Santa Fe and Sorento which is better. Comparison of crossovers in the middle class - Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. Prices and options

Although both of these crossovers are global products, the main target market is overseas. Large seven-seater SUVs are popular there, and have been for a long time. That didn’t stop us from localizing them. Grand Santa Fe and Sorento Prime are built on a single platform. But if Kia has the big Mohave, then in Hyundai’s camp it is the 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 of the second row of seats is parity, then the Santa is more spacious in terms of legroom. The difference in length is felt even more in the third row. If in Santa Fe adult riders can endure a short trip without much discomfort, then in Sorento an adult in the gallery will be completely uncomfortable. And although Kia has its own climate control unit for the third row, it can only be used to change the airflow intensity. While in Santa Fe on the third row the temperature is also regulated. Interestingly, the second row in both cars does not have a personal climate control.

The ergonomics of the driver's seat are not without flaws. In general, the Kia has a comfortable seat, although the driver is slightly lacking support in the shoulder area. Excellent steering wheel covered in smooth leather. But in order to reach the multimedia system display, you have to tear yourself away from the back of the seat. The Santa also needed to do a better job of designing the center console - its layout takes some getting used to. Although there is no need to reach out to the entertainment complex here. The Santa Fe's multifunctional steering wheel is not so comfortable - to press some buttons, you have to remove your hand from your usual grip position.

It would be naive to expect phenomenal agility from full-size SUVs. The Hyundai steering wheel is a little heavy during parking maneuvers, but as speed increases, the feeling remains feedback. Steering wheel Kia demands less effort at low speeds, but during sharp maneuvers it lacks purity of reactions. But is it really that important? Comfort for such cars should be at the forefront. Indeed, as a payback for the “pass-through” steering setup, the Sorento Prime indulges in silence and smoothness. But Hyundai lacks neither one nor the other. It handles lateral irregularities more harshly and reacts more sharply to the ruts. Surprisingly, in a busy state the situation only gets worse.

It is easier to find differences in power supply in technical specifications than to feel them behind the wheel. Under the hood of the Sorento is a proven 3.3-liter unit with distributed injection. And Santa has a 3.0-liter engine with direct injection fuel. Both produce a tax-friendly 250 hp. and are coupled with a 6-speed hydromechanical transmission.

Of course, a V-shaped six, no matter what injection scheme it has, for such large cars not enough. So overclocking cannot be called anything other than the already tired term “sufficient”. Fuel consumption is also “sufficient”. Even with gentle handling of the accelerator pedal, Hyundai required up to 12 l/100 km. And Kia with a less progressive engine is even more voracious per liter. As a result - no dynamics, no efficiency.

The Korean SUVs performed equally well on our roller skates. When the platforms were under one front and one rear wheels, both cars overcame obstacles. But it all ended with the diagonal. As soon as three wheels were put on the platforms, Kia and Hyundai gave up.

Before going off-road seriously, you should think twice. After all, none of them shines with geometric cross-country ability. Under both axes ground clearance less than 200 mm, and approach and departure angles are quite comparable to passenger cars. So Sorento and Santa Fe are rather very large station wagons. Their element is slippery roads or not the deepest snow. But which one is better? Although Santa Fe with the Grand prefix is ​​a little more exciting to drive, this is unlikely to be a decisive criterion for those who need a large crossover. My preference, albeit with a micro advantage, is on Kia side Sorento Prime. This car may handle a little worse, but it is more comfortable. And a more humane price tag only adds points to the Sorento.

Roomy, well equipped and comfortable. They are very similar to each other in technical terms, as they are produced by the same Korean concern Kia Hyundai Automotive Group. However, a detailed comparison of the machines reveals several differences. In this article we will talk about the features of the models that may influence the choice of the future owner. So, Santa Fe vs Sorento. Let's 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 Terracan. Sorento 1st generation - real with 2 types of all-wheel drive transmission. Now the 3rd generation car is being sold in Russia, a mid-size crossover that occupies an intermediate position between Sportage and Mojave.

