Wrong Car/Right Car Online

 

A Top Gear PH reader asks: What's a good SUV for seven people?

By Botchi Santos —

 

Hi, Botchi! I keep reading your replies to those who ask for your advice regarding different cars. I really like your comments on certain cars because they are not biased.

I am a 21-year-old guy who loves to drive different cars. I currently drive a 2010 Nissan Navara AT and a 2007 Honda Civic AT. These cars are very fun to drive, but I realize that we need a family car--an SUV that would fit seven people. All of us in the family are quite heavy and very meticulous when it comes to the size and spaciousness of an SUV. We often have long trips and we prefer a diesel-powered SUV since gasoline price is prohibitive. We also want automatic transmission so that my sisters can drive the vehicle.

Vicente Perez Jr.

 

Hi, Vincent. Based on your list of requirements, nothing can match a Mitsubishi Montero Sport for its price and performance. The Montero Sport has seven seats, a powerful engine, rugged and simple construction, and excellent resale value. Servicing is quite expensive (the dealership insists that you use fully synthetic engine oil exclusively for the Montero Sport's CRDi and VGT-equipped engine). The headroom is quite short if you are tall people.

But otherwise, on-road performance is excellent. This SUV pulls easily all the way to 190kph, and the brakes are phenomenal. In fact, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines brought in ace rally driver and multiple Paris-Dakar champion Hiroshi Masuoka who helped develop the Montero Sport, to demonstrate its strengths on a mixed off-road/on-road course at Clark International Speedway, and it was the best ever roller-coaster ride I ever experienced. Masuoka-san drifted the Montero Sport on tarmac and dirt with five people on-board, and the Montero Sport never once felt like it would tip over.

On the racetrack's main straight, we hit a terminal velocity of over 160kph with five on-board. When Masuoka-san stomped on the brakes, the big and burly SUV came to a halt instantly. Hard to beat my own confidence in the Montero Sport after having witnessed its abilities firsthand. Plus, there is a variant that fits right in with your budget. My family has owned two so far (an older GLS Sport SE and the new GTV variant), and we love them both.

Don't believe rumors about incidents of unintended acceleration. There are too many conflicting statements and no clear-cut evidence of it being a mechanical or electronic failure.

The Toyota Fortuner 4x2 G, meanwhile, is slow. Period.

The Ford Everest? Tight and cramped inside. But a new one should be on the horizon soon as the new Ranger pickup signals a revamp for the entire Ford lineup.

Some wild cards? The Hyundai Santa Fe is really good, and even more refined and comfortable than the Montero Sort because it is a hybrid-crossover platform that is built like a car compared to a traditional SUV. The all-new 2013 model should be out soon, but that might be outside your budget. Still, the older 2012 variant is very good even in today's standards.

The Santa Fe's relative, the Kia Sorento, is much the same, but offers a more American-inspired flavor over the Santa Fe's more European-inspired looks.

Hope this helps you guys. Good luck, keep it safe and God bless!

Botchi Santos
Consumer Editor

 

Which seven-seat SUV should Vince's family acquire?

Tags: , , , , , ,
COMMENTS

User account login

Not registered? Click here to be a TopGear.com.ph member.

Forgot your Password?.

Click this link to view our posting guidelines.

Filter comments by:
Called-Out Comments All Comments
  • bruce 9 months ago
     
    letter senders asking for a SUV should just backread. The Montero is always the winner, followed closely by the Sta. Fe. and the Fortuner is slow.. :)
        6
    • barry 9 months ago
       
      i have no comment about it! hehe
          1
    • Fernando Amorsolo 8 months ago
       
      You need 7 seater.

      If you wait for the 2013 santa Fe, it will cost as much as 2.1 -2.2 Million. WAY TOO PRICEY. If you want one, buy one now as long as the current model is available. The current Sorento is my bet :)

      Pero if you are ready at the 2.2 Million Price range, GO FOR THE FORD EXPLORER already. beats all of the Selections here.

