Comparison of sorento and santa fe. Comparison of Hyundai Santa Fe and Tussan. Choosing the best crossover. Compare Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento

Those who closely follow the global auto market should have noticed that in the early 2000s, Asian companies began supplying crossovers that could successfully compete with European and American models. The South Korean concerns Hyundai and Kia especially distinguished themselves in this, which even began to fight for the championship among themselves. Today we will compare Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, mark their differences and find out which of the companies is more successful.

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

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

In 2012, Santa Fe 3 was presented in New York. For the first time, 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 engine line. In 2014, as part of the Paris Motor Show, 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 approximately in the same direction, the most fair result should be a draw.

Appearance

It should be noted right away that the appearance of both cars is made in completely different stylistic directions. For example, in the exterior of Santa Fe, there are generally very few moments inherent in Asian crossovers. As noted by many experts, the model looks more European than even some German or French competitors.

Severity and progressiveness should be noted in the exterior of the car, which are perfectly combined with elements of sportiness. But Sorento, outwardly, is a typical crossover robotic, with a fairly simple and practical exterior.

The front of the Santa Fe is equipped with a wide windshield and a smooth drop-down hood. The front end of the opponent can offer the same structure of "lobe" and an elongated smooth hood. The nose of the cars has many things in common. First of all, it should be noted a 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-positioned 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 air intake looks very compact and is edged with chrome elements, which contrasts strongly with the wide, monolithic element of the opponent. Secondly, both models have completely different fog lights. At Sorento, they are very neat and have a trapezoidal shape. And at Santa Fe - narrow, rather oblong and, moreover, trimmed with chrome.

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

At the back there are no surprises at all. The feed of each of the cars has a familiar set of components and elements, which are assembled in a very similar style. Unless Santa Fe has a bigger back door.

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

Salon

As well as externally, the inside of the cars is also very different. The interior of Santa Fe is made in a very simple, minimalist style with noticeable notes of futurism and progressiveness (here you can draw an analogy with the exterior). In turn, the interior decoration of Sorento goes a little beyond the usual framework for Korean cars, which is not to the liking of many fans of the company. For example, there is a certain accuracy 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. For Santa Fe, it is very compact, but at the same time very readable and informative. For Sorento, as mentioned above, the panel looks unfinished.

In terms of roominess, Sorento is the clear favorite here. But the quality of finishing work is higher for his opponent.

Obviously, the Hyundai Santa Fe salon deserves a victory at this point.

Specifications

Due to the fact that 2017 we were pleased with the release of the next modifications of cars, for comparison, we chose the variants of Santa Fe and Sorento with 2.2-liter diesel units. It is easy to guess that both crossovers are built on the basis of an all-wheel drive bogie. Among other common points, I would like to note the same transmission box - 6АКПП.

Now let's go a little deeper into the topic of powertrains. As mentioned above, both models are powered by 2L diesels, and it is not surprising that they produce the same power - 200 horsepower. Accordingly, the dynamics indicators are not very different. For example, the acceleration time from zero to hundred in Santa Fe is the same as in Sorento - 9.6 s. And this is taking into account the fact that Santa Fe is 58 kg heavier than its counterpart. However, due to the fact that the Sorento has more maximum torque, the Santa Fe is more economical - 7.7 liters on average, versus 7.8 liters for the opponent.

As for dimensions, the Sorento body is 80 mm longer than Santa Fe and 15 mm higher. A similar trend is observed in the size of the wheelbase - 2780 mm versus 2700 mm. But the clearance height for both crossovers is the same - 185 mm. 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 years, you will have to pay 200 thousand rubles more. In terms of cost, of course, the first option is more attractive, but judging by the reviews - Sorento. Be that as it may, all the dots on the "e" will dot the test drive of cars.

Many experts call the period of the 2000s the era of Asian crossovers. Indeed, just at this time there was a real car boom, in which SUVs played a key role. If earlier, the undoubted leaders were European models, then, with the beginning of the 21st century, the situation radically changed in favor of Korean and Japanese cars.

