Which is better: Santa Fe or Sorento? Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento: comparing Korean crossovers What to buy Sorento or Santa Fe.

In this article I want to compare two mid-size Korean crossovers to find out which is better: Santa Fe or Sorento. The comparison is a little difficult to make due to the fact that both cars are built on the same platform and belong to the same company. But still, I'll try. Let's discuss the appearance, interior design and useful options.

Hyundai Santa Fe is already on sale in its fourth generation, but Kia Sorento Prime is still in third, albeit restyling. Hence the difference in the “goodies”: the first is more modern and, therefore, equipped with the latest options, and the second, although it is trying to catch up with it, is devoid of some interesting “tricks”. Although, in principle, the car from Kia looks quite decent against the background of the model from Hyundai that is ahead of it.

Look at the generation chart:

Santa Fe began production in 2000, 2 years earlier than Sorento. This is where their generational discrepancies began. While the first was completely updated in 2005, the second was still on the market in its first version.

The first generation of Sorento was released in 2002, was restyled in 2006 and was produced until 2009. The second generation Santa Fe at this time was already preparing for the 2010 restyling.

While Kia updated the second-generation model in 2012, Hyundai launched the third version of its crossover.

The third generation Santa Fe underwent restyling in 2015 and was then produced until 2018; now it has been changed by the model fourth generation. And Sorento Prime, since 2014, is still produced in the third generation, which in 2017 underwent a slight facelift, plus received a few new options.

Due to the fact that there are a lot of requests for comparison of almost all generations of these crossovers, I decided to briefly highlight each of them, comparing their appearance, equipment and technical characteristics.

Body

Let's compare the appearance of the models and useful body options.

Appearance

The company has done a lot of work on the exterior design of both cars. Now almost every model of the automaker, be it Kia or Hyundai, is distinguished by modern appearance, which cannot be said about cars from the early 2000s.

If earlier it was clearly felt that this was a work Korean auto industry(and this was repulsive), now, looking at the models coming off the Kia and Hyundai assembly lines, you somehow don’t think about this little thing. And why all? But because their leadership accepted correct solution invest N amount of money in design development. As they say, we took a risk and won.

Take a look at the 2017 Grand Santa Fe, for example:

In addition to the interesting appearance and fairly solid design of the pre-restyling versions, after restyling some extravagance was also added.

The appearance of the Santa Fe 2018 model year, completely updated, generally aims to be the most futuristic among middle-class crossovers:

Unusual appearance, a sufficient amount of chrome (not in the basic version) to emphasize the elegance of the body, a radiator grille with an interesting, stylish charismatic pattern, LED daytime running lights running lights with a daring squint, headlights in a vertical form factor (LEDs are available from the second configuration) and stylish rear LED lights (in the maximum configuration) - all this creates a feeling, if not superiority over other road users, then the feeling that your car is at the cutting edge of modern automotive design – that’s for sure. Well, if such an exterior seems too extravagant to you, then I think you should choose the previous generation Hyundai Grand Santa Fe.

The 2017 Kia Sorento Prime is definitely inferior to its brother in terms of futurism:

It still has the same representative appearance and harmonious design, slightly improved after restyling due to the use of chrome in larger quantities than before, as well as a new radiator grille design (by the way, quite pleasant). Another interesting feature is the branded four-point foglights. But this applies to everyone modern models this brand. The headlights are made in a traditional form factor, without being too pretentious.

Rear led lights V Kia Sorento Prime are also present. But unlike their competitor, they are available not in the maximum, but already starting from the third (out of five) configurations. The same applies to the front LED optics. By the way, the system adaptive lighting is currently available only in the “maximum” version, while the Hyundai Santa Fe does not have auto-leveling headlights only in the basic version (for comparison: the second one previously did not have such a function at all, and the first one appeared after the restyling of the second generation).

Options

A light sensor that allows the headlights to turn on automatically is present in the “base” of both cars. However, this was not always the case. So, Santa Fe 3 and pre-restyling Sorento have 3 light sensors in basic configuration was absent. For Sorento 2 it came with the second configuration, and for Santa Fe 2 it was only available as an option.

Fog lights in latest versions Both are already present in the basic configuration. By the way, for Hyundai this seems to be the norm - it has always been like this. But Kia has them in its “base”, starting with the second generation restyling.

Interesting “tricks” that have recently begun to be used everywhere on new models: the first is a system that is responsible for automatic switching headlights with high beam to the near one and vice versa, and the second is an automatic body leveling system. The Santa Fe 2018 has them, but the Sorento 2018, of course, does not - after all, it is still the previous generation, albeit updated.

But since 2012, the Kia Sorento has had an electric folding exterior mirror in its basic version, while the Hyundai Santa Fe had it available only as an option until 2013, and then - starting from the second configuration. Electric drive and heated mirrors in the “base” are always available for both.

Electric heating of the windshield wiper area in the minimum configuration has been available in Sorento since 2011, and in Santa Fe in 2014.

Interesting fact: a rain sensor is currently missing in the basic configuration of both crossovers, the 2016 Santa Fe could boast of it in the “base” (before this it did not have such an option at all), the third Sorento before restyling had a rain sensor on the second configuration, the second pre-restyling - with the third, post-restyling - in the two richest equipment.

There are no headlight washers in both cars, only in the “minimum” version, starting from the third generation. In the second generation, Hyundai had it available as an option, while Kia had it in the two richest versions.

Interior

Design

When you sit in the new Santa Fe and Sorento, you find yourself in the realm of sufficient respectability and functionality.

Santa Fe 2018:

Sorento Prime 2017:

Both have interesting design interior The architecture of the consoles is symmetrical, which evokes a feeling of harmony and completeness.

In principle, the interior of the 2016 Santa Fe was also nice:

The tidy is made in a sporty style. This is evidenced by instrument wells with chrome frames. The backlight is two-color, but unobtrusive and pleasant.

The dashboard of the Sorento 2016 is made in a calmer, traditional form for this class of cars. The instrument lighting is normal white.

There is no doubt that interiors have evolved a lot. Compare with the interiors of first generation cars.

