Wrong Car/Right Car Online

 

A Top Gear Philippines reader asks: Sorento or Sante Fe?

 

Hi, Botchi. I just sold my 2005 Toyota Fortuner V, so I'm now looking for a replacement. After test-driving several SUVs (Captiva, Sorento, Santa Fe, CX-7/9), it's mainly down to two choices: the CRDi 4x2 Kia Sorento and the 4x2 eVGT Hyundai Santa Fe.

Several reasons why I short-listed these two are comfort, interior, and seven-seat capacity. The Captiva was on the compact side and its drive was not as good, so it was out. I really loved the CX-9 as it was my favorite, but it was really too expensive. I didn't get the chance to test the Montero Sport because there was none available.

So anyway, I'm now torn between the Sorento and the Santa Fe.

First of all, the Sorento is only equipped with a five-speed automatic dual transmission, whereas the Santa Fe has a six-speed automatic dual shifter. Interior-wise, both units are almost similar, but the Santa Fe has the backing-up camera installed for when reversing, which is a cool feature. Exterior-wise, the Sorento looks more like an SUV. Price-wise, the two units are not much of a difference with the Sorento costing P1.6 million after discounts, and the Santa Fe costing P1.5 million.

Kia also offers a five-year or 160,000km warranty. Hence, I am writing you this e-mail hoping you can offer me your valuable advice on the two units--specifically about their performance, handling, and fuel efficiency. Of course, I'd be happy to hear your suggestions for other SUVs that you may recommend.

Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you.

Regards,
Christopher Oon

 

Hi, Christopher! Thanks for sending us an e-mail. We love hearing from you guys out there!

I'm impressed that you made the bold decision to put two Korean SUVs on your short list, foregoing the traditional Japanese brands. Both SUVs are crossover-based platforms and share some similarity underneath their skin if you do some research online. Interestingly, each Korean SUV caters to different tastes.

The Kia Sorento feels more like a traditional American SUV: the colors used, the feel of the materials inside the cabin, the overall design and layout. If you were blindfolded, you would think you had stepped inside a Chevrolet or Ford or Chrysler all-American SUV. It's cozy and comfortable, and it feels somewhat familiar, like your favorite pair of jeans and trainers that will always be comfortable to jump into any day of the week. It also feels like an American car to drive, best to be driven at moderate speeds in traffic or on the highway but is a steady eddy, very comfortable on very long drives.

The Hyundai Santa Fe, however, feels more sophisticated, like a sharp three-button fitted suit. It feels classier and more luxurious, thanks to features like the contrasting piping on the leather seats (popular with British carmakers such as Aston Martin and Land Rover). It's also better spec'd--the six-speed automatic transmission and the powerful 2.2 liter R-eVGT engine that pumps out almost 200hp. It loves to be driven hard and fast, yet still delivers amazing fuel economy and efficiency even when driven flat-out.

Your choice will depend on whether you want something sophisticated or more casual and comfortable. I didn't find the need to go on the technical side because, ultimately, the feel and the character of these two SUVs are where the battle will rage on.

If you can wait for a few more months, perhaps by then the all-new 2013 Santa Fe will have been launched by Hyundai Asia Resources to our market. Based on the rumors we've been hearing through the grapevine, the new Santa Fe promises to be a real ringer!

Hope this helps. Good luck and God bless!

Botchi Santos
Consumer Editor

 

Which SUV should Christopher purchase?

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  • bruce 11 months ago
     
    Wait for the new model sir. Though you can get discounts now for these outgoing models. Having to choose from the two korean cars, i'll have to go with sorento. :)
        1
  • markdejesus76 11 months ago
     
    Santa Fe . Other SUV: Montero Sport.
        1
  • rpal 11 months ago
     
    there's an actual unit of the 2013 santa fe here in the philippines, although they are selling it through the grey market, but i've seen it and it's beautiful. the rear end makes you remind of the audi q7. they also have a veloster turbo :))
        1
  • snoid_zero 11 months ago
     
    Pitstop Motors along Q. Ave now has the new 2013 Santa Fe.

    Prices are

    2.0L R-eVGT 2WD (base package for them I think) 2.150M
    2.0L R-eVGT 4WD (Premium) 2.300M
    2.2L R-eVGT 4WD (base package for them) 2.250M
    2.2L R-eVGT 4WD (Premium) 2.350M

        2
    • snoid_zero 11 months ago
       
      quoted from SG @ http://*****.com/forums/hyundai-cars-talk-83/sta-fe-gen-3-a-88237/index6.html
          1
    • lord_cykb24 11 months ago
       
      is this true..?? what a expensive car....!!!!
      I'll stick with the Monty or wait for the upcoming Trailblazer or possible all-new Eve
         
    • Fernando Amorsolo 11 months ago
       
      Grabe ang mahal naman?! Mag Explorer nalang ako. Pogi pa
         
  • GotToRead 11 months ago
     
    Wait for the 2013 Santa Fe, meron na din namang 2013 Sorento pero facelift pa lang, I think it is "underdevelopment" pa
        1
  • bvnzn 11 months ago
     
    I recently got my Santa Fe, but it isn't the 2013 one. I wanted the Sorento, but it was just out of my budget costing nearly 200k more than the Santa Fe. Both are nearly the same because both are sister companies. One of the main differences is the interior and exterior design which I thought made only a little difference. Both honestly look very good and the looks only vary in the eyes of people. I personally liked the looks of the Sorento because it is much more modern and the interior is quite cool to look at. Like what Botchi said, the Santa Fe is sophisticated and simple which I fell in love with.