      As for the TRUCK BASED SUVs, The Monty is the bang for the buck, BUT ARE YOU WILLING TO BE THE DRIVING THE SAME CAR like almost EVERBODY else is driving?

      The Ford Everest is the best decision to fall in here. AND IF YOU ARE WILLING TO WAIT, Since the CURRENT RANGER has arrived, expect that the coming EVEREST would be as bad *ss as what the Ranger is.

      I disagree on Botchi's point here that the Everest is cramp on the inside. I don't know how he said that. :|

      Good luck! :)
         
  • joab565 9 months ago
     
    Sir I suggest that you go for the upgraded fortuner (it must be for sale already; reports from other sites said that TMPI will start to sell it this September)
    The new 2.5 variant will feature a 5 AT (previous had 4 AT only) & a 41% increase in HP and 32% increase in torque over the previous.
    The 3.0 variant will also get the 5 AT and & a boost in HP & torque but it will not be available here yet (you have to wait for few more years).
       
    • barry 9 months ago
       
      katropa, it's on sale na! the 2.5L VNT m/t has an MSRP of 1.381M while the a/t is at 1.4M. the 3.0L VNT a/t sells at an MSRP of 1.759M...the 2.5 VNT has a max. power from 102hp (old) to 144 hp (new). the 3.0L VNT has no changes. the revamped fortuner together with the hilux gets an LCD, DVD, USB together with GPS (for a/t only) while the manual is GPS navigation ready...
         
  • markdejesus76 9 months ago
     
    Ford Everest Tight and cramped? Sobrang luwag nun ah. Mas maluwag pa sa Montero Sport. Acceleration, halos parehas lang. Ability to go off-road, parehas lang. Comfort lang nagkatalo kasi ang laki ng rims ng Everest.
       
    • maranello_5775 9 months ago
       
      the montero sport is more spacious in terms of legroom however the everest is bigger in terms of head room that is why it gives the impression of space
         
      • markdejesus76 8 months ago
         
        I rode both of them and the only problem with the Everest is the transmission tunnel. The legroom is as much as the Montero can give.
            1
    • barry 9 months ago
       
      kaya nga i disagree with the comments coming from sir botchi! tsk tsk...hehe
          1
    • Fernando Amorsolo 8 months ago
       
      You did my job here :)
         
  • 17Sphynx17 9 months ago
     
    I'm just curious, is the Montero due for an upgrade already?

    About the oil, aren't all similar vehicles from the other makes required to use fully synthetic as well? Just curious.

    Space wise, I still give it to the Fortuner for the third back row, but we did manage to fit 9 peope in the Monty for an out of town trip.

    If the VnT Fortuner is already in the market, then it deserves a look. Its power bump should be enough to ferry you at a good leisurely pace. The power difference I feel is a bit negligible if it is Vnt against the VgT. The Monty however does have the better brakes of the two and I have had a few close calls driving it down a poorly lit provincial road, luckily the brakes didn't fail me.

    Good luck.

       
  • mico101 9 months ago
     
    "The Toyota Fortuner 4x2 G, meanwhile, is slow. Period." -Botchi Santos

    Benta!! :)
        4
    • barry 9 months ago
       
      did i hear slow? hmmm...weh, di nga! haha
         
      • mico101 9 months ago
         
        please read the article above. thank you.
           
  • musspelheim03 9 months ago
     
    Monty FTW!..wanna ask on how to send a letter to Mr. Botchi..hope someone could help..thanks!..
        3
  • engr_kristian 9 months ago
     
    Montero Sport hands down. Very happy with mine so far! Very good handling, acceleration, and brakes. This I've personally experienced coz I always use it on winding mountain roads stretching around 200 km (Aklan-Iloilo & vice versa).
        2
  • nikiboy 9 months ago
     
    Wait for the new Chevrolet Trailblazer to arrive and schedule a test drive at the nearest dealer.
       
    • barry 9 months ago
       
      pwede rin! hehe
         
    • warak1422 8 months ago
       
      tama yan
         
    • sef21 8 months ago
       
      It's worth the wait. It shares engines with the Colorado.
         