Not only are they fighting for a place in the sun with cars from the Old World, in recent years, competition between the Asian concerns themselves has intensified. It is about this case that we will talk about today. In this article, we will compare Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento - two crossovers that can be safely called the old-timers of the automotive industry.

Santa Fe's career began in 2000. Analysts, even before the release of the model, predicted a great future for the car. One of the main reasons for this was the use of a modular platform from the legendary Hyundai Sonata. Indeed, according to most experts, the use of this type of body is a direct path to success. Due to the fact that the car was originally created for the US market, marketers and the name have chosen a suitable one - Santa Fe. For those who do not know, a city located in the US state of New Mexico is named in the same way. The great demand for the new product prompted the company to think that the time has come to supply the crossover to Europe.

After several small updates, in 2006, the first car of the second generation came down from the assembly line of the enterprise located in the state of Alabama. The new Santa Fe broke all the sales records of its predecessor, and, for a while, became the so-called "bestseller" of the automotive market. Then there were two restyling, and, in the end, Santa Fe 3 was presented. It is worth noting that the developers have also created a 7-seater modification of the car. By the way, he was twice recognized as the safest in the class.

As a response to the competitor, Hyundai, in winter 2002 the premiere of the new Sorento took place. Similar to its current counterpart, the car was also named after the city, but this time the Sorrento resort located in Italy. Interestingly, the first generation model was classified as an SUV as there were some differences between European and Asian automotive regulations. This is not to say that Sorento greatly surpassed his competitors, but this did not prevent him from showing good sales results.

In 2009, a second generation model was introduced. The developers worked on the dimensions and features of the body, so no one had any doubts that the Sorento was a crossover. In 2014, as part of an event in Paris, the presentation of the third generation Sorento took place. This event plunged into a pleasant shock to motorists, since the representatives of the Korean company did not inform anyone about the upcoming premiere. It was a fantastic marketing ploy, as in the first month of sales, all possible records were broken. Interestingly, in the Russian market, the crossover is called Kia Sorento Prime.

Considering all the above information, when asked which is better, from the point of view of history, Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe, the second option looks more attractive.

Appearance

Perhaps today, the designers of the Hyundai company have nightmares about the time when the first generation Santa Fe came out. The exterior of the debut version of the crossover did not impress, to put it mildly. No one could understand how the legendary module from the Sonata could have been designed so ridiculously. Fortunately, the second generation of Santa Fe, in addition to being a full-fledged crossover, also received an updated appearance. Designers have focused on the modernity and manufacturability of the exterior of the car.

In turn, the third generation model already boasted one of the most striking exteriors in its class. I would especially like to note the ease and ease with which the developers managed to combine the dynamism and sophistication in the appearance of Santa Fe. Interestingly, the car has already been recognized as the best in terms of design twice.

Kia's designers, unlike their competitors, immediately put in a lot of effort to design the appearance of Sorento. There are notes of aggressiveness in the exterior of the car, which gives the model an advantage over its competitors. It is worth noting that the debut version was considered an SUV, so the overall dimensions were impressive.

The appearance of the second generation has changed markedly. Fortunately for the fans of the company - for the better. The car has noticeably decreased and received a completely new front end. The exterior of the third-generation crossover has undergone only spot improvements, among which I would like to note the installation of new optics and foglights.

At this point, Kia Sorento looks stronger.

Salon

Despite the fact that both models are Korean, there are quite a lot of differences between their interior design. If, for example, the Santa Fe salon is made in the so-called premium style, where expensive finishing materials and high-tech elements are used, then in the Sorento salon there is simplicity and comfort. The designers relied on minimalism, and equipped the dashboard with only the most necessary things. A huge advantage of Sorento is that it is much more spacious than its counterpart.

Since the current situation looks very contradictory, we will award a draw in this confrontation.

Specifications

If we compare the filling of the latest modifications of crossovers, then the following situation arises: Santa Fe - three gasoline engines (2.0, 2.4, 3.3 liters) and two diesel engines (2.0, 2.2 liters), Kia Sorento - gasoline engines for 2.0, 2.4 and 3.3 liters, and diesel 2.0, 2.2 liters. In terms of volumes, everything is absolutely the same, but only the units of the first crossover are slightly more powerful.

