If you're shopping for a new SUV in Chicago, two strong contenders are the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Kia Sportage. Both deliver style, tech and value-yet they meet different needs.
The Santa Fe brings three-row seating for up to seven passengers and a more powerful turbocharged engine. The Sportage is a two-row, five-passenger SUV with excellent fuel economy and a compact footprint that makes city driving and parking easier.
Quick Comparison
| Category | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2026 Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 3 rows - up to 7 passengers | 2 rows - up to 5 passengers |
| Engine (std) | 2.5L Turbo - 277 hp | 2.5L I4 - 187 hp |
| Fuel economy (EPA est.) | 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway | 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway |
| Towing (max w/brakes) | 3,500 lbs | 2,500 lbs |
| Passenger volume | 152.0 cu ft | 129.3 cu ft |
These are manufacturer figures. Contact our dealership for exact trims and options.
Which One Fits Your Life?
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if you need more space, extra seating or stronger towing capability. It's ideal for growing families and drivers who value comfort and capability on longer trips outside Chicago.
Choose the Kia Sportage if you spend most of your time in the city and want a stylish, fuel-efficient SUV that's easier to park and maneuver. The Sportage offers modern styling and tech while saving at the pump.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Kia Sportage Exterior Design
The Santa Fe is the larger SUV, offering a longer wheelbase and greater overall dimensions-translating into more interior room and cargo capacity. Standard exterior features include 18-inch alloy wheels, heated power-folding mirrors and a Hands-Free Smart Liftgate.
The Sportage is more compact (easier for tight city streets and garages) and starts with 17-inch alloy wheels; upgrades such as a power liftgate are available. The Sportage emphasizes a futuristic, modern look that stands out in urban settings.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Kia Sportage Performance
The Santa Fe's 2.5L turbocharged engine produces stronger horsepower and torque, making it the better option when performance or towing matters. It's paired with an 8-speed automatic and offers higher towing ratings-up to 3,500 lbs with trailer brakes.
The Sportage uses a naturally aspirated 2.5L I4 that prioritizes fuel economy while still providing confident everyday driving. Both models offer automatic transmissions, but the Sportage's EPA estimates (25 city / 33 highway) are notably better for commuters.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Kia Sportage Interior & Cargo
Inside, the Santa Fe's three-row layout and optional second-row captain's chairs give it a clear advantage for families. Cargo volume behind the first row reaches up to 79.6 cubic feet, and overall passenger volume measures about 152 cubic feet.
The Sportage provides a comfortable two-row cabin with generous legroom in both rows and up to 74.6 cubic feet of cargo behind the first row-impressive for a compact SUV.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Kia Sportage Tech & Convenience Features
Tech is an essential part of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Kia Sportage. Both SUVs comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Wireless Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay®, and a 6-speaker audio system. The key difference is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe comes has rear seat quiet mode, a Bose® premium audio system with 12 speakers, High power USB charge ports (2 front, 2 rear), dual wireless device charging, ambient interior lighting, and an underfloor storage tray. In short, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers more advanced tech-features than the 2026 Kia Sportage.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Kia Sportage Safety & Security
When it comes down to safety, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Kia Sportage are both IIHS TOP Safety Picks. And for good reasons. Both vehicles have performed well in multiple crash tests. Not to mention both vehicles come standard with a wide range of active and passive safety features including:
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
- Parking Distance Warning - Forward/Reverse (PDW - F/R)
- Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
- Lane Following Assist (LFA)
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Kia Sportage:Final Verdict
After taking a close look at the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Kia Sportage, we've found that both vehicles offer a unique driving experience. For instance, if you need more room and power, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is for you. Not only is it a better pick for families seeking more room, but it also offers more tech. The 2026 Kia Sportage on the other hand is a better fit for driving seeking a comfortable fuel-efficient crossover SUV that's easy maneuver.
Ready to See Them in Person?
Both SUVs offer strong value-your ideal choice comes down to priorities: seating & space vs. compact efficiency. Visit our Chicago dealership to test drive the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe. Our sales team can compare trims, pricing and incentives so you leave with the right SUV for your lifestyle.
Ultimate SUV Showdown: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Kia Sportage
Find Out Which SUV Has What It Takes To Be King Of The Ring
There's nothing quite like driving a new SUV that understands the value capability, versatility, and utility. Take the new Hyundai Santa Fe. Since the beginning, this sport utility vehicle has been helping families take their adventure further. Today, the Santa Fe continues this tradition completely refined interior design and performance features. To show you how far this new Hyundai SUV has come, we have decided to pair the Santa Fe vs. Sportage.
With both of these sport utility vehicles sharing a powerful yet fuel-efficient 2.4-liter 4-Cylinder Engine, you can see the true power of the new Hyundai Santa Fe. Not to mention, you will also have an opportunity to see how much more room the Hyundai Santa Fe has than the Kia Sportage.
Are you ready? Let's get started!
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Dealer not responsible for typographical errors. Pictures are for illustration purposes only. All vehicles subject to prior sales. See dealer for details. MSRP may not be price at which vehicle is sold in trade area. New car prices include applicable manufacturer incentives in lieu of special financing. Plus tax, title, license & $367.70 doc fee. 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. Contact dealer for additional information. New vehicle MPGs are EPA’s estimated highway MPG’s. New vehicle MPGe/EPA Range Rating are based on EPA Range Rating. See dealer for copy of limited warranty. Used car prices plus tax, title, license & $367.70 doc fee. Used car MPG claims are based on EPA estimated city and highway ratings when vehicle was new. Used vehicle MPGe/EPA Range Rating are based on EPA Range Rating when vehicle was new. Consumers actual mileage will vary. The value of used vehicles varies with mileage, usage and condition. Book values should be considered estimates only.
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