    • Fernando Amorsolo 8 months ago
       
      Then it would be the Renewed Everest vs the New trail Blazer
         
  • barry 9 months ago
     
    @sir botchi: i intend to disagree with regards to the 3rd and 4th gen ford everest. of all the mid-size SUV's that you'd mentioned, the 2nd and 3rd row of the ford everest is more comfortable. in short, you will not feel cramped. period.

    @sir vincent: the revamped fortuner has a 2.5 and a 3.0L VNT or (variable nozzle turbo) which is out now in the market. making the 2.5L D4-D from 102hp to 144hp. just check out your nearest toyota dealer. the 2013 hyundai santa fe and the kia sorento shares basic platform but different in aesthetics. the same diesel engine with CRDi and it's equipped with a VGT also. but if you can't wait for the korean crossovers, just shift to the three other mid-size SUV's that where mentioned. additional information, you have to consider these criterias that im going to mentioned: performance, space, utility and oh, the price....i always mentioned these things when a prospective car buyer wishes to purchase a new ride. thanks and happy choosing!
       
    • Fernando Amorsolo 8 months ago
       
      Barry, you did my job here :)
         
  • triple4 9 months ago
     
    Since you mentioned that there are 7 of you and are on the heavy side and meticulous in terms of spaciousness and size, then the likes of the Montero, Fortuner, Everest, etc... could be a bit small for you especially whoever will sit on the 3rd row. All of these SUVs have cramped legrooms in the 3rd row. The best would the full size SUVs like Expedition or Suburban or family vans like the Starex. And since you said that you like to travel long distance, I assume you are also into out of town trips. Small and limited trunk space ang mga yan (especially Montero) kapag hindi naka-fold down yung 3rd row.
       
    • markdejesus76 8 months ago
       
      Yeah. But in the vehicles given, it's the Everest who have more space in the back.
         
  • jomarlit 9 months ago
     
    I'll go for the 2013 Santa Fe. Worth the buck. Plus daytime running lights :)
        5
    • Fernando Amorsolo 8 months ago
       
      Problem is the price. The upcoming 7 seater Santa Fe would range as much as 2.2 million. BELIEVE ME. :) I'd rather go for the sorento. Or for the other 3 :)
         
      • bruce 8 months ago
         
        i agree.. add a little over 100 grand and you have the Explorer!
           
      • dsobreo 9 months ago
         
        Top variant po yun, 1.7m yung low end but diesel yun... My guess when they release the gas variant, it would be priced at around 1.5m
           
  • parrehkim 9 months ago
     
    KUNG MAKAKAPAGHINTAY KPA NG PANAHON HINTAYIN MO UNG TRAILBLAZER NG CHEVY PERIOD MARAMI KANANG KAPAREHA KUNG MONTERO UNG KUKUNIN NYO
       
    • Fernando Amorsolo 8 months ago
       
      The ultimate problem with Montero :(
         
  • jesslink 9 months ago
     
    The Toyota Fortuner 4x2 G, meanwhile, is slow. Period.
        3
  • jrnakaduke 9 months ago
     
    I am an owner of a 2010 Monty and 2011 Santa Fe. I love the interior space, power and ride of our Santa Fe.
        4
  • psim888 8 months ago
     
    Botchi-san, there's now an upgraded Fortuner 4 X 2, which according to a Toyota salesman the power is now 140 hp from the previous 102 hp, additionally there's a multi information 7' touchscreen display, check it out. Paul
       
  • dhryfusc 8 months ago
     
    Dapat alamin kung kailan sya bibili ng suv. Dapat isama sa listahan ang mga lalabas na suv this year para talagang magabayan ang buyer tulad ng ilalabas ng chevrolet, upgraded ng toyota fortuner., isuzu alterra. Kasi parang one sided ang dating at hindi bias ang pag uulat sa buyer. Dapat tinanong muna kung ano talaga sa isip at puso nya na gustong suv. Sa buyer read in other forum kung gusto mo talaga ng tunay na gabay sa pagpili ng suv. Malaking pera ang gagastusin mo sa pagbili ng suv. Dont be close minded ang advice ko sa letter sender. Test drive test talaga ang kailangan.
        1
  • yokam888 8 months ago
     
    the new 2.5L fortuner in other asian markets with VnT bumps HP only to 140 still a far cry from the 178HP of the 2.5L VGT montero. in space, legroom is more important than headroom.
       
