I’m currently looking to buy an SUV and I’m torn between the 2025 Santa Fe HEV, Kia Sorento Hybrid, and a used 2022 BMW X3 M40i. All of them are priced the same, and I’m leaning toward the X3 because I’m into cars and the idea of having a lot of speed in an SUV sounds great. Does the Santa Fe offer anything the other two don’t? Are there any big downsides to it?
Two of these SUVs are quite different from the other. The Sorento and X3 are 5-seaters and have more power. They also have lower mileage and a more generic look. The X3 has a decent infotainment system, but it’s not the best. It’s a BMW though, which counts for something. Kia Sorento’s interior is more modern, if that matters. The Santa Fe is more ‘premium’ right now compared to the other two, and it’s a 7-seater, but with less power than the X3. It’s not a car meant to go fast. The interior is great, but the exterior design might be subjective. If you go with the Santa Fe, I’d suggest the Limited trim as it offers a lot of nice upgrades.
@Penn
The power specs for the Santa Fe and Sorento are a bit different. The Santa Fe has just a little more power, like +5 hp and +15 lb-ft.
Dru said:
@Penn
The power specs for the Santa Fe and Sorento are a bit different. The Santa Fe has just a little more power, like +5 hp and +15 lb-ft.
Got it, I misread the Sorento part. I did some research and chose the Santa Fe because the Sorento hybrid didn’t seem as powerful, and the Santa Fe offers more space and features.
@Penn
I found that the 2024 Santa Fe HEV had better throttle response compared to the 2023 model, and I’d imagine it’s the same for the Sorento HEV.
Dru said:
@Penn
I found that the 2024 Santa Fe HEV had better throttle response compared to the 2023 model, and I’d imagine it’s the same for the Sorento HEV.
I moved from a 2018 Tucson to the 2025 Santa Fe, and even though it’s a hybrid, it feels so much more powerful than the Tucson. I think they’ve improved the throttle response overall.
Dru said:
@Penn
The power specs for the Santa Fe and Sorento are a bit different. The Santa Fe has just a little more power, like +5 hp and +15 lb-ft.
Just to clarify, I’m talking about the Santa Fe Hybrid, which has 232 hp compared to the Sorento’s 281 hp.
@Penn
Yeah, but the OP is considering the hybrid Sorento. So in that case, the Sorento might have the edge in power.
River said:
@Penn
Yeah, but the OP is considering the hybrid Sorento. So in that case, the Sorento might have the edge in power.
Ah, got it. I missed that part. Thanks for pointing that out.
@Penn
No worries, we all miss details sometimes.
If you’re looking for something generic, don’t go for the Santa Fe. 
Zen said:
If you’re looking for something generic, don’t go for the Santa Fe.
I like the refresh, especially the rear design. It was one of the main reasons I’m leaning toward the Santa Fe. I think it’s the best looking option.
@Kiran
The rear is definitely stylish. You’ll get used to it! 
I’ve driven BMWs for 15 years, except for one AMG. I ended up trading my X3 M40i for a Santa Fe during Covid, since I wasn’t driving much. My Santa Fe was a Calligraphy trim, and it was actually better equipped than my fully loaded X3. I’ve since moved on to an Ioniq 5, but my wife now has a new Santa Fe. If you want performance, the X3 is the way to go. The Santa Fe has decent acceleration, but it’s not on the same level as the X3. If comfort is more important to you, then go for the Santa Fe.
@Vinnie
Thanks, that’s exactly the kind of insight I needed. I’m a tech person and the BMW’s tech doesn’t really compare to the Santa Fe. I also have an M340i and I’m worried the Santa Fe might feel sluggish in comparison.
If it’s between the Santa Fe and Sorento, I’d definitely go for the Santa Fe (which I did). If you’re comparing with a BMW, I’d recommend at least the Limited trim, if not the Calligraphy. The Santa Fe is a more practical option: it’s a new car, has a better warranty, better fuel efficiency, and is more reliable. If I’m spending $40k or more on a car, I want it to be brand new. But the Hyundai badge isn’t something to brag about in enthusiast circles, and the Santa Fe’s performance won’t blow you away. If you want to feel the performance and have some bragging rights, the BMW might be a better fit.
@Dara
Thanks for the input. I already have a BMW for fun. My only real concern with the Santa Fe is the lack of power, but aside from that, it’s superior in every other way to the other two.
Kiran said:
@Dara
Thanks for the input. I already have a BMW for fun. My only real concern with the Santa Fe is the lack of power, but aside from that, it’s superior in every other way to the other two.
Have you test-driven the Santa Fe yet? Try it in sport mode and see if you like it. For me, the sport mode on my Calligraphy HEV is enough. I didn’t buy it to race, just to drive comfortably and enjoy time with my family. I’ve had it for about two weeks and look forward to driving it every day. I used to have a 2016 BMW X1 and swapped it for a 2019 2.0t Santa Fe, and now the 2025 hybrid. I never looked forward to the X1; it was just a car. The Santa Fe is more enjoyable, even though it’s not the same as an X3.
@Fox
Thanks, I’ve set up test drives for both the Sorento and Santa Fe this weekend. Hopefully getting some hands-on experience will help me make a decision.
Have you thought about the Telluride?