Hyundai Santa Fe 1:

Kia Sorento 1:

Comfort

The “stuffing” of new cars also becomes “tastier” every year. For example, the following “comfort” options are available for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe:

1. The central 8-inch display is located at eye level (which is very ergonomic) and has physical buttons and “twists”, which I think are more preferable. Such a display is not available for the basic configuration; in the “base” you will only be given a monochrome 5-inch screen located in the console itself. By the way, the maximum configuration includes a standard navigation system.
2. In the most rich version The dashboard will receive a 7-inch monitor, which will beautifully display not only the values ​​of various indicators, but also play the role of a speedometer. In other trim levels, the dashboard will have a standard 3.5-inch display.
3. The gearshift knob will be covered in leather with minimal equipment.
4. A self-dimming rear view mirror is also included in the “base”.
5. The cooled glove compartment is not available only in the basic version.
6. Keyless entry with a start/stop button is available from the second configuration.
7. Illumination of the area around the doors is available in richer equipment.
8. Bluetooth, wireless charging for phones in the front and two USB for second-row passengers are already available in the basic version.
9. All cars are equipped with dual-zone climate control with an anti-fogging system, air deflectors for the second row of seats, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. Heating rear seats and ventilation of the front seats are available only in “maximum” speed.
10. Longitudinal adjustment of the seats and backrest angles of the second row, electrically adjustable lumbar support in the driver's seat are already available in the basic version. Electrically adjustable driver's seat in 10 directions is present only in the richest configuration.

The 2017 Kia Sorento has similar options, but with some differences:

1. The situation with 8-inch and 5-inch displays is completely the same. Navigation is available from the third configuration out of five possible ones – i.e. here this function is more democratic.
2. 7 inch monitor dashboard available everywhere except the cheapest version.
3. The leather gear knob, unlike its brother, is not available in the “base”.
4. Self-dimming salon mirror also not available in the cheap version.
5. There is no cooled glove compartment at all.
6. Keyless entry and start/stop button - from the third configuration.
7. The threshold illumination is from the second, and the footwell illumination is from the third.
8. Bluetooth and two USB ports for the second row are present immediately, but wireless charging appears only in the pre-maximum version.
9. For some reason, dual-zone climate control with deflectors for the second row and a heated steering wheel are not present in the “base”. But there are heated front seats. Heated rear seats are available starting from the second level, and ventilated front seats are available only in the richest configuration.
10. Longitudinal adjustment of the seats and backrest angles of the second row is also available in the basic version, electric adjustment of the driver's seat is already present from the second level, and electric adjustment of the lumbar support in the driver's seat is not provided at all.

The third generation Santa Fe salon pleases with the following “goodies”:

1. The steering wheel and gear knob are trimmed in leather.
2. The front row of seats has developed lateral support.
3. The armrests in the doors are made of soft material, making it comfortable for the elbow.
4. The second row of seats has an almost flat floor.
5. Heated front seats are already present in the “base”, then there is a heated steering wheel and rear seats.
6. Electrically adjustable seats and ventilated front seats are only available at maximum speed.
7. Cooled glove compartment.
8. Keyless entry system with start/stop button - only in the maximum configuration.
9. Standard navigation system, Hi-Fi audio system, Bluetooth - only in the richest version.

The pre-styling Sorento 2015 has some differences in configuration:

1. The steering wheel and gear knob are also covered in leather in the basic version.
2. The lateral support of the front seats is not as pronounced as that of the competitor.
3. The door armrests are also soft.
4. Also, the floor of the second row seats is almost flat.
5. Heated front seats are standard, heated steering wheel and rear seats are available in more expensive versions.
6. Unlike its brother, electric seat adjustment is available from the third configuration, and ventilation of the front seats and memory for the front seats (which the opponent does not have at all) is available from the pre-maximum version.
7. There is no cooled glove compartment.
8. A keyless entry system with a start/stop button is available from the third trim level.
9. Bluetooth and standard navigation are not available only in the “base”.

Used Hyundai Santa Fe 2008-2010 boast the following necessary options:

1. Heated front seats, no heated rear seats at all.
2. Electrically adjustable seats are available from the pre-maximum configuration.
3. Front seat ventilation is not available.
4. Luke - from pre-maximum.
5. Heated steering wheel is only optional.
6. Keyless entry and start/stop button are also optional.

For the second generation Kia Sorento the situation is slightly different:

1. Heated front seats were not available in the “base” before restyling, but after that they appeared. Heated rear seats were also absent before restyling, and after that they were available from the second trim level.
2. Electrically adjustable seats before the restyling were also in the “pre-maximum” setting, after – in the richest version.
3. Ventilation of the front seats appeared after restyling and is available for the maximum configuration.
4. The hatch was available only before the restyling - in “pre-maximum” mode.
5. Heated steering wheel appeared after restyling - but not in the basic version.
6. Keyless entry, start/stop button was available before restyling from the third configuration, and after - from the second.

Safety

For the safety of life and health in new Santa Fe are responsible for the driver's, passenger's, side airbags and window curtains. And this is already in the basic configuration. Further, depending on the “sophistication” of the configuration, systems for monitoring blind spots, lane control, frontal collision prevention, warning and collision avoidance when leaving a parking lot become available in reverse, driver fatigue sensor, automatic locking of the rear doors if a vehicle is detected approaching from behind.

The 3rd generation Santa Fe also boasted all airbags and a blind spot monitoring system already in the “base”, plus an airbag for the driver’s knees appeared in the maximum version. But in the second generation of Hyundai, window protective curtains became available only after restyling.

The updated Sorento Prime also has, in its minimum configuration, all airbags and a collision warning and avoidance system when reversing out of a parking lot. Plus, unlike its competitor, a rear door locking system is immediately provided here. The blind spot monitoring system appears only in the maximum configuration, and there is no system for monitoring driver fatigue and keeping in the lane at all.

In the pre-restyling Kia Sorento 3rd generation, the blind spot monitoring system was already available in the pre-maximum version, and an airbag for the driver’s knees, unlike the opponent, was not available. But in the second generation, window cushions were installed even on the cheapest trim levels.