  • chinitoguy30 8 months ago
     
    Nothing beats Mitsubishi Montero! I agree with Botchi's comment about the Toyota Fortuner that's why Toyota introduced a new 2.5L diesel engine for the Fortuner. But in reality, I really don't need too much speed or acceleration on my everyday drive especially in Metro Manila. Let's have a reality check. Can you drive above 60kph from my office in Makati to my home in Pasig? Whether to choose C5 or EDSA the fastest you can go is 40kph. For the letter sender choose between Toyota or Mitsubishi.
        3
    • json73002 8 months ago
       
      You need better acceleration especially on heavy traffic. Para hindi ka masingitan. =D.
          1
    • bruce 8 months ago
       
      "We often have long trips.." so I think the letter sender need the speed..
          1
      • Fernando Amorsolo 8 months ago
         
        Not Really. You need RELIABILITY for long drives.
            1
        • bruce 8 months ago
           
          sorry but that's how i interpret it.. long drives = speed.. ;P
             
    • car_mac 8 months ago
       
      Agree.
         
  • json73002 8 months ago
     
    I'm also looking for this type of vehicle. I actually went yesterday to kia, hyundai, mitsu and toyota here in pasig. Sorento and Santa Fe cost 1.7m(2013 model) for the diesel variant which is way out of my budget. Usually, I don't like the interior of korean cars, so I was hoping I could see these new models but unfortunately, there's no model unit. I'm now down choosing between fortuner 4x2 G and montero GLS V. I felt that Fortuner is roomier and more stylish than Montero. But for the rest of the features, Montero is way better. Bottomline, I'll buy the Montero, but not the current design =D.
       
  • Kim John 8 months ago
     
    montero sports sir! Hands down! We own 2012 montero sport gtv. We love to drive it at lahat ng hinahanap namin sa top of the line suv nasa montero na. Naghahanap kayo ng at may paddle shifter po montero mag.eenjoy poh kayo sa pagdrive. Power napalakas po umuwi kami sa north cotabato sa matarik uphill naka.abot ang takbo ng 80 km. Gps down side for me kasi hindi na sya nagfunction ng maayos or mali na direction nya sa liblib na lugar. Aircon the best 2nd & 3rd row may aircon. MONTERO SPORT GTV po the best among the rest!
       
  • jam_vergara 8 months ago
     
    its the monthy for me.. coz it can drift. and driven by a champ.. :)
        4
  • isaac3654 8 months ago
     
    Wait for the new Santa Fe. I bet off-roading will be the last thing you'll ever do. Otherwise, kung may priority kayo sa off-roading, Montero Sport GTV w/ the super select AWD (correct me if I'm wrong with what it's called).
       
  • The Stig 8 months ago
     
    When a vehicle is tested by a Dakar champion, you can be sure it's the right vehicle.
       
  • Fernando Amorsolo 8 months ago
     
    You need 7 seater.

    If you wait for the 2013 santa Fe, it will cost as much as 2.1 -2.2 Million. WAY TOO PRICEY. If you want one, buy one now as long as the current model is available. The current Sorento is my bet :)

    Pero if you are ready at the 2.2 Million Price range, GO FOR THE FORD EXPLORER already. beats all of the Selections here.

    As for the TRUCK BASED SUVs, The Monty is the bang for the buck, BUT ARE YOU WILLING TO BE THE DRIVING THE SAME CAR like almost EVERBODY else is driving?

    The Ford Everest is the best decision to fall in here. AND IF YOU ARE WILLING TO WAIT, Since the CURRENT RANGER has arrived, expect that the coming EVEREST would be as bad *ss as what the Ranger is.