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

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

Competitors

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

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

The Kia Sorento, compared to its competitors Pazero Sport and Fortuner, is offered at a more affordable price. Santa Fe is 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, plenty of chrome and decorative inserts. Sorento looks more strict and massive, and the new Santa Fe is a little more aggressive and smarter. When examining the Hyundai, the redesigned front end with predatory optics and a new radiator grille immediately catches your eye. Sorento is more reserved and calm.

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

Kia Sorento lags behind its competitor in terms of interior design. The note concerns the solutions and finishing materials used. But the build quality and ergonomics deserve praise. The back row of seats is comfortable. The doorway is wide, the floor is almost flat, but there is slightly less legroom than in the new Santa Fe with an extended wheelbase.

Engines and gearboxes

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

1. 2.2 liter diesel. This is a 197-horsepower engine with a maximum torque of 436 Nm. The diesel engine is offered only with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
2. 2.4 liter gasoline engine. Gasoline 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 transmission. This version of the car costs less compared to a car with a 6-automatic transmission. A 175-horsepower engine is available for single-wheel drive versions of the crossover.

New Santa Fes are equipped with similar engines, but with different technical characteristics:

1. 2 CRDi VGT. It has a 200-horsepower output and a maximum torque of 440 Nm. Works in tandem only with an 8-band automatic transmission. Due to the greater number of gears, a diesel engine requires less fuel.
2. Theta-II 2.4 GDI. 2.4 liter power point, meeting Euro-5 environmental standards, develops 188 horsepower. The ultimate torque is also higher. Makes up 241 units. The representative of the Theta-II family, installed in Santa Fe, works only with a 6-speed automatic transmission. There are no versions with a manual transmission for this engine.

If we compare Sorento and Santa Fe in terms of the characteristics of power units and gearboxes, then the second car looks preferable. It has slightly more powerful and high-torque engines. For Hyundai Santa Fe you can order a modern 8-band automatic transmission. This transmission slightly reduces fuel consumption and improves smoothness.

Other technical specifications

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

At Kia comparison Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe, it becomes clear that the second car is larger. But the car doesn't look too big and clumsy. New Santa Fe became 70 mm longer, mainly due to the wheelbase stretched by 65 mm. 71 liter fuel tank holds 7 liters more than the Kia Sorento.

Off-road performance

Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Santa Fe off-road? Comparing cars will lead to nothing. Both cars are city SUVs. Despite the presence of an all-wheel drive transmission (new HTRAC in Santa Fe) and high-torque diesel engine, low ground clearance and small approach/departure angles do not imply frequent and active driving over rough terrain.

Crossovers are designed for travel on city asphalt roads with high level comfort. All-wheel drive provides increased stability and better cross-country ability cars 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-speed automatic transmission. The cost of Santa Fe is much higher. This Korean crossover has a price tag of 2,899 thousand 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-speed transmission automatic transmission, kindly borrowed from the Kia Sorento Prime. It is with this model that the top versions of Hyundai should be compared.

Pros and cons

The main advantages of Sorento include:

• More affordable prices for all vehicle configurations;
• 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 single-wheel drive system and a manual transmission.

Main Kia disadvantage– an outdated interior that requires fresh design solutions and updates.

Among the main advantages of Santa Fe we note:

1. More aggressively youthful and bright design;
2. More legroom for rear passengers;
3. The best equipment in rich trim levels;
4. Possibility of ordering 8-automatic transmission.

The disadvantages of the Santa Fe are a smaller number of equipment options, including relatively inexpensive versions with single-wheel drive and “mechanics”, more high cost complete sets.

So what should you choose?

Santa Fe 4 generations – more modern car, significantly improved in terms of exterior and interior, but lacking fundamental technical differences from Sorento. It costs more than its competitor when comparing similar configurations. Better suited to buyers looking for special attention on the appearance of the car, the quality of finishing materials and the comfort of the interior.

Sorento - more practical choice. Allows you to get almost the same thing, but for less money. Moreover, there are big discounts on cars manufactured in 2018.

In this article I want to compare two mid-size Korean crossover 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.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is already in its fourth generation, but the Kia Sorento Prime is still in its 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 specifications.

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 you clearly felt that this was a product of the Korean automobile 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 management made the right decision to 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.

