Kia’s Sorento has secured another month of sales dominance in the Korean SUV market, extending its lead over the Hyundai Santa Fe and reinforcing its position as one of the country’s most in-demand family SUVs.
Sorento Records Over 10,000 Units in November
In November 2025, the Kia Sorento achieved 10,047 units sold, marking a strong increase of 788 units compared to October. This represents an approximate 8.5% month-over-month growth, a notable performance in a highly competitive segment.
With its cumulative sales reaching 90,526 units in 2025, the Sorento remains one of the top-selling models in Korea across all vehicle categories. Its consistent results show that demand remains steady despite ongoing competition from both domestic and imported SUVs.
Santa Fe Sees a Slight Monthly Decline
Hyundai’s Santa Fe, the Sorento’s long-standing segment rival, recorded 3,947 units in November. This represents a slight decrease of around 32 units from October, translating to a modest 0.8% decline.
While Santa Fe retains a strong customer base and has posted 51,635 cumulative sales in 2025, the recent monthly results highlight a growing gap between the two flagship Korean D-segment SUVs.
Sorento vs. Santa Fe: The Current Market Landscape
The latest sales cycle underscores the shifting momentum in the Korean SUV space:
- Sorento is gaining traction, boosted by ongoing consumer interest in its practicality, updated powertrains, and strong brand loyalty.
- Santa Fe remains competitive, but its monthly decline shows increasing pressure from Kia’s lineup as well as from emerging mid-size SUV alternatives.
As the SUV market continues to expand, both brands are expected to intensify their offerings through trim updates, electrified powertrain enhancements, and technology-focused improvements.
Outlook for 2026
With Kia maintaining a clear upward trajectory for the Sorento, Hyundai will likely aim to regain momentum through upcoming updates and seasonal promotions. The rivalry between the Sorento and Santa Fe remains central to Korea’s SUV market, and the coming months will continue to shape the segment’s leadership.