    I disagree on Botchi's point here that the Everest is cramp on the inside. I don't know how he said that. :|

    Good luck! :)
       
    • car.L 8 months ago
       
      sir,there is a motortrend update that depicts the sorento.he said that it is clunky.and its like a magic music boom box when driven.hehe
         
  • rovimax 8 months ago
     
    The new Fortuner 2.5 G VNT deserves a look, it should be out soon. Speed Limits are going to be imposed maybe everywhere so not too much speed is required.
       
  • trail 9 months ago
     
    I'm just surprised a van wasn't recommended.
        1
  • neutral 9 months ago
     
    Perhaps Mr. Botchi's comment on the Everest as cramped was the way the 3rd row seats were designed. The 3rd row was just around 4 inches from the floor which means that your knees are in front of your face when seated. Also, the 3rd row seats do not have head rest which are uncomfortable even for short trip and not safe for impact from the rear. Secondly, the 2nd row can not be moved forward or backward for more legroom.
       
  • walphie 9 months ago
     
    Finding a diesel powered SUV that can comfortably seat 7 people is a tall order.

    May I suggest a van instead? Just get a Grand Starex or a Super Grandia and be done with it :D
       
  • Andrew Marcella 9 months ago
     
    the sudden unintended acceleration does not bother me really......all cars have faults, some more serious than others. its the way mitsu phils handled the problem that was disappointing. a lot of them were just plainly ignored.
       
  • bluehornet 9 months ago
     
    Good advice! Montero still no.1
       
  • carwiki 9 months ago
     
    Go for the Montero Sport.
       
  • sachiel 9 months ago
     
    Everest is far from cramped and I would recommend it over the Montero and Fortuner if the 3rd row is really important. The legroom is probably better than Innova, although the floor is high since it's an SUV. But Grand Starex or any other van is the best for family needs.
       
  • cobrador 8 months ago
     
    7 people will not be comfortable in a Midsize SUV...
    Better get a LWB Carnival... even a SWB Carnival if you are meticulous in space and size
        1
  • rdjl_13 8 months ago
     
    Sir, you mentioned the Montero Sport GTV but you also mentioned the Fortuner 4x2 G? 4x4 V is the right term to mention! Have you heard that the Fortuner 3.0L is already updated to 171hp and 360Nm in Thailand. Ano na sinabi ng 350Nm ng Montero? If you can wait for it then good. 1st is the Fortuner V (I don't like the looks of the Monty). 2nd is the Monty GTV. Wildcard? The new Hyundai Santa Fe although pricier. (2.2M)
       
    • Kyoichi Sudo 8 months ago
       
      Fortuner? nah boring!...
         
    • PanotAko 8 months ago
       
      Wag mayabang, tol. xD Wala pa rin yan binatbat sa manual tranny ng montero VGT na may 400NM of torque! BOOM! kaya mag-isip ka muna bago ka sumatsat.
         
  • merc_shift 8 months ago
     
    Kung malalaki kayo at gusto niyo ng spacious, mag lc200, prado or patrol super safari. Yung mga given na suvs sa list masisikip ang 3rd row seat kung malalaki kayo compared sa typical size na pinoy
       
  • jeprockz 9 months ago
     
    "The Toyota Fortuner 4x2 G, meanwhile, is slow. Period." - Botchi

    This made me smile.
        2
  • boylambot 9 months ago
     
    I guess you should take the sta fe off this list. It just isn't the 7 seater suv anyone would want
       
  • Antomig 8 months ago
     
    Botchi is always BIAS on the montero. :)
       
  • merc_shift 9 months ago
     
    @Antomig actually is always bias on mitsubishi
       
  • jelenajoakim 9 months ago
     
    @ the last 2 guys you're both right, he's ALWAYS biased when it comes to the monty..
        1
    • Kyoichi Sudo 8 months ago
       
      oh bashers, I still wonder why you still buy TGP mags w/ you guys bashing one of its staff, you should be ashamed of yourselves...
          2
      • jelenajoakim 8 months ago
         
        hey sir, just so you should know i'm not bashing anyone... i just agree to what Antomig & merc_shift posted... it' you who should be ashamed of yourself... masyadong kang manghusga ng kapwa mo... we were just expressing our opinion.. it's still a FREE country last time i heard...
           