Assistants

For the 4th generation Hyundai Santa Fe, depending on the configuration, the following driver assistance systems and devices are available:

• HTRAC all-wheel drive control system with intelligent redistribution of torque along the axles,
• hill start assist system,
• adaptive cruise control, which maintains a distance to vehicles moving in front, independently stops the car in a traffic jam and continues driving if the stop lasts no more than 3 seconds,
• projection of the readings of the main instruments onto the windshield,
• rear/front parking sensors,
• all-round viewing system,
• system automatic parking,
• Rear View Camera.

In the third generation, Santa Fe, also depending on the equipment, was equipped with cruise control, a parking assistance system and a rear view camera. There was no hill start assistance system. The 2nd generation Santa Fe also did not have a hill start assist system. Also missing were such “goodies” as front parking assistance and automatic parking systems, and a rear view camera. There was only cruise control and optional rear parking assist.

The Kia Sorento had a hill start assist system after the second generation restyling, in 2012. After that, it was always available in the basic version of the crossover. It seems that unlike Hyundai, Kia has always given its customers more assistants. Thus, the second generation, depending on the configuration, can boast (in addition to what the competitor had) of a rear/front parking assistance system, an automatic parking system and a rear view camera. In the third generation, the Sorento retained cruise control, a hill start assist system, rear/front parking assistance systems, and a rear view camera. After restyling in 2017, automatic parking and all-round visibility systems were added.

Summarizing

I understand that too much has been said. It may be a little tedious and difficult. But I honestly tried to understand all the similarities and differences between the models of the last three generations.

I consider the comparison of these cars completed, although not completely. It would be possible to compare the technical characteristics, but due to the fact that most of the engines were the same for both cars, I think that there is no great need for this.

So I look at the differences and understand that the questions “what to choose?” and “what to buy?” remain. Personally, I like both crossovers both in appearance and interior. And for the most part, I don’t need those options that dealers call useful. So decide for yourself what you like best. I hope I didn't waste my time and yours.

Video reviews and test drives

Those who closely follow the world automobile market, should have noticed that at the beginning of 2000, Asian companies began to supply crossovers that could successfully compete with European and American models. The South Korean concerns Hyundai and Kia especially distinguished themselves in this, and even began to fight for the championship among themselves. Today we will compare the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, highlight their differences and find out which company has succeeded more.

Hyundai Santa Fe is rightfully considered a legendary crossover. The model was named after the American city of the same name, which once again confirmed the fact that the main market for the car was to be the United States. The crossover was built on the basis of its eminent predecessor, the Hyundai Sonata, and this very fact foreshadowed a successful career for the car.

Santa Fe was first presented to the public in 2000. At the same time, mass production of the model began at a plant in Ulsan. Every year the crossover was restyled, which undoubtedly pleased fans of the model. In 2006, the Santa Fe 2 debuted at the Detroit auto show, the assembly of which was partially moved to Montgomery, Alabama.

In 2012, the Santa Fe 3 was presented in New York. For the first time, the developers presented a 7-seater version of the car's interior. At the end of 2013, Santa Fe was recognized as the safest in the segment.

Kia Sorento, another popular Korean crossover, named after the Italian resort town, debuted in 2002 in Chicago. By American and European standards, the debut version of the model was considered an SUV. And only the second generation Sorento, presented in 2009, was recognized as a full-fledged crossover.

In 2013, the car underwent restyling, as a result of which it received an updated design and an improved range of engines. In 2014, as part of the car show in Paris, the Sorento 3 was put on public display, which in 2016 was recognized as the best in terms of safety.

Which is better to choose - Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe? Due to the fact that the careers of both models proceeded in approximately the same direction, the most fair result should be a draw.

Appearance

It is worth immediately noting that the appearance of both cars is made in completely different stylistic directions. For example, in the exterior of the Santa Fe there are generally very few aspects inherent in Asian crossovers. As many experts note, the model looks more European than even some German or French competitors.

In the appearance of the car, one should note rigor and progressiveness, which are perfectly combined with elements of sportiness. But Sorento, in appearance, is a typical robotic crossover, with a fairly simple and practical exterior.

The front of the Santa Fe is equipped with a wide windshield and a smooth, flowing hood. The opponent’s front end can offer the same “frontal” structure and an elongated, smooth hood. The nose of the cars has many common features. First of all, it is necessary to note the similar layout of the false radiator grille, although each model has its own internal structure. Also, both Sorento and Santa Fe are equipped with high-mounted LED headlights, shaped like human eyes.

But as for the lower part of the bumper, a number of differences immediately catch the eye. Firstly, the Santa Fe's air intake looks very compact and is edged chrome elements, and this strongly contrasts with the wide, monolithic element of the opponent. Secondly, both models have completely different fog lights. In Sorento they are very neat and have a trapezoidal shape. And the Santa Fe ones are narrow, rather oblong and, moreover, trimmed with chrome.

From the side it is immediately noticeable that the Sorento is indeed longer than the Santa Fe. However, both cars have the usual aspects of modern crossovers, such as a sloping roof and voluminous wheel arches. Serious differences can be observed only in the lower contour of the windows, which in the Santa Fe is sharply directed upward. This also includes the fact that the Sorento’s profile is smooth and smooth, while the Santa Fe’s is very voluminous and, moreover, longitudinal ribs are visible on it, enhancing the sporty effect of the crossover.

There are no surprises at all at the back. The rear of each car has a familiar set of components and elements, which are arranged in a very similar style. Except that the Santa Fe has a bigger rear door.

Considering the above, I would like to give preference to the more progressive exterior of the Santa Fe.

Salon

Just like on the outside, the cars are also very different on the inside. The interior of Santa Fe is made in a very simple, minimalist style with noticeable notes of futurism and progressiveness (an analogy can be drawn here with the exterior). In turn, the design of the interior decoration of Sorento goes a little beyond the usual framework for Korean cars, which many fans of the company don’t like. For example, there is a certain clustering and incompleteness of elements, which cannot be said about other models of the concern.

In order to understand everything, it is worth comparing only car dashboards. Santa Fe's is very compact, but at the same time very readable and informative. In Sorento, as mentioned above, the panel looks unfinished.