Appearance 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 bold squint, headlights in a vertical form factor (LEDs are available from the second configuration) and stylish rear LEDs (in maximum configuration) lights - all this creates a feeling, if not superiority over other road users, then the feeling that your car is at the forefront 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 Kia Sorento Prime is 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 adaptive lighting system 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 did not have such a function at all before, and the first one got it 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 automatically switching headlights from 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.

Electrically heated wiper area in minimum configuration Sorento has it since 2011, and Santa Fe has it since 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 richest version 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. A 7-inch in-dash monitor is available in all but the cheapest version.
3. The leather gear knob, unlike its brother, is not available in the “base”.
4. The self-dimming interior mirror is also not available in the low-cost 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 box.
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) – 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 not 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 - with 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

Driver and passenger airbags, side airbags and window curtains are responsible for the safety of life and health in the new Santa Fe. 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 in case of detection of a vehicle approaching from behind.

The 3rd generation Santa Fe also boasted all the 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,
• automatic parking system,
• 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's hill start assist system appeared 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.

Summing up

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

A few years ago, the delicious hit Gangnam Style by the Korean showman PSY exploded into the musical sky, and the video set a record - the first in the world to receive a billion views on YouTube.

Korean automakers are also not lagging behind - from gray mice they have turned into producers of bright and modern cars. The new Santa Fe is like a spaceship! Prices have also skyrocketed over the years, and now such crossovers are asking for two million rubles, while the test Santa Fe costs two seven hundred! For Sorento Prime you need to pay the same money, Koleos is only three hundred thousand cheaper.

By the way, in the previous one (ZR, No. 8, 2017). But those were gasoline versions, and now we fill the tanks of all cars to capacity with diesel fuel. Dieselgate? No, you haven't heard!

International

Everyone associates the Samsung brand with smartphones and TVs - but not with cars! Meanwhile, since the late 1990s, Samsung has also been producing cars. At first these were slightly modified Nissans, then the Samsung automobile division was bought by Renault. Now the Koreans are busy not only producing, but also developing new models. The second generation Koleos comes from there - Korean assembly (in its homeland the car is sold under the name Samsung QM6). So we formed a Korean cabal. In fact, it's even more complicated. The French-Korean crossover is based on the CMF-D platform from Nissan X‑Trail: the Japanese company is part of the same industrial group as Renault. International!

It is attractive, and its interior can charm with chic white leather, a huge - almost like in a Tesla - vertically oriented “tablet” of the multimedia system and stylish (now in the spirit of Cayenne) spacers between the center console and the floor tunnel.

But before you sign the purchase agreement, let's note the shortcomings. The multimedia menu is annoying with its intricate logic, and the responses are not even immediate. The seats are less comfortable than those of the “pure-blooded Koreans”: the cushion is a bit short, and there is some kind of hard crossbar in the backrest that gets in the way. Visibility also let us down - the A-pillars are too wide, and you can’t get an all-round visibility system even for an additional fee, unlike Kia and Hyundai.

The equipment of even the fully loaded Koleos is not up to the level of its competitors. There is no head-up display, panoramic roof, adaptive cruise control or even a niche for glasses. The steering wheel heating threads are laid only in the grip areas. It turns out that the higher prices of rivals are justified.

The turbodiesel rumbles as if you were sitting in the cabin of a Belarus tractor, and not a modern crossover. The Renault engine is inferior to its rivals in power and torque (177 hp and 380 Nm versus 200 hp and 440 Nm), but this does not cause any problems. The Koleos is commendably peppy in and out of town and responds quickly to the accelerator. And - only 9 l/100 km with assertive driving.

Handling is hardly a trump card. The force on the steering wheel is synthetic, there is clearly a lack of feedback when cornering, and micro-shocks from bumps “fly” to the steering wheel.

On curved patches and joints, Renault creates unpleasant percussion, loudly tapping the suspension - opponents do not allow themselves to do this. In the pits Koleos prances so much that from the outside I remind myself of the galloping PSY from that video.

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 North American market. 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 has 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 the latest modifications of 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 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 petrol unit was 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. 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