If you compare the 2017 models, you get twins. Santa Fe is slightly more powerful and uses more fuel. In all other respects, the cars are the same.

Price

The cost of the Kia Sorento 2017 in the basic configuration is 1,794,000 rubles. You will have to pay 1 609 000 rubles for it.

Russia has always been a "land of sedans". But lately this type of car is losing its positions more and more. Sedans are gradually giving way to crossovers, typical representatives of which are, for example, Santa Fe or Sorento. The reasons for this are clear. The state of the roadway, even about the countryside, and there is no talk, to put it mildly, is far from ideal. Therefore, a car with a high ground clearance and good off-road qualities will always be in demand. On the other hand, a city dweller (bought for a lot of money) does not really need it. He needs a "light" version, so that he can crawl along the curbs and on potholes with his belly against the asphalt. Crossovers are the "light" option.

Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are popular mid-range crossovers from Korea

There are a lot of crossover brands now. They are produced in Japan, Europe and China. We will consider two cars by nature. Meet Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.

Salon

Hyundai Santa Fe - economical and easy to drive

The interior of Hyundai Santa Fe can be described as “pleasant”. Soft plastic in soothing muted tones, leather inserts designed to emphasize the richness of the interior. ... Such a number of buttons and controls are rarely found anywhere. However, this may seem redundant only at first glance. After all, the ability to control the main functions of the car without taking your eyes off the road is worth a lot. The elements on the dashboard are grouped according to all the canons of ergonomics, the devices are easy to read.

When comparing Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. At Hyundai, they are comfortable, with developed lateral support. Rear passengers do not have to go crammed like "herring in a barrel" - there is enough space for everyone. The air flow system for rear seat passengers (below and from the B-pillar) can be used as an example to other car manufacturers. The Koreans took special care of the driver. A four-position lumbar massage system will help the driver to endure a long journey without harm to health.

Hyundai Santa Fe possesses enough. Everything is thought out. One has only to press the lever, the rear seats fold flush with the floor, and now you can not only carry oversized cargo from the back, but even spend the night.

The interior space is also okay here. Moreover, in the new version it has become even more. The car has seven seats. Very comfortable seats (the driver has good lateral support) will surely please the future owner. Of course, the driver will have to do without massage here, but he will not feel particularly deprived. There is enough space, the steering wheel is easily adjustable in reach and height.

Kia Sorento is a great option for traveling with the whole family

Our climate is harsh. Especially in the area beyond the Urals. This means that the heating function will always be in demand. So, in the Kia Sorento, heating is organized even in the seats of the last row. And it’s not to say that such an option was very widespread. The heated steering wheel will only add comfort.

It turned out to be successful. The designers decided to give preference to a sporty style. It turned out quite organically. The dashboard pleases the eye with authentic "wells" of the speedometer and tachometer. Aggressive interior lighting adds drive for active driving. The eight-inch screen of the multimedia system did not disappoint either. It supports touch input and is highly legible. Connecting external media will not be a problem.

Among the disadvantages are cheap finishing materials. The creaky "oak" plastics don't add to the Kia's charm. An obvious miscalculation by the designers. When the choice is Sorento or Santa Fe, such a flaw can lead to a loss.

Engine

For Hyundai Santa Fe. In our opinion, the best choice would be a 2.2-liter turbodiesel. This motor has truly excellent performance. And this is not an exaggeration. With a capacity of 197 horsepower and a thrust of 436 Nm, the engine eats only 5.5 liters of diesel when driving on the highway... Great result!

Kia Sorento. Both gasoline and diesel engines are available here. If you love sneaker-to-the-floor driving, then the 2.4-liter engine that delivers 176 horsepower is more suitable for you. And for lovers of leisurely, economical driving, a good old diesel engine has been prepared. His 197 "horses" will be enough in any situation.