When it comes to space, the Sorento is the clear favorite. But the quality of finishing work is higher among his opponent.

Obviously, the Hyundai Santa Fe salon deserves victory in this point more.

Specifications

Due to the fact that 2017 pleased us with the release of further modifications of cars, for comparison we chose the Santa Fe and Sorento variants with 2.2-liter diesel units. It is not difficult to guess that both crossovers are built on the basis of an all-wheel drive truck. Among other general points, I would like to note the same transmission box– 6 automatic transmission.

Now let's delve a little deeper into the topic of power units. As mentioned above, both models are equipped with 2 liter diesel engines, and it is not surprising that they produce the same power - 200 Horse power. Accordingly, the dynamics indicators are not very different. For example, the acceleration time from zero to hundreds in the Santa Fe is the same as in the Sorento - 9.6 seconds. And this takes into account the fact that Santa Fe is 58 kg heavier than its counterpart. However, due to the fact that the Sorento has a higher maximum torque, the Santa Fe is more economical - 7.7 liters on average, versus 7.8 liters for its opponent.

As for the dimensions, the Sorento body is 80 mm longer than the Santa Fe and 15 mm taller. A similar trend is observed in the size of the wheelbase - 2780 mm versus 2700 mm. But the ground clearance of both crossovers is the same – 185 mm. We also note that each of the cars is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels.

Price

Today in Russia the average cost of Santa Fe 2017 is 2,150,000 rubles. Over the course of a year, you will have to pay 200 thousand rubles more. In terms of cost, naturally, the first option is more attractive, but judging by the reviews - Sorento. Be that as it may, a test drive of cars will dot the “e”.

One of the most popular auto manufacturing companies is the South Korean giant Hyundai Motors. Over the course of its history, the concern has produced a large number of different car models. In the last two decades, the main emphasis has been on the production of crossovers. Therefore, it is not surprising that Hyundai SUVs have literally flooded the world market. The main reason for this was their reliability and relatively low cost.

In today's article we will try to compare Santa Fe and Tussan, and as a result we will be able to determine which is better, the Hyundai Santa Fe or Tussan.

Production of which started in 2000, is considered the company’s first full-fledged crossover. The car was named after the city of the same name in the USA, since it was originally planned that it would be sold only on the market North America. Journalists and analysts harshly criticized the debut version of the crossover for its vague appearance, but this did not stop the model from becoming a sales leader in the United States. Main feature model range Santa Fe is that the car was restyled every year.

In 2006, the second generation SUV was introduced. Its design used a new body module, which made it possible to position the model as a mid-size crossover, and not a compact one, as before. In 2012, the third generation Santa Fe made its debut. The developers offered two interior options - 5 and 7 seats.

Debuted in 2004, similar to its competitor, it was also named after an American town located in Arizona. The audience did not immediately accept the new product, which affected the low level of sales. In 2009, the second generation car was presented, which has now been renamed ix35.

In the spring of 2015, at the Geneva Motor Show, the third generation Tussan was presented to the public. It is worth noting that the car is one of the three most popular crossovers in Russia.

Since Santa Fe boasts a large number of modifications, we will give it an advantage in this aspect.

Appearance

The debut version of the Santa Fe, as mentioned above, received a lot of negative criticism for its appearance. Experts and critics were surprised by the fact that using a modular platform, the developers managed to design the exterior so ridiculously. Fortunately, in subsequent restylings a number of shortcomings were corrected, and the second-generation model appeared before car enthusiasts in a completely new guise.

The third generation Santa Fe received an even more modernized exterior, which became much more dynamic and aggressive, but at the same time the designers managed to preserve the main features of the model range.

Sometimes it seems that Korean developers deliberately make the first modification of their crossovers unattractive in order to correct this in subsequent versions. Because Tussan has exactly the same situation. The car, built on the basis of the Sportage, did not have the most stylish exterior, and few people believed in the good future of the model. But after the release of the second generation Tussan in 2009 with a completely updated appearance, the number of optimistic motorists increased.

Today, Tussan is considered one of the most stylish in its class. As the developers themselves note, the main secret of such success is the use of the “liquid sculpture” design concept.

Due to the fact that both models went through a very similar path to the development of their exterior, we will award a draw at this point, and this will be the most logical result of the confrontation.

Salon

It is very difficult to compare the interiors of Tucson and Santa Fe cars, which are representatives of the same company. This is especially true for the Korean concern Hyundai, whose developers use the same stylistic concepts in the interior design of their models. To avoid going far, just look inside latest modifications cars.

It is noticeable that the dashboard, and especially its upper part, are designed exactly the same, the same can be said about the layout of the steering wheel. However, premium materials are used to decorate the interior of the Santa Fe. This does not mean at all that the Tussan’s interior is poorly made, just that the quality of the materials is slightly inferior. It is worth noting that both cars are quite roomy, but the Santa Fe can also boast of having a 7-seater version, which is undoubtedly a big plus for a crossover.

Based on the fact that the interior of the Santa Fe is decorated with more expensive materials and has a 7-seater modification, we will give preference to this particular car.

Specifications

The main advantage of the Santa Fe has always been its heavy-duty power units. The debut version was equipped with gasoline engines with a volume of 2.7 and 3.5 liters, as well as a two-liter diesel engine. In subsequent modifications, 2.2 and 2.4-liter engines also appeared, and the older gasoline engine was replaced with a 3.3-liter one.

The Tussan engine line has every reason to be complex in the case of such a comparison. The developers took as a basis a two-liter diesel engine, a similar gasoline engine, as well as another 2.7-liter unit, and equipped all modifications of the crossover with them. By the way, in the latest generation model the older gasoline unit no longer used.

Model	Hyundai Tucson 2016	Hyundai Santa Fe 2017
Engines	1.6, 2.0	2.2, 2.4
Type	gasoline, diesel	gasoline, diesel
Power, hp	135-185	171-200
Fuel tank, l	62	64
Transmission	mechanics, automatic, robot	manual, automatic
Acceleration up to 100 km, s	9.5-11.1	9.6-11.5
Maximum speed	181-201	190-203
Fuel consumption city/highway/mixed	10.9/6.1/7.9	13.7/7.0/9.5
Wheelbase, mm	2670	2700
Ground clearance, mm	182	185
Dimensions, mm length x width x height	4475 x 1850 x 1655	4700 x 1880 x 1675
Weight, kg	2060-2250	2510

There should no longer be any questions about which car’s technical characteristics are better. Of course it's a Hyundai Santa Fe.

