, featuring upscale elements such as Nappa leather, dual 31.2cm (12.3in) screens, and two wireless charging pads integrated into the center console. The Hyundai Santa Fe also makes it easy to load and unload with a wide 127.5cm (50.2in) opening at the back, with an available hands-free liftgate for extra convenience.  You’ll never have to fumble for your keys while holding three bags of groceries ever again—Without a doubt, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe sets the stage for a lifestyle that requires a dependable and spacious vehicle.

In contrast to the new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, the redesigned 2024 Kia Sorento offers a slightly smaller cargo space behind it’s third row, measuring at 1,090 liters (38.5 cubic feet). With a slightly rounder rear end, this could lead to a snugger feel for adults seated in the third row. While the Sorento falls just a little short of the Hyundai’s impressive storage capacity, it compensates with its own set of features, like attractive synthetic leather upholstery and sleek interior design. Additionally, the Sorento has a 26cm (10.25in) infotainment screen available, providing a modern and immersive experience for occupants. The Kia Sorento, with its distinctive attributes, offers a viable alternative for those seeking a balance between cargo versatility and cabin comfort.

Safety Features
Good looks and comfort aren’t everything. Safety is paramount, especially when transporting loved ones. Both the Santa Fe and the Sorento come equipped with advanced safety features. From adaptive cruise control to lane-keeping assistance, these SUVs provide a secure driving experience. Families in Durham can confidently navigate local roads, knowing that these vehicles prioritize the well-being of all it’s passengers.

When it comes to essential safety measures, your vehicle’s airbags play a crucial role. In the case of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe safety features, a notable enhancement has been made from last year’s model— Hyundai has increased the airbag count from 6 to 10, prioritizing this important, life-saving feature. This upgrade is designed to provide optimal protection in critical situations, with additions like second-row side, driver’s knee, and center-side airbags. Furthermore, there are two front, two side, and two curtain airbags, which now extend coverage to the third-row seats. Similarly, the 2024 Kia Sorento is equipped with two front airbags, two front side airbags, two rear side airbags, and two side curtain airbags, totaling 8 airbags. It’s evident that both of these SUVs prioritize the safety of you and your family in critical situations.

Of course, the safety precautions do not begin and end at just airbags. Hopefully, you’ll never even have to use those. Some of the state-of-the-art features you can expect from the New 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe are:

  • Rear Occupant Alert (ROA): After the Engine is turned off, a visual warning in the instrument panel cluster reminds you to check the rear seats before exiting.
  • Advanced Rear Occupant Alert (ROA): (Standard on SEL, XRT, and Calligraphy trims) Performs the same actions as ROA, in addition overhead sensors monitor the backseat area to minimize the risk of a child or pet accidentally left inside after the vehicle is parked and locked. If sensors detect movement, the horn may honk, lights flash, you will be sent an alert on your phone.
  • Safe Exit Assist (SEA): This feature is for when the vehicle is parked and it’s radars detect a vehicle approaching from behind. This feature can override attempts to deactivate the Electronic Child Safety Lock until it’s safe for your child to open the door.
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA): If you Hyundai detects a vehicle in your blind spot, it will alert you automatically and may steer you back into your lane.
  • Surround View Monitor (SVM): Camer views from the front, sides and rear of your Santa Fe, right on your dash.
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist and Junction-Turning Detection (FCA-Ped): When a vehicle of pedestrian is detected in you path, the system alerts you and may even brake automatically if you do not begin stopping in time.
  • Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go: While traveling at a set speed, it uses radar to help maintain a safe distance from the car ahead.

The 2024 Kia Sorento also has many notable Safety features as well. Some things you can expect with the new Kia Sorento are:

  • Rear Child Safety Door Locks Similarly to the Hyundai, this feature is for when the vehicle is parked and it’s radars detect a vehicle approaching from behind, keeping the doors locked so your child cannot exit until it’s safe.
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian and Vehicle Detection: Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist with Pedestrian and Vehicle Detection works independently of the driver in critical situations, applying the brakes to help prevent or lessen the effects of an imminent frontal collision with another vehicle or pedestrian.
  • Lane Departure Warning: The Lane Departure Warning is a camera-based system that monitors the position of your vehicle within its lane and helps warn you if it deviates from the lane.
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA): If there’s another vehicle in your blind spot, the system will help to alert you to it, and may help avoid a collision by actively moving your vehicle away from the adjacent vehicle. It can also provide helpful alerts while exiting a parallel parking spot.
  • Driver Attention Warning w/ Leading Vehicle Departure Alert: The system monitors the driver and will provide alerts if it senses the driver’s attention level has been significantly reduced.


Keeping the kiddos entertained with Infotainment and Connectivity
Modern families rely on advanced infotainment systems to keep everyone entertained and connected. The New Hyundai Santa Fe and the New Kia Sorento feature remarkable and cutting-edge technologies, ensuring every family ride is a delightful experience. With advanced features enhancing comfort and safety, these vehicles promise a thoroughly enjoyable journey for passengers. The integration of state-of-the-art technology in both models elevates the overall driving experience, making them ideal choices for families seeking a pleasurable and technologically advanced travel companion. They both have:

Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™
Nobody wants to ride in a silent car. Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ let you bring along many of your must-have apps, an ability to send texts via voice command, navigate the road, and play your favorite music & more.

USB & Wireless Charging

Both have eight standard USB outlets throughout all three rows to help keep everyone’s devices powered up. Additionally, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has two available integrated wireless chargers in the front while the Kia Sorento has only one.

Touchscreen Infotainment
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe introduces a driver-centric experience with its expansive 31cm (12.3in) infotainment screen, seamlessly integrating all your apps into an intuitive display. Effortlessly navigate through Durham while indulging in your favorite tunes, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey with advanced connectivity and entertainment features.

Alternatively, The 2024 Kia Sorento comes with a 26cm (10.25in) infotainment system. While not as large as the Hyundai Santa Fe’s, it still provides a user-friendly interface and enhanced connectivity options for a seamless and enjoyable driving experience.

Choosing the best SUV for Durham drivers’ and their families involves considering various factors, from design preferences to safety features, performance capabilities and everything in between. The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2024 Kia Sorento emerge as strong contenders, each with their unique strengths. Test drive both models and explore how they align with your family’s lifestyle and needs. Ultimately, the perfect SUV for Durham families is the one that enhances your
driving experience and accommodates the adventures that lie ahead.

If you’re on the hunt for a New Hyundai Santa Fe for sale in Durham, make sure to stop by Ontario Hyundai. Our dealership takes pride in offering a wide selection of the latest Hyundai New, Used, and Certified Pre-Owned models. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff is dedicated to providing excellent customer service, helping you find the perfect vehicle to suit the needs of you and your family. Visit us at Ontario Hyundai and explore the latest innovations and features that make the Hyundai Santa Fe a top choice for families in the Durham area.