    The engine is a big difference. Since the Santa Fe has a 6-speed, it makes it fuel efficient and fast as well and I was surprised that it had nearly 200hp under it which I loved as well. As they say, love the person from the inside and not only the out.

    Another thing is the service centers. I noticed a lot more Hyundai service centers and one recently opened in EDSA Greenhills which near where I live so that just boosted the convenience.

    I could have waited for the new Santa Fe, but I had a feeling that the price would go up and the 2.2 4x2 was just in my budget so I opted for that instead.
       
    • jbedpan 11 months ago
       
      good choice and good reasoning also.
         
    • Feeter Silverster 11 months ago
       
      nice choice sir
         
    • GotToRead 11 months ago
       
      and that, sir, is one good example of how you choose a car. Not by "badge" or being stuck in sometime when a car company is nicknamed worst of the worst, not by what others told you and not by screw that car it's Korean! Cheers for your Santa Fe, sir!
         
      • bvnzn 11 months ago
         
        Thanks for that! Sometimes going a different way is best. When you do, you'll be surprised with your choice and won't regret taking that different road. Going the old way can and will get boring. Going a different way will bring new and exciting surprises. Kinda like Steve Jobs. He went a different way with his computers and laptops and look where his company is. Hyundai, or Korean cars for this matter, is the same. You'll be surprised at what it can give you and you won't regret making a different choice. I didn't regret it one bit.

        One big surprise I got with the Santa Fe is how comfortable the ride is. SUVs like that get bumpy and 'matagtag' rides. But with this, it's the complete opposite. Very fuel efficient as well and quick when you want it to be. Yes it may have negatives, but the positives overshadow those downfalls.
           
        • GotToRead 11 months ago
           
          Exactly, this is what I'm telling my father so for such a long time. Let go of the "conservative thinking" about car brands. My dad or should I say most of dads out there will favor Japanese brands anytime over the Koreans but look at how boring Japanese cars nowadays (Toyota, are you listening?) and I don't really like where Honda is going right now, Mazda's "smile" is just horrendous (except for the CX-5). Isuzu, well Isuzu got their obsolete line-up ( By the way, we currently own the 2011 Isuzu Alterra UC). But the Koreans are now making the "pace". They shook the auto industry when their line ups become more and more complex and "high-grade". They even lead the pack in most of the segments. I think the only reason why most of the Filipinos won't choose a Korean brand is because of the stigma that Hyundai and KIA are cheap, unreliable and disposable cars.
             
          • bvnzn 11 months ago
             
            I agree and most Filipinos are getting it wrong about Hyundais and Kias. They are actually quite reliable cars its just that these Korean car brands are just beginning to boom in our country. In other countries, these brands, the Hyundai in particular, are getting quite a good reputation even in the US. Big companies are even getting these guys as sponsors. Japanese cars are great cars, but if people widen their thinking they will see how great Korean cars are too. Cheap? They are not cheap, but affordable. There's a huge difference between those two words. With the quality that these cars show and the affordability they can give us, truly these cars are worth the money we can pay for. One example is the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. A lot of Filipinos would still prefer this over lets say the Toyota 86 because of quality and price and I bet you that when the 2013 Gen Coupe comes out, everyone will be pulling out their money for that instead of the 86.
               
            • GotToRead 11 months ago
               
              Yes! They're not cheap, WOW! it's like you're reading my mind, regarding to your post about the GC, we're planning to buy a new "ride". GT 86 is his first pick but unfortunately we're not able to get a reservation due to supply problems and the next batch will be next year (Subaru will also bring the BRZ next year). I really love the GC good styling, superior performance (compared to 86). I agree with you about the GC, the deal breaker will be the pricing. Price the GC 1.4-1.5 and the V6 1.7-2m and I'm sure, really, reallly sure that it will sell well here.
                 
              • bvnzn 11 months ago
                 
                Good on you! Im actually aiming for the Ford Mustang when it finally comes here in the Philippines in September. They say it will be really affordable and might be within 2m only so Im saving up for that. If it's more than what I expect it to be, then the Gen Coupe will be my alternative or the BRZ, if the BRZ will have a proper LCD unit.
                   
                • GotToRead 11 months ago
                   
                  Oh! I didn't knew that! Hmmmmm it might be a good suggestion. HAHA, but I got this "thing" for asian cars maybe I'll stick to GC, 86 or BRZ.
                     