Price

The cost of Santa Fe in the basic configuration was set at 1,794,000 rubles. This indicator applies to the latest generation model.

The minimum cost of Tussan should not exceed 1,505,000 rubles. However, this does not include a full complement of airbags and a multimedia system.

If we compare by price, then Tussan is the clear leader.

"New Koreans". Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento

2.2(d)l (197 hp) 6AT
price: 1,669,900 rub.

2.4 L (175 hp) 6AT
price: 1,649,900 rub.

Their debut in Russia took place simultaneously: both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the current generation Kia Sorento were shown at the Moscow Motor Show in 2012. Moreover, despite belonging to a single concern, marketers made every effort to separate these crossovers on different sides of the market. However, there is an opinion among people that the same car is hidden under different brands. To understand whether this is so, we brought them together in a head-to-head duel.

The Korean auto industry, which, it would seem, just recently offered inexpensive cars, behind last years seriously gained momentum. It’s no joke, representatives of the Land of Morning Freshness today, without any hesitation, attribute most of their products to the premium segment, opposing themselves to the famous German trinity and clearly extolling themselves over other players, including the entire Japanese fraternity. Our today's duelists just fall into the niche where Korean dominance has become more and more obvious in recent years. However, before we begin evaluating cars, let’s take a short historical excursion dedicated to their birth.

Everyone has their own track

The Hyundai Santa Fe crossover appeared on the crests of two waves at once: a tsunami-like growth of interest in mid-size SUVs and a thorough restructuring of the manufacturer. Both had a positive impact on the popularity of Santa Fe, even despite the strange appearance of the first generation model. The car turned out to be not only comfortable and spacious, but also reliable. In Russia, the crossover was offered only in an all-wheel drive version, with two gasoline engines and a 2.0-liter turbodiesel. In general, the first generation Santa Fe broke sales records for almost all 7 years of production. In 2006, the second debuted in the United States. Santa generation Fe. The crossover has become noticeably larger and prettier. In 2010, the car was slightly updated, and in February 2012 it was released new model, sales of which began this year. Now Santa Fe is available with two wheelbase options - standard and extended.

The story of Santa Fe's neighbor on the assembly line is even richer. The Kia Sorento was once an SUV. The 2002 car had a frame, independent front and dependent rear suspension, plug-in all-wheel drive and low-range range in transfer case. In addition to Korea and the Philippines, it was also produced in Izhevsk. Its production was discontinued in April 2009, and at the same time the new Sorento was introduced, which unexpectedly became a crossover. The new product was built on a monocoque body, had automatic all-wheel drive with the primacy of the front axle, fully independent suspension and a set of electronic gadgets typical for modern crossover. It was also designed by the famous designer Peter Schreyer and is very well equipped. Schreyer managed to combine oriental ornateness and European expediency in the interior and make the appearance not too aggressive, but not overly rustic. In 2012, the Sorento underwent a planned restyling, which turned out to be much deeper than everyone expected.

We looked and sat

And yet, let's return to where we started. Are they different or the same? Despite the external similarity and almost identical dimensions, it is felt that the design of each car is focused on its own distribution area. Thus, the more dapper appearance of Hyundai is clearly designed for the needs of those markets where they prefer the American school of automotive engineering. The calm, if not strict, Kia suit more closely matches the definition of a European car.

Approximately the same can be said about the drawing of individual elements of the interior architecture. Santa Fe sports cheerful dashboard lighting and a slightly more ornate design of some interior details. The interior of the Sorento echoes its aristocratic appearance: everything is done in strict dark colors and, perhaps, even too conservative - sometimes it seems gloomy.

However, there are no comrades according to taste and color, therefore we will leave discussions about the advantages and disadvantages of the design, and just note that the quality of both the finishing materials themselves and the fit of individual elements in both crossovers is very high level. One of my fellow journalists noted: if you forget about the nameplates, you feel like you are really in a premium segment car. This is confirmed by the good ergonomics of the driver's seat. In both Hyundai and Kia, settle in driver's seat A person of almost any size can do it without any problems. At least subjectively. However, our measurements showed a slight superiority of the Santa Fe in this category. As, indeed, in terms of the amount of free space on the second row of seats, which, unlike Kia, has the ability to move separately in the longitudinal direction.

When assessing the useful volume luggage compartments an unfortunate situation occurred. The cargo compartment of the Kia Sorento is designed to please Europeans - almost square, without unnecessary nooks and crannies. It seemed like it was deliberately made to fit our measuring cubes, so there were no difficulties with filling it out. And here Hyundai trunk forced me to sweat, carefully selecting various combinations of dimensional figures to fill the proposed space. Imagine our amazement after calculating the parallelograms! It turned out that in terms of the number of liters, our charges maintained parity to within one handbag.

Just like your opponent, power unit Hyundai Santa Fe is placed transversely at the front. Free differentials (D) are located between the wheels of each axle. It is worth noting that this mechanism does not have a mechanical lock, but there is an electronic imitation of it. A multi-disc system is responsible for the distribution of torque between the axles. friction clutch(M). Depending on driving conditions, the system is able to change the traction ratio between the front and rear wheels. rear axles in a ratio from 100:0 to 50:50. The driver cannot forcefully influence the distribution of power, except for the need to completely lock the clutch pack with a button located to the left of the steering column. True, this function can work for a very short time and at speeds not exceeding 30 km/h. There is also a “hill descent assistant” and the ability to disable ESP.