Those who prefer comfort will be offered an “automatic machine”. If you want full control over the car - there is an option with "mechanics". Complete freedom of choice.

Test dear

In the competition Santa Fe vs Sorento, the last point remained - the test by the road. Say what you like, but the Sorento is still a city car. Soft suspension, six-speed "automatic" - everything in it is adapted for use. However, the engine power is sufficient for federal highways, you will not feel like an “ugly duckling” on them.

Test drive a car Kia Sorento:

But what about the country roads? Not bad at all, you know. Yes, you can't climb plowing, but the muddy lane will not become an insurmountable obstacle for the Kia Sorento. The soft suspension has good energy consumption; In principle, the disadvantage can be considered a tendency to break into a skid when the steering wheel is carelessly moved. But here it all depends on the "gasket between the seat and the steering wheel."

Hyundai Santa Fe. On paved roads, the car behaves beyond praise. Dynamics, handling - everything is on top. But the off-road is not for him. If the car is still driving on wet sand, albeit at the limit of its capabilities, then in case of not very heavy rain, you will have to run after the tractor. The result is below average.

Test drive the car Hyundai Santa Fe:

So, Hyundai Santa Fe is different:

• wonderful salon;
• very good engine.

And Kia Sorento can write down in the column of its advantages:

• reliability both on the dirt road and on the autobahn;
• flawlessly implemented seat heating system.

Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe. What to choose? Depends on operating conditions. If you are a typical city dweller who travels outside the policy "once a year on promise" or travels exclusively on federal highways - the Hyundai Santa Fe is more suitable for you. Well, if you regularly travel to nature, choose Kia Sorento, you will not regret it.

Roomy, well equipped and comfortable. They are very similar to each other in technical terms, as they are produced by one Korean concern Kia Hyundai Automotive Group. However, a detailed comparison of the machines reveals several differences. In this article we will tell you about the features of the models that may affect the choice of the future owner. So Santa Fe vs Sorento. Go!

A little historical background

Sorento is a car with an off-road history. Designed in 2002 on the basis of the Korean car Hyundai Terrakan. Sorento 1st generation - real with 2 types of all-wheel drive transmission. Now in Russia, a third generation car is being sold, a mid-size crossover that occupies an intermediate position between Sportage and Mohave.

Santa Fe is a mid-size, built on the platform of a passenger car from Hyundai. The Sonata became the donor model for the 1st generation car. Therefore, Santa Fe originally represented. The CUV class car has been produced since 2000.

Last year, at the Geneva Motor Show, a 4th generation car was presented, which is now being sold in Russia. It is available in 5- and 7-seater variants, as the Hyundai management decided to get rid of the separate Grand Santa Fe model.

Competitors

The main competitors of Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are the French and one Czech. Still, German cars of similar dimensions and characteristics are more expensive. The list of the main rivals includes:

• Nissan Murano;
• Honda CR-V;
• Mitsubishi Pageero Sport;
• Toyota Fortuner;
• Renault Koleos;
• Peugeot 5008;
• Skoda Kodiak.

Kia Sorento is offered at a more affordable price in comparison with competitors Paghero Sport and Fortuner. Santa Fe - one of the most expensive cars in the class, with the exception of the "Germans".

Video: Test drive: New KIA Sorento Prime 2018. What to take: gasoline or diesel?

Exterior and interior

Both cars look expensive and presentable, especially in rich trim levels with large alloy wheels, an abundance of chrome and decorative inserts. Sorento looks more strict and massive, and the new Santa Fe is a little more aggressive and fit. On examination, Hyundai immediately catches the eye with a redesigned front end with predatory optics and a new radiator grill. Sorento is more restrained and calm.

The interior of the new Santa Fe is made from scratch. It has little in common with the interior decoration of the previous generation model. When decorating the interior of the new Santa Fe, solutions were used, similar to the ideas of Mazda designers in the CX-9.

Kia Sorento lags behind the competitor in terms of interior. The remark concerns the used solutions and finishing materials. Build quality and ergonomics are commendable. The back row of seats is comfortable. The doorway is wide, the floor is almost flat, but the legroom is slightly less than in the new Santa Fe with a longer wheelbase.