  • alamos 9 months ago
     
    I agree with u guys.
       
  • innov8 9 months ago
     
    IMO, VAN like starex & hiace are the only options for Mr. Perez.
    Fort, Monty and the likes just doesn't fit the bill, due to the cramped 3rd row seat.
    Wonder if her sisters could drive those though.
       
  • gundam 9 months ago
     
    Sta fe or fortuner
       
  • akiomacoy 8 months ago
     
    Already experience driving 2011 fort and gls-v. Ended up getting 2012 sta fe. Car like ride, 197hp, 3 hp and comfy 3rd row seat for a medium built 6ft human :) for only P1.510m all in.
       
    • akiomacoy 8 months ago
       
      300 plus nm of torque. sorry typo.
         
    • Kyoichi Sudo 8 months ago
       
      Nah, 6-footers aren't ment to be sitting in the third row, everybody knows that. The third row is meant for kids or for not-that-quite-tall persons.
         
      • akiomacoy 9 months ago
         
        Haha! Of coarse, im just giving the sender an idea how the 3rd row seat is of a 2012 sta fe.
           
  • akiomacoy 8 months ago
     
    if the sender likes the fort, jst wait for the one with updated engine. The model thats on sale now is really slow. Value for money get the monty gls v.
       
  • car.L 8 months ago
     
    really?you rode with masuka-san??I've been watching DRIVEN lately..the Malaysian guy also rode with him in dirt track
       
  • reactor 8 months ago
     
    Sir botchi your insight is good BUT I beg to disagree...we have both Monty and Everest....driving comfort and acceleration I agree with you for Montero BUT for roomier EVEREST is the best especially for big family, cargo space etc. its not a cramped car
       
  • Kyoichi Sudo 8 months ago
     
    Everest? cramped rear, we've tried it in my classmate's New Everest. Fortuner? trying hard SUV to overtake the Montero Sport in terms of features and space. Santa Fe? A pricey SUV, for the price of the 2WD AT you can already buy the top-spec Everest, Fortuner and Montero Sport. Montero Sport? bashers' most favorite vehicle to bash, halata naman dto sa comment box....
       
    • markdejesus76 9 months ago
       
      Top spec everest cost about 1.7m. Same as the top sepc of the Fortuner and Montero. The rear of the everest isn't really cramped in comparison with the Montero. Halos parehas nga lang eh. Pero space wise, mas maluwag sa Everest. Unless, the measurement of the vehicle is put to waste.
         
  • PanotAko 8 months ago
     
    The manual VGT of the montero can pump out 400NM of torque at 2000-2800RPM so BOOM! Can something top that from it's class?
       
    • Kyoichi Sudo 8 months ago
       
      NO-ONE! :DDDD!!!
         
      • PanotAko 8 months ago
         
        Ui kyoichi, makamitsu ka din pla katulad ko haha! Ka-edad din pla kita pero may balita ako na nakaaway mo pla c dtkiko? Taena alam mo na b*kla yun dhil wla siyang b*yag sa pagyayabang ng santa fe pero nung nakita ko mga post niya dito, prang hanggang trashtalk lng yun. Kung kaya ko, huntingin ko ung hayup na yun sa bahay niya para masapak ko yun pra matuto rumespeto sa mitsu pero nlaman pinaiyak mo na pla siya sa nanay niya. Haha!
           
        • Kyoichi Sudo 8 months ago
           
          piece of advice my co-mitsuloyalist: wag laging bias sa mitsu minsan kelangan mo magplastikan kung di tatapakan ka dto, same din sa mga ibang loyalists ng ibang brands. dahan-dahan rin sa words para d ka pagtulungan. nga pala, yes kaaway ko c best friend dtkiko, pero he's worth the argue, may sense ung mga sinasabi nya d katulad ni hb(don't wanna mention his name baka pagalitan ulit ako ni chief hehehe...) talagang iinit ulo mo sa sobrang ka-b*pols nya.... oh ya, yes, dtkiko is one mitsubasher, sama mo na si lacoster....
             