Technical delights

Both Hyundai and Kia have a common unit base. For our market they offer a 2.4 liter naturally aspirated petrol four or a 2.2 liter turbodiesel in the same four-cylinder configuration. Both engines were modernized during the latest car updates. This did not affect the power, but the environment became even better. The spark-ignition unit, as before, produces a maximum power of 175 hp, and its companion with compression ignition - 197 hp. Fate decreed that both engines fell into our hands. Under the hood of the Hyundai Santa Fe there is a turbodiesel, and the Kia Sorento has Gas engine. However, there was something in common: both cars were equipped with modern six-speed hydromechanical automatic transmissions with manual gear selection.

How good modern diesel engines are! At least in our pair, according to subjective sensations, the car with this particular power unit demonstrated better dynamics and much less often when overtaking forced the automatic transmission to switch to kick-down mode. Not to say that the Kia petrol engine is bad. No, compared to most competitors it looks very, very good, giving the car decent dynamics and demonstrating good elasticity. Even fuel consumption, which rarely rose above 14 l/100 km, did not look too brutal considering the very difficult test conditions. And yet, a turbodiesel is superior to its “spark brother” in almost all respects, with the possible exception of the initial cost of the car and the cost of its maintenance.

However, dynamics and traction capabilities are not yet a complete set of advantages attached to modifications with a turbodiesel. There is one more, at first glance small, but very significant nuance. Our Santa Fe, equipped with a heavy fuel unit, had a hydraulic power steering in the steering circuit, while the Sorento has a newfangled electric power steering.

Not to say that the difference is very noticeable, but the hydraulic booster still reflects everything that happens in the contact patch area of ​​the tires of the steered wheels much more transparently. And when driving on straight lines, the “zero” of the steering wheel is better filled in the Hyundai. By the way, in terms of overall handling assessment, Hyundai and Kia were again on par. Despite the more successful steering characteristics, the first one does not hold the given trajectory so confidently when performing the “rearrangement” exercise due to softer chassis settings. Sometimes he too willingly falls into a deep drift already in the second phase of the exercise.

More stringent settings Kia suspension, of course, help it be on par with Hyundai in terms of handling, but they also more clearly inform the crew about the presence of irregularities on the road surface. By the way, despite the difference in power units, everyone unanimously noted the excellent acoustic comfort inherent in both Santa Fe and Sorento. Once again we were convinced that premium aspirations, at least according to this indicator, look justified here.

The Kia Sorento power unit is located transversely at the front. Free differentials (D) are located between the wheels of each axle. Between the wheels of the front and rear axles, the torque is distributed by a multi-plate friction clutch (M), similar to that used in Hyundai transmissions Sanra Fe. Accordingly, the unit has exactly the same scheme, where the distribution of traction between the axles varies depending on driving conditions in a ratio from 100:0 to 50:50. That is, under normal driving conditions, the entire power flow is directed to the front wheels of the car. The rear ones are connected automatically if the electronics detect a difference in angular velocities their rotation. The driver can forcefully lock the clutch using a button located to the left of the steering column. In addition, you can slightly increase cross-country ability on soft soils by turning off the stabilization system. Unlike the Hyundai, the Kia does not have hill descent assist.

Wrong bird flight

Even before the start of the road tests, having placed both cars on lifts and meticulously inspecting the structure and their “underbelly”, we closed the topic of going off-road on more or less decent roads. The underbody layout of the “brothers” is very similar, although the Sorento had a plastic crankcase protection, while the Santa Fe sported metal armor. The Kia has slightly more parts at risk when overcoming rough terrain. However, this does not give the latter a decisive advantage, since the general configuration of the bottoms of the vehicles suffers from similar shortcomings. For example, low-mounted mounting points for the rear axle suspension shock absorbers.

To be fair, let’s say that the metal protection of the units located in the front part of the Hyundai Santa Fe ate up a significant portion of the ground clearance. At the same time, our measurements in other parts under the bottom showed that, in general, the cars have very average geometric cross-country ability with a slight advantage in favor of Kia. But it also comes to naught due to the unsuccessful configuration of the exhaust tract.

Premium or not premium?

And finally, the last thing - how much. Both cars were presented in very expensive trim levels. Our Santa Fe, equipped with a turbodiesel, is priced at RUB 1,669,900. For Sorento they are asking 20,000 rubles. less - 1,649,900. This, of course, is not cheap, even taking into account the presence of almost all the “benefits of civilization” in the equipment. Initial options with a similar aggregate base are offered for 1,413,900 rubles. in Hyundai showrooms and RUB 1,319,900. - at Kia dealers. Well, judging by the initial cost, even despite the statements of the manufacturers, the cars are still in the average price budget. True, only until you want to equip them with those options that are most often found in higher-rated cars. So let’s assume that everything is fair here: if you want to feel premium, just pay extra for it.

Results of geometric and weight measurements made by editorial experts in the conditions of a test site
C	Clearance under the front axle in the center, mm	171	192
	Clearance under the front axle in the shoulder area, mm	185	199
	Clearance under rear axle in the center, mm	226	224
	Clearance under the rear axle in the shoulder area, mm	195	202
D	Minimum clearance inside the base, mm	196	194
	Clearance under frame or side member, mm	239	262
	Clearance under the fuel tank, mm	206	206
B1	Front cabin width, mm	1425	1395
B2	Rear interior width, mm	1405	1480
B3	Trunk width min./max., mm	1114/1337	1120/1410
V	Useful trunk volume (5 people), l	392	392

dimensions- data from manufacturing companies
* From the R point (hip joint) to the accelerator pedal
** The driver's seat is set to L 1 = 950 mm from point R to the accelerator pedal, back seat moved all the way back

