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Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Forte - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (277 HP vs 201 HP), trunk space and price (34,300 $ vs 20,000 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Forte?

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Forte: Key differences

Hyundai Santa Fe

  • markedly more power
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Kia Forte

  • clearly cheaper
  • clearly more efficient
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Santa Fe

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Kia Forte is clearly cheaper – starting at 20,000 $ , while the Hyundai Santa Fe costs 34,300 $ . That’s a price difference of around 14,310 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Kia Forte performs clearly better – achieving 30 mpg, compared to 20 mpg for the Hyundai Santa Fe. That’s a difference of about 10 mpg.

Forte

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers markedly more power – delivering 277 HP compared to 201 HP. That’s roughly 76 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai Santa Fe delivers noticeably more torque with 311 lb-ft compared to 195 lb-ft. That’s about 116 lb-ft more.

Santa Fe

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Hyundai Santa Fe offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Hyundai Santa Fe has only a minor advantage in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $34,300
Santa Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 277 HP
Hyundai Santa Fe
Kia Forte

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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General

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Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe shows up like the family SUV that actually remembered to be cool, with adventurous styling and a cabin that feels built for road‑trip legends. It’s calm on the commute, confident on a light trail, and stacked with clever features and available hybrid power that make ownership feel more like a life hack than a compromise.

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Kia Forte

The Kia Forte stands out in the compact sedan segment with its stylish design and a surprisingly upscale interior for its class. It offers a smooth driving experience, combining efficiency with a comfortable ride, making it a great option for daily commutes or longer journeys. Inside, passengers are treated to a thoughtfully designed cabin with user-friendly technology and ample space.

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Hyundai Santa Fe
Kia Forte

Costs and Consumption

Price
34,300 - 48,700 $
Price
20,000 - 25,400 $
FuelEconomy City
19 - 20 mpg
FuelEconomy City
22 - 30 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 29 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
31 - 41 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
17.7 gal
Fuel tank capacity
14 gal

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
6 - 7
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
4,343 - 4,486 lbs
Curb weight
-
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
15.3 cu. ft.
Length
190.2 in.
Length
182.7 in.
Width
74.8 in.
Width
70.9 in.
Height
67 - 69 in.
Height
56 in.

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manual
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Drive Type
Front Wheel
Power HP
277 HP
Power HP
147 - 201 HP
Torque
311 lb-ft
Torque
132 - 195 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Engine Displacement
1.6 - 2 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
Kia
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.