          • Kyoichi Sudo 8 months ago
             
            basta makipag-plastikan ka na lang sa dalawang yan kung ayaw mong tapak-tapakan dto sa TGP ng forumers, say nice words too to enemies para d ka tambakan ng haters at para d ka magkarun ng haters :)
               
            • PanotAko 8 months ago
               
              Sila nman nauuna eh. Pero despite that, parang mas marami pa din may gus2 ng japmakers kaysa sa mga korean pati c hyundaibest? Buti nga dun dhil di na sya makareply nung nakita nya mga sinabe mo pero si dtkiko tlaga di na bumalik after since.
                 
  • PanotAko 8 months ago
     
    Also, don't buy the all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The only thing impressive about it is the engine for it's high output, but it's smaller compared to the SUVs from this class and as one mentions, way too expensive! xD
       
  • PanotAko 8 months ago
     
    Kung ikukumpara mo ang monty pati santa fe, dpat ung 2012 montero gls-v pati ung crdi vgt lng santa fe para fair..
       
  • dohc_ivtec 8 months ago
     
    It seems that botchi dont know the news about the newly upgraded fort..?! He shud have said that there will be a new upgraded fort.
       
  • Chester05 8 months ago
     
    need help please!! im new here at top gear. can somebody teach how to post questons for sir botchi santos. really need his help. thank u very much.
       
  • Chester05 8 months ago
     
    Good day sir Botchi,
    My name is Chester, and I really need your help. My father had just undergone surgery in his spinal bone 5 months ago. He drives a 2011 montero sport gls-v, and he said that the ride and comfort is not good. As it give stress to his back surgery whenever he drives it.
    A friend of his has a 2003 isuzu trooper, my father tested it and according him it has way better ride and comfort as compared to his montero sport, and he plans on buying one. I read some of your advice and comments from my fellow top gear members, it seems to me that the hyundai Santa fe has the best ride and comfort and as well as power in its class. So told my father to re think his plan on buying a pre-owned isuzu trooper. Any thought on this please, your advice really means lot to us.

    Can you please provide a list of top ten suv's both brand new and pre-owned in terms of ride and comfort, and if possible also a list of suv in terms of overall performance. My father's budget is around P2M(below 2M would be better).

    Thank you very much in advance. God bless and more power.

    -Chester Buliyat
       
    • dsobreo 9 months ago
       
      sir, join ka sa FB group namin https://www.facebook.com/groups/129213697215039/
         
    • Kyoichi Sudo 8 months ago
       
      Of course the Trooper has better comfort than the Montero coz its competitor was the Pajero not the Montero Sport, let him drive the New Pajero and he'll feel the comfort there...
         
    • akiomacoy 9 months ago
       
      With a 2m budget you will have nice options. Try to check hyundai otis or the near r. Papa if they still have 2.2 2wd for 1.5m.
         
    • John Rigor 8 months ago
       
      @chester05 If you really want comfortable SUV's and don't mind gas engines, why not try the Honda CR-V, Nissan X-trail or the Subaru Forester? :) They ride really well for SUV's, but they will not be as fuel efficient as the diesel SUV's.
         
  • capt.tanker 8 months ago
     
    Sir Botchi, you forgot to mention the new Fortuner to arrive, either 2.5 or 3.0. Current 2.5 not so slow from 0-100kmph and that's good enough for city driving.
       
  • torquebender 9 months ago
     
    try the Isuzu Alterra
       
  • dmaxred18 8 months ago
     
    Sir Botchi, este sir Botcha pala, magkapatid ba kayo ni Blair Carabuena?, mgkapareho kasing botcha ang pagmumukha nyong dalawa.LOL
        6
  • json73002 9 months ago
     
    Wait for the chevy trailblazer. mukhang maganda yung 2.8L variant.
       