Specifications cars
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
Length/width/height, mm	4690/1880/1680	4685/1885/1755
Wheelbase, mm	2700	2700
Track front/rear, mm	1630/1640	1620/1620
Curb/full weight, kg	1810/2610	1695/2510
Maximum speed, km/h	190	190
Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s	10,1	10,7
Turning diameter, m	10,9	10,9
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Urban cycle, l/100 km	8,9	12,2
Extra-urban cycle, l/100 km	5,5	7,1
Combined cycle, l/100 km	6,8	8,9
Fuel/volume fuel tank, l	DT/65	AI-95/64
ENGINE
engine's type	Turbodiesel	Petrol
Location and number of cylinders	R4	R4
Working volume, cm 3	2199	2359
Power, hp/kW at rpm	197/145 at 3800	175/129 at 6300
Torque, Nm at rpm	422 at 1800–2500	242 at 4250
TRANSMISSION
Transmission	AT6	AT6
Downshift	–	–
CHASSIS
Front suspension	Independent	Independent
Rear suspension	Independent	Independent
Steering gear	Rack and pinion	Rack and pinion
Brakes Front	Ventilated disc	Ventilated disc
Brakes Rear	Disk	Disk
Active safety features	ABS+ESP+HSA	ABS+ESP
Tire size	235/60 R18 (29.1")	235/55 R19 (29.2")
MAINTENANCE COSTS
Approximate costs for a year and 20 thousand km, rub.	193 720	191 860
The calculation takes into account
Cost of OSAGO+CASCO policies**, rub.	127 000	115 900
Road tax in Moscow, rub.	8700	7700
Basic cost of maintenance***, rub.	14 500	11 300
We're standing. first oil change***, rub.	Not provided	Not provided
Maintenance frequency, thousand km	15	15
Combined cycle fuel costs, rub.	43 520	56 960
WARRANTY TERMS
Duration of warranty, years/thousand km	5/100	5/100
CAR COST
Test kit****, rub.	1 669 900	1 649 900
Basic equipment****, rub.	1 413 900	1 319 900

*Indicated in parentheses outside diameter tires
**Averaging based on data from two large insurance companies
***Including Consumables
****At the time of preparation of the material, taking into account current discounts

Expert assessments based on test results
Index	Max. point	Hyundai Santa Fe	Kia Sorento	Positions in the ranking
Body	25,0	20,2	18,3
Driver's seat	9,0	6,6	5,1	After summing up the results in the general category “Body, ergonomics and comfort,” the question asked at the very beginning of the article, how close our heroes are to models from the premium segment, answers itself. The winner of this Hyundai test Santa Fe, having scored a total of 43.2 points, enters the top ten of the rating, wedging between the currently ranked seventh Range Rover Supercharged (43.5 points) and Audi Q7 (43.1 points). Moreover, it surpassed the latter even in such positions as the driver’s seat, the seat behind the driver and the trunk. However, the second of our tests, the Kia Sorento, although it did not make it into the top ten, is far from an outsider in the ranking. His 41.2 points put him in a tie for 27th to 29th place with Range Rover Sport and Subaru Outback, leaving slightly behind the Mitsubishi Pajero and slightly behind the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Seat behind the driver	7,0	6,1	5,8
Trunk	5,0	3,5	3,4
Safety	4,0	4,0	4,0
Ergonomics and comfort	25,0	23,0	22,9
Controls	5,0	5,0	4,7
Devices	5,0	5,0	5,0
Climate control	4,0	3,5	3,5
Interior materials	1,0	0,9	0,9
Light and visibility	5,0	4,5	4,5
Options	5,0	4,1	4,3
Off-road performance	20,0	8,4	8,7
Clearances	4,0	1,8	2,3	In this nomination, quite expectedly, both of our heroes did not demonstrate outstanding abilities. However, the positions they took cannot be called a complete fiasco. Thus, the leading Kia Sorento ranks on the same line with the Infiniti FX50. True, at the same time he loses a little to the smaller Hyundai crossover ix35, but beats the Nissan Qashgai by 0.2 points. By the way, Santa Fe beat the Audi Q3 by 0.1 points and was only slightly inferior to the long version of the Qashgai.
Angles	5,0	2,0	2,0
Articulation	3,0	1,8	1,8
Transmission	4,0	0,9	0,9
Security	2,0	0,9	0,7
Wheels	2,0	1,0	1,0
Expedition qualities	20,0	18,6	17,6
Controllability	3,0	2,5	2,5	The performance of our heroes in this category can also be called a small sensation for the Korean automobile industry. Having under the hood turbodiesel Santa Fe, as expected, ranked high in the rankings, but its score of 18.6 points puts it on a par with Land Rover Discovery and Nissan Patfinder, which occupy second and third positions. Suffice it to say that the diesel VW Touareg is slightly lower in the ranking. Sorento even with gasoline engine falls into 16th place along with the larger Kia Mohave, winning against the “premium” Audi A4 Allroad and losing only 0.1 points to the diesel Toyota Land Cruiser 200.
Ride comfort	3,0	2,5	2,4
Accelerating dynamics	3,0	2,8	2,7
Fuel consumption (combined cycle)	3,0	3,0	2,8
Highway range	2,0	2,0	1,4
Load capacity	2,0	2,0	2,0
Luggage compartment folded length	2,0	1,8	1,8
Spare wheel	2,0	2,0	2,0
Expenses	10,0	7,8	7,8
Test price	4,0	3,0	3,0	Don't forget that premium doesn't come cheap. So our heroes here demonstrated absolute parity and shared places with Jeep Cherokee and Subaru Forester, losing to the Mitsubishi Outlander XL, but surpassing the Audi A4 allroad.
Operating costs	4,0	3,2	3,2
Resale prospects	2,0	1,6	1,6
Total	100,0	78,0	75,3

pros	Not a bad ride. Decent acoustic comfort. Spacious salon. Excellent power unit	Good handling, good ergonomics, decent luggage space
Minuses	Unique interior design, poor geometric cross-country ability, flaws in controllability	Low cross-country ability, harsh suspension, not the most flexible power unit
Verdict	Overall a fairly balanced car, but its area of ​​application is best limited to asphalt	Based on the totality of all its properties, the machine deserves high praise. She would also like a turbodiesel under the hood

text: Alexey TOPUNOV
photo: Roman TARASENKO

Good day to all. The time and opportunity have come to write about my next car. After the accident and the sale of the NissanX-Trail, almost two years of using the Opel VectraC (reviews are here on Drome), the opportunity arose to change the car to a more recent one.