    • DePendot 11 months ago
       
      post ka ulet dito pag nagsisisi ka na
         
      • markdejesus76 11 months ago
         
        I think "regret" is not the thing when you buy what you want to buy. If you buy because of someone else, maybe you'll regret it in the future, but in his case, no.
           
        • bvnzn 11 months ago
           
          i agree. tska pinagaralan ko mabuti eh kaya di ko pagsisihan. It's my own choosing of the brand and model. I have knowledge with cars and the consequences that come with the choices I make, may it be good or bad. The guy may regret posting that above.
             
  • Kim John 11 months ago
     
    2013 santa fe bro!
       
  • car_mac 11 months ago
     
    The Sorento looks all American at the rear, thats what I love with the Sorento.
       
  • mindkinetic 11 months ago
     
    if may i suggest sir for you to wait the chevrolet trailblazer.
       
  • lord_cykb24 11 months ago
     
    sir I'll go the Sta. Fe, because of the engine.... then If you patience then wait for the 2013 Sta. Fe. But beyond those two choices, I'll go for the Monty, better yet wait for the Chevy Trailblazer and or the possible all-new Eve
       
  • Feeter Silverster 11 months ago
     
    pamahal ng pamahal ang mga bagong model, yet lumiliit ang interior space, and hindi ganun kalaki ang itinataas ng salary, get the old model when it's still there.
       
  • akiomacoy 11 months ago
     
    Same situation a month ago. For me, the sorento is slightly better looking both inside out especially the push button start. Aside from that wala na. Also, there are few Kia service center in the metro. I live at mandaluyong wack wack area and the closest service center of kia is at eastwood. With a price difference of 200K, sta 2012 nko! (my phantom black will be release this friday).

    Now, 2012 vs 2013 sta fe? I cheked the interior of the 2013 sf sport 7seater at pitstop before finalizing my decision, wow! One thing ive notice is that the way getting inside and out of the 3rd row seat is very hard due to the 2nd row right side seat that usually tumbles down from previous sf model now only slides a few inches forward. The price of their 2013 sf base model is 2.05M, max na tawad i think will be 1.950M. 3yrs warranty at pitstop. With that price made me consider in buying the 2012 model.
       
  • Fernando Amorsolo 11 months ago
     
    BETWEEN the 2: SORENTO. It just looks better. and Meaner. :)

    WILDCARD: Why not MONTERO SPORT? Or the upcoming - EVEREST. Or the TRAILBLAZER. :) I am sure these wildcards can really make you think thrice? 5 times :)
       
  • d.lake 11 months ago
     
    between the 2, i pick sta. fe. it's much practical in terms of price, engine, and also, hyundai's after sale is better than kia's. If you'll wait, it will surely be much expensive. Fortuner or Montero is a better choice :)
       
  • reyjason 11 months ago
     
    wait for new models
       
  • ChairmanPineapple 11 months ago
     
    patience is virtue, wait for the new Sta Fe
       
  • kokoykokoy 11 months ago
     
    Hi, we own a Montero Gtv, and considering your concern about the interior, performance and fuel consumption, I believe the korean SUVs are really your choices. Santa fe technically speaking has more powerful engine than its japanese counterpart. Regarding the fuel consumption, I believe the Santa fe has a bit more edge considering it only has a 2.2 liter turbo-diesel engine. however it may not work that well when going off-roads. On the other hand, the Sorento for me may lack abit on its features, we haven't test one but according to sir Botchi's reply, I believe the Santa fe would be a better choice between the two, because it may have a slight feeling of a european car. but you may really find very small for an SUV since its smaller than your old Fortuner
       
  • 17Sphynx17 11 months ago
     
    Among the choices, I'd stick with the Sta Fe against the Sorento. I wouldn't know though whether you can wait for the newer model. Images look great for the 2013 Sta Fe =)

    Comfort wise, you would get a better ride with these two compared to the Fortuner or Montero.

    I wanted to try and ask if you would mind looking at Ford but the new Explorer is over 2.0m and the Everest is a bit dated with similar suspension setup to the Fortuner and Montero so it may not be the comfortable ride you are looking for.

    good luck to you sir. Cheers! =)

       
  • iwantcar 11 months ago
     
    wait for the new model of Santa Fe, but for sure it will cost you more
       
  • isaac3654 11 months ago
     
    Kia Sorento. Compared to the Santa Fe, clever graining and texturing of the plastics makes it feel high quality, unlike the Santa Fe, which feel cheap and nasty, or wait for the new Santa Fe, at least you have a time to invest more since it is expected na magmamahal ang Santa Fe, as the 7-seater version replaces the overpriced and utterly boring Veracruz.
       
  • Kyoichi Sudo 11 months ago
     
    It will be better for Mr. Christopher to wait for the 2013 Kia Sorento, Its so cool!!!
       
  • akiomacoy 11 months ago
     
    P1.5m smooth ride powerful and fuel efficient engine = 2012 Sta