Engines and gearboxes

The following internal combustion engines are available for the Kia Sorento:

1. 2.2 liter diesel. It is a 197 hp engine with a maximum torque of 436 Nm. The diesel engine is only offered with a 6-band automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
2. 2.4 liter petrol engine. Gasoline internal combustion engine power - 175 HP The motor has a more modest torque of 225 Nm. The main advantage over a diesel engine is the ability to work with a 6-speed manual gearbox. This version of the car costs less compared to a car with a 6-speed automatic transmission. A 175-horsepower engine is available for mono-drive versions of the crossover.

Similar motors are installed in the new Santa Fe, but with different technical characteristics:

1. 2 CRDi VGT... It has a 200-strong recoil and a torque limit of 440 Nm. Works in tandem only with an 8-band "automatic". With more gears, the diesel engine requires less fuel.
2. Theta-II 2.4 GDI... The 2.4-liter power plant complies with Euro-5 environmental standards and develops 188 horsepower. The torque limit is also higher. It is 241 units. The representative of the Theta-II family, installed in Santa Fe, works only with a 6-speed automatic transmission. There are no manual transmission versions for this motor.

If we compare Sorento and Santa Fe in terms of the characteristics of power units and gearboxes, then the second car looks preferable. Has slightly more powerful and high-torque engines. A modern 8-range automatic transmission can be ordered for the Hyundai Santa Fe. This transmission slightly reduces fuel consumption and improves ride comfort.

Other specifications

Table 1. Comparison of the main parameters of Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe

When comparing Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe, it becomes clear that the second car is larger. But the car doesn't look too big and clumsy. The new Santa Fe has become 70 mm longer, mainly due to the 65 mm stretched wheelbase. The 71-liter fuel tank holds 7 liters more than the Kia Sorento.

Off-road qualities

Kia Sorento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe off-road? Comparing cars will get you nowhere. Both cars are urban SUVs. Despite the presence of an all-wheel drive transmission (new HTRAC in Santa Fe) and a high-torque diesel engine, the low ground clearance and small entry / exit angles do not imply frequent and active driving over rough terrain.

Crossovers are designed for urban asphalt roads with a high level of comfort. All-wheel drive provides increased stability and better cross-country ability of vehicles in winter.

Video: NEW Hyundai Santa Fe. After this you will FORGET about Toyota!

Price

The initial cost of cars produced in 2019 is 1,769,900 and 2,049,000 rubles for Kia and Hyundai, respectively. Both crossovers are available in all-wheel drive versions. But Hyundai cannot be ordered with front-wheel drive and manual transmission. This is one of the reasons for the significant difference in the initial cost of cars. with a 4x4 system starts from 1,869,900 and 2,049,000 rubles.

The top version of Sorento is offered for 2,289,900 rubles. For this money, the car owner gets a 5-seater car with a 197-horsepower diesel engine, all-wheel drive and a 6-band "automatic". The cost of Santa Fe is much more. This Korean crossover has a price tag of 2,899,000 rubles. The difference is about 600 thousand rubles!

However, the top version of the Santa Fe has a 2.2-liter 200-horsepower diesel engine, a smoother and more economical 8-band automatic transmission, courtesy of the Kia Sorento Prime. It is with this model that the top versions of Hyundai should be compared.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of Sorento are:

• More affordable prices for all configurations of the car;
• Availability of special offers from Kia for cars produced in 2018, allowing you to get a big discount;
• Possibility of ordering a car with a mono-drive system and manual transmission.

The main disadvantage of the Kia is an outdated interior that requires fresh design solutions and updates.

Among the main advantages of Santa Fe, we note:

1. More aggressive, youthful and striking design;
2. More legroom for rear passengers;
3. The best equipment in rich configurations;
4. Possibility of ordering an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The disadvantages of Santa Fe are fewer equipment options, including relatively inexpensive versions with mono-drive and "mechanics", higher cost of complete sets.