Very positive memories of using the X-Trail and positive experience in using a diesel Opel determined the selection criteria: crossover, preferably diesel, 2007 - 2008, normal technical. condition, preferably an automatic, decent equipment and a price of up to 800 tr. Based on these parameters, the contenders were immediately identified: well, first of all, of course, X-Trail, then Antara and other options on this topic, Freelander, Pathfinder, well, Hundai SantaFe, Ford Kuga. Calling advertisements in the Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories, Rostov and Volgograd regions showed that the choice is very small. X-Trail diesel found only one option. The Pafiks did not fit into the year of production, there were no diesel Antars at all, there was one version of the diesel Captiva, and about five variants each of Kuga and Freelander, and a couple of Santa Fes. I really wanted Discovery 3. I was ready to give up the year of manufacture and much more. Well, such a blessing. I've heard a lot about glitchy electronics, capricious pneuma, a souring locking motor, and much more. Well, I like him and that’s all. My wife categorically opposed it, so we had to take her opinion into account, although there were options. As an option, I called about a dozen petrol X-Trails, but they all have a CVT. There are various conversations about it, in the sense of the variator... Some say that there are no problems with it, others complain... But I decided to myself - a CVT as a last resort option. I talked with familiar users of diesel Friel and gasoline Santa Fe. I haven't heard anything bad about them. But I came to a conclusion for myself: the 2.7 petrol Santa is not my thing. Having gotten used to it for two years, what is called forgetting when I refueled, with its consumption of 16-17 in the city - not my thing. I heard only positive things about Friel, so I began to consider him as one of the preferable options along with Trail.

And so, telephone conversations with potential sellers began. Given that Opel was still in hand, exchange warrants were preferred. If I really liked the car, I was ready to pay the entire amount.

Strengths:

• Large, quite stuffed, comfortable, relatively economical. As far as I know, the car was designed for America, so this “American” spirit is strongly felt in it

Weak sides:

• Annoying savings on finishing materials

Review of Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi VGT 4WD (Hyundai Santa Fe) 2008

Good day to you, gentlemen, car enthusiasts!

I would like to leave my review about the next machine in order to help at least in some way to those who doubt their choice of this car, well, add a couple of lines in defense of the Korean automobile industry.

I won’t write anything about how I chose, because... I almost didn’t choose, but after driving a Tucson 2.7 for two years and 55,000 km without problems, I realized that I wanted a Hyundai, only bigger and more diesel. Yes, there wasn’t much of a choice, because... according to the good old tradition, I bought used. cars from his old friend, who sells all the cars after 2-3 years of ownership, having previously licked the car and stuffed it with all sorts of goodies.

Strengths:

What I liked:

1. Fuel consumption, the climate control has never been turned off, there is no difference due to the diesel engine.

9 -10 liters - calm driving style, in a mixed cycle. 10 -12 liters - aggressive style, mixed cycle. 7.8 - 8.5 liters - calm driving style, highway.

8.5 - 9.0 liters - aggressive driving style, highway.

In winter, a liter is added in the city due to auto start.

2. Spacious interior and the trunk, the shmurdyak can be carried simply immeasurably.

3. The cheap cost of spare parts and consumables.

4.Mirrors, they are simply huge, visibility is excellent.

5. Appearance, not for everybody, of course, but I like it.

6. Well, diesel, it’s actually a song, it doesn’t really give a damn how many people sit in the cabin and what weight they all weigh. I rush along equally vigorously, plus I often drag a trailer, I always walk at the head of the column, my friends at petrol stations constantly lag behind, I have to wait.

7. Ground clearance, I immediately installed higher wheels 255\60R18 in summer and 235\65R18 in winter, increasing the already not small ground clearance to 23-24 cm. Now I can go wherever I want!!!

8. Heater - THE CAR IS WARM IN WINTER. I don’t know how it is for anyone, maybe somewhere in Tyumen there is not enough stove, I didn’t have any problems.

10 minutes at autostart in -25 frost, I sit down to eat - the air is already blowing warm, after 3-5 minutes it’s already comfortable. It seems to me that the problem with diesel cars is that the owners do not turn the engine to speeds above average, well, turn it up to 2500-3000 and you will be warm.

I have a friend who has a slow-moving vehicle, so it’s cold in the gas station in winter, he doesn’t turn the engine over 2000, so he only gets warm after 30-40 minutes...

Regarding the bad brakes on the Santa, at first everything was fine, but then the brakes began to become weak, and the longer it went the worse.

The reason for this is the caliper fingers, which begin to jam closer to 90-100 thousand mileage. Constantly lubricate the caliper guides when replacing pads. Special attention you need to pay attention to the front calipers, where the guides have a rubber ring at the end (I still don’t understand why) so during operation everything gets clogged with dirt and rust and the rubber sticks, and you can only turn the guide in cleats. Because of this, the front brakes practically do not slow down, and all the work is done only rear brakes, but they can’t cope and even get warm.

Therefore, when replacing the pads, do not be lazy - lubricate the guides.

Weak sides:

What I didn't like:

• Well, there’s not much to say, probably there’s not enough xenon, the halogen light on the Santas is ordinary
• Well, probably the suspension is not very conducive to active driving, although this is probably the case with all parquet floors, although initially the suspension is tuned rigidly, “like for drive,” but neither the engine nor the gearbox, unfortunately, can give any drive, like the X5, for example, at 3.0 diesel engine, for this it was necessary to install the diesel engine from IX55

Review of Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi VGT 4WD (Hyundai Santa Fe) 2008 Part 3

So, the year of owning Santa is approaching, we can take stock, and for this it is worth remembering for what purposes the car was purchased, what tasks were set for it (see part 1 of the review). It's safe to say that Santa Fe lived up to expectations. The car is used daily, mileage per day from 30 km and above, several trips to the Volgograd region ( 2500 km per circle). I've already driven more than 30 thousand kilometers in a year. What has been done in a year:

Firstly, tires: for the winter we bought KUMHO (aka Marshall) 235/60/R18, Velcro. In principle, the tires are not bad, however, when driving on wet asphalt they produce an unpleasant squeal. In any other condition of the surface, it is quite quiet and holds the road both in slush and ice. I bought Gislaved in the same size for the summer. It holds the road amazingly, is insensitive to rutting, but is noisy. Before this it was 235/55/R18, in my opinion, such tires do not look very harmonious on the car (too small), and 60 are higher, plus ground clearance, which is not bad at all.