Thanks for the corrections Mark! I agree that serious 3-row families are better served by the Telluride/Palisade, but the Sorento 3rd row is a nice bonus for occasional duty and is a pretty usable 3rd row in my opinion, especially for kids.

@@MattMaranMotoring I would really like to see a comparison of the Sorento and Santa Fe hybrids! For some reason, the Santa Fe Blue hybrid gets 36mpg city while the other Santa Fe hybrids only get 33mpg city. The only difference I’m aware of is the Blue trim has 17” tires while the others have 19” tires. Do you think that would make that much difference?

Good points, Mark. I'm especially puzzled by KIA's decision to drop driver seat memory, four way lumbar support, and the extensible thigh cushion from the Sorento, all features that were previously standard on the top SX Premium trim. I can understand the need for cost cutting here and there to pay for a new platform in the KIA, something that the Santa Fe currently lacks (but may be included in the next year's model.) but those features, especially driver seat memory, are likely to be sorely missed in a 'family" SUV with multiple drivers. By the way, the Sorento offers a wifi hotspot though whether it's 4G is a question I can't confirm. The Santa Fe's offer of 3 years free maintenance is definitely a plus, at least currently. If I were shopping I'd point that out to my KIA dealer and expect a significant concession on the Sorento as a result. All in all, if one compares the Santa Fe Calligraphy trim to the Sorento's SX Prestige X-Line version, each with an MSRP of over $43K including the unavoidable and ever increasing "destination fee" it's clear that Hyundai designers are aiming for a more budget "luxury" vibe while KIA is presenting a more "rugged" image. For example, the Sorento X-Line provides more ground clearance, 20" wheels and , beefier, more usable top rails for cargo. This "luxury" vs "rugged" vibe mirrors that of the Palisade versus the Telluride. As for the most obvious difference between the two vehicles, the existence of the Sorento's third row, I'd have to disagree with your assessment. In a rare example of marketing honesty KIA characterizes its 3rd row as "plus two" seating but compared to a number of other considerably larger midsize SUVs, it's not that cramped. To be sure the Sorento's 3rd row isn't especially generous but the 29.6" of default legroom is the same as the Mazda CX-9 and 2" more (!) than the Toyota Highlander. I suspect that most Sorento owners are like our family of four (2 adults, a teenage daughter, and a big dog). We seldom deploy the 3rd row but when we're transporting a gaggle of teenagers or taking a 6 or 7 passengers on a local journey that would otherwise require two vehicles, it's a HUGE convenience. The Telluride (and the Palisade for that matter) is an awesome vehicle but for the daily mission of errands and navigating the jungle of urban and suburban traffic, the size of the Sorento is a definitely plus. Finally, I prefer the Sorento's looks. Hyundai vehicles frequently strike me as "overstyled," as if once designers finish their work it's passed on to a committee charged with adding bulges and creases here, there, and everywhere. To be fair the Santa Fe suffers less from that treatment than some other Hyundai vehicles (Lookin' at you, Tucson and Palisade) but I prefer the overall look of the Sorento. Others, obviously, may differ.

Mark, I think the wheels do make a pretty big difference. The Blue model is a little more stripped down as well, so the slightly lighter weight can help too.

Thanks for the extra insight Stephen!

I sometimes do discuss the ambient lighting and show it in cars where it's notable to me. This had it, but there wasn't a lot of it so it didn't make much of an impression on me. But you're right, I should have still shown it briefly.

@@MattMaranMotoring Great review by the way I understand most of them are probably not worth discussing. I saw a hint of blue and wasn’t positive it had it or was a reflection. That’s what made me think to comment.

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! This one did have it on the center console and in the cubbies.

The Tucson N-Line is coming later this year with this engine!

@@devinblackburn7700 it won't have this engine. The n line will just be a appearance package.

"That's not a Buick!"

@@androiduberalles 😂😂👏🏼👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Thanks Robert, I'm glad you liked it!

Thanks Greg!

Congrats! I’ll be reviewing the 2022 in a few weeks.

Limited trim uses chrome grille+ flat black claddings on the fenders and lower portions of the bumpers+roof liner is not SUEDE+Leatherette seats (vynil) and no heads up display (HUD).

Correct, but I wish there was more customization than just 2 gauge styles.

@@MattMaranMotoring Matt - there are more than 2 gauge styles available in the display settings in the center screen. There is another style (which I like best) in addition to Comfort, Eco and Sport.

Ah okay, thanks Mark, I must have missed them!

Yeah the magic cubes display is amazing

I’m thinking about getting one but I have a feeing the MPG will suck. How much MPG are you averaging combined?

@@Xstream718 i seem to get about 24mpg whether i drive it in city and like i'm on the run or cruising on the highway for hours. 😂

@@bitkahuna oh ok 24MPG is not bad.. I don’t know Matt said 18MPG 😖

It’s either a 2022 Calligraphy or 2022 Tucson Limited Hybrid 🤷🏻‍♂️

@@Xstream718 i'm sure the tucson hybrid will have better mpg but then there's also a santa fe hybrid now too?

Yes

Sorento SX Prestige also lacks (in addition to the ones you mentioned above) rain sensing wipers, faux suede headliner, and second row sunshades. You hit the nail on the head, why pay more for the Sorento when you’re getting less features for the money, decision is clear for me (I like the look of both equally so that’s not an issue for me).

@@cjsgamingworld7568 Yea, and it’s not like I’m knocking those who pick the Sorento . Value is in the eye of the beholder. But yes, I definitely know with my younger kids the sunshades would be another checkmark for us. Guess it’s simply about perspective and preference.

Piano black trim isn't ideal, but all the other good things about the Sorento outweigh the cons in my mind.

Aside from the Santa Fe's easier to use touchscreen, the RDX feels just as fast to me and has far better handling.

@@MattMaranMotoring which would be a better daily. The Santa fe interior seems much nicer, but the type R power plant is solid and proven.

Thanks for watching Jazz!

Congrats!