  • IamSerJose 7 months ago
     
    I don't like the interior of Montero. The interior of ours, esp the silver accents, faded and it's just 2y.o.
       
  • Edgarallan Poe 7 months ago
     
    Actress Alyssa Milano naospital dahil nakabangga ang kanyang Ford Everest. Airbags pumalpak dahil hindi gumana.
       
  • mcbalanon@hotmail.com 6 months ago
     
    (Your thoughts on the article...)
       
  • mcbalanon@hotmail.com 6 months ago
     
    Get the FORD EVEREST!... u wont regret....
       
  • Souijiru 7 months ago
     
    Plain and Simple: Mid-size SUV
    low budget customer: looking for 7 seater i suggest go for Jap brands (1st Montero"good and descent" 2nd Fortuner "slow but average" 3rd Altera "slow n roomy") instead of the Am brands (4th Everest "Below average" 5th Trailblazer "King of the hill? or self proclaim? lol... Unreliable"). (euro2, Thailand made, 2.5L up to 3.0L, VGT second generation turbo charger, 5 speed, 180 or 200 top speed the most if they can reach it, ladder truck chassis.)

    have tons of money: looking for quality, best value for your money in terms of performance, Diesel, comfort, power, Universal model, features, Euro 5 compliance,
    here's the specs:
    R-Diesel 2.2L CRDi 3rd generation Electronic-VGT / intercooler, Euro5 197Hp top speed 240km , 6 speed shiftronic 7 seater w/ panoramic sun roof (talking about top of the line AWD Models)

    Sta. Fe 2013 and Sorento 2013 nor both 2010 to 2012 model basically the same engine, what set them apart? Sorento have a better Gear-box system, fast shifting gears, diesel engine indeed, but you feel your driving a Gas powered engine.

    Conclusion: before you buy, Test drive first then you'll see what i mean, be opened minded and please stop 90's ideology!!!
       
    • StoNiniox 3 months ago
       
      @Souijiru tama po kayo test drive first before you buy at sa manila bumili at sa banko kayo pumunta kung may pang down naman kayo.
         
    • StoNiniox 3 months ago
       
      @Souijiru tama po kayo test drive first before you buy at sa manila bumili at sa banko kayo pumunta kung may pang down naman kayo.
         
  • StoNiniox 3 months ago
     
    mas maganda talaga sorento base sa experience ko di lang sa interior design ekonomiya pa siya. Imagine uphill and downhill drive kami ng family ko at 11 ang sakay including me at 110 km/h stable sorento kahit kurbada, sa 60 mins drive ko 1 is to 16 takbo. Ang problema lang mahal ang sorento(korean vehicle) lalo na dito sa cebu 200k to 400k patong may trade in pang nalalaman eh yung trinade niyo walang value malaki pa dagdag interest almost 50% T_T
       
  • StoNiniox 3 months ago
     
    FYI ang sta fe at sorento is a full suv di tulad sa ibang brand mid size lang
       
  • LaHedare 3 months ago
     
    gulat naman ako sa reader, heavy daw sila pero naka honda civic. kawawa yung kotse. lubog at sasayad
    -_-
       
  • atmar 3 months ago
     
    santa fe is not full size.....bcos veracruz or santa fe lwb is....
       
  • cjmallari 3 months ago
     
    Please correct me if I'm wrong. It seems na mas maraming nagrerekomenda at good reviews ang Montero dahil napakarami na ang nagmamay-ari nito, not because its competitors are not as good. I like the Monty and its specs, kaso masakit na sa mata dahil sobrang dami na. And there are competitive options out there like the Trailblazer.

    Another thing... Considering na masikip din naman 3rd row seats ng ibang mid-size competitors, is it safe to say that the Santa Fe is the best in all aspects for city driving and the only downside is its price?
       
  • atmar 3 months ago
     
    for hway/city driving the santa fe is hard to beat.....unless.....you frequent flooded places, then you need the ground clearance of the monty.
       
Filter comments by:
1 to 20 of 69