You require total peace of mind when you have your most precious cargo on board. Luckily, that's what you'll get with the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Kia Sorento. Working alongside your safe driving habits, each SUV alerts you to potential hazards you may have missed. The features may provide gentle braking and steering assistance when certain conditions are met.

Some standard safety features of these SUVs include:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Driver Attention Warning

When you arrive at your destination, the Hyundai Santa Fe helps easily steer you into and out of parking spaces. A standard Parking Distance Warning - Forward/Reverse system uses ultrasonic sensors to let you know when you’re close to the parking block. While this feature is standard with the Santa Fe, Kia Sorento drivers must upgrade to a higher trim to reap the benefits of this parking system.

The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento were crafted with a forward-thinking approach to safety. Take the available Highway Driving Assist 2, for example. This cutting-edge system uses hands-on semi-autonomous driving technology to center your SUV in its lane, assist with lane changes, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. It’s a glimpse of tomorrow’s safety, delivered today.

Take parking to the next level with the Santa Fe’s available Remote Smart Parking Assist, a feature exclusive to this SUV. With the press of a button, your Santa Fe can park itself in parallel or perpendicular spaces. Even better, you’ll feel like the Harry Houdini of the household—press a button on your key fob, and your family can marvel as the Santa Fe parks or unparks itself while you’re standing outside.

As much as you hate to think about it, your little ones won't stay little forever. An SUV that accommodates growth spurts, team sports, and playdate carpools is necessary. Thankfully, these long-term changes were built into the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento. However, despite their similar lengths, major differences in passenger and cargo dimensions make one the clear winner.

In every row, Hyundai Santa Fe passengers will have more wiggle room, offering a more comfortable ride for all on board.

Technology integration is no longer a luxury and is a basic requirement. The designers of the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento understand this, so they have included 12.3-inch touchscreen displays and wireless smartphone integration that make it easy to stream your family's favorite music while on the go. Adding an optional 12-speaker Bose® premium audio system ensures that, no matter where your kids are seated, they'll hear the music perfectly.

In the front of the Santa Fe sits an available dual wireless charging pad for you and your spouse, allowing you both to keep your phones fully charged. Sadly for Kia Sorento drivers, only one of you can charge your phone at a time since it only comes with a single wireless charging pad.

Another advantage to picking the Hyundai Santa Fe is the standard YES Essentials® stain-resistant upholstery. Thanks to this durable upholstery, trips to a roadside creamery during a road trip or a PB&J sandwich after a family hike are never given a second thought. Unfortunately, the same can't be said about the Sorento since it comes standard with cloth upholstery.

The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento were designed for outdoor lovers like you. Available all-wheel drive provides the necessary grip to traverse low-friction surfaces like the dirt and gravel paths that take you to your favorite trailhead or camping spot.

Each all-wheel drive system uses technology to monitor for changes in the road's surface. It can then send power between the front and rear axle to optimize traction and minimize wheelspin.

A maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds lets you tow a couple of jet skis, a pop-up trailer, and similar outdoor toys to enhance your adventure. Regarding traveling off the beaten path, the Santa Fe may have an easier time climbing over branches left in the path thanks to its higher 8.3-inch ground clearance.

Getting to your destination is only half the fun. Once you arrive, the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento maximize recreation time thanks to their strategic features. For example, these SUVs come optionally with a 115-volt power outlet that can power camping gear, such as a portable fan or electric cooking equipment, or set up a projector for an outdoor movie night.

Some additional features offered standard and optionally by the Santa Fe include:

• Hands-free smart liftgate with auto open: Lets you access the trunk of your SUV without needing to put anything down.
• Fold-down rear seats: Turns the cabin into a lounge with room for sleeping bags for overnight camping.
• Dual-pane sunroof: Floods the cabin with natural light and is the perfect stargazing spot.

While these features are also found with the Sorento, only the Santa Fe has an available C-pillar assist handle, offering a safe and easy way to climb onto the roof. Plus, when properly equipped, the Santa Fe's roof rails can hold up to 220 pounds, perfect for lifted tent camping.