So which one to choose?

Santa Fe 4 generations is a more modern car, significantly improved in terms of exterior and interior, but does not have fundamental technical differences from Sorento. It is more expensive than a competitor when compared to similar configurations. It is better suited for buyers who pay special attention to the appearance of the car, the quality of finishing materials and the convenience of the interior.

Sorento is a more practical choice. Lets you get almost the same thing, but for less money. Moreover, there are big discounts for cars produced in 2018.

Although both of these crossovers are global products, the main target market is overseas. There are big seven-seat SUVs in honor, and for a long time. That didn’t stop us from localizing them here. Grand Santa Fe and Sorento Prime are built on a single platform. But if Kia has a big Mohave, then in the Hyundai camp it is Grand Santa Fe - the brand's flagship crossover. The high status is echoed by the dimensions - the Santa is almost five meters long, and the Sorento is 120 mm shorter. If the width on the second row of seats is parity, then in terms of headroom, Santa is more spacious. The difference in length is felt even more on the third row. If in Santa Fe adult riders without much discomfort endure a short trip, then in Sorento an adult in the gallery will be completely uncomfortable. And although the Kia has its own climate control unit for the third row, with its help you can only change the airflow intensity. While in Santa Fe, the third row also regulates the temperature. Interestingly, the second row in both cars lacks a personal climate.

The ergonomics of the driver's seat are not without flaws. In Kia, in general, a comfortable seat, except that the driver slightly lacks support in the shoulder area. Great steering wheel covered with smooth leather. But in order to reach the display of the multimedia system, you have to tear yourself away from the seat back. Santa also needed a better work on the center console - its layout takes getting used to. Although there is no need to reach for the entertainment complex here. The Santa Fe multifunction steering wheel is not so convenient - in order to press some buttons, you have to remove your hand from the usual grip.

It would be naive to expect phenomenal agility from full-size SUVs. The Hyundai's steering wheel is slightly overweight during parking maneuvers, but as the speed increases, the feeling of feedback remains. The Kia's steering wheel requires less effort at low speeds, but it lacks cleanliness during sharp maneuvers. But, however, is it so important? Comfort for such vehicles should be at the forefront. Indeed, the Sorento Prime pampers with quietness and smoothness as a price to pay for the "walk-through" steering adjustment. But Hyundai lacks neither one nor the other. It works out lateral irregularities more rigidly and reacts sharper to the track. Surprisingly, in a busy state, the situation only gets worse.

Differences in power-to-weight ratio are easier to find in technical specifications than to feel at the wheel. Under the hood, the Sorento has a proven 3.3-liter multipoint injection unit. And Santa has a 3.0-liter direct injection engine. Both put out a tax-friendly 250bhp. and docked with 6-speed hydromechanics.

Of course, the V-six, whatever the injection scheme it has, is not enough for such large cars. Here and the overclocking otherwise, as the already set teeth on edge by the term "sufficient" can not be called. The fuel consumption is also "sufficient". Even with delicate handling of the accelerator pedal, Hyundai demanded up to 12 l / 100 km. And Kia with a less progressive engine is even more gluttonous by a liter. As a result - neither dynamics nor efficiency.

The Korean SUVs performed equally on our rollers. When the platforms were under one front and one rear wheels, both vehicles overcame the obstacles. But the diagonal ended. As soon as three wheels were placed on the platforms, Kia and Hyundai gave up.

Before leaving on serious off-road, it is worth thinking carefully several times. After all, none of them shines with geometric cross-country ability. Under both axles, the ground clearance is less than 200 mm, and the angles of entry and exit are quite comparable to those of passenger cars. So the Sorento and Santa Fe are rather big station wagons. Their element is slippery roads or not the deepest snow. But which one is better? While the Santa Fe with the Grand prefix is ​​a bit more exciting to drive, this is unlikely to be a decisive criterion for those who want a large crossover. My preference, albeit micro-overweight, is on the Kia Sorento Prime's side. Let this car handle a little worse, but it is more comfortable. A more humane price tag only adds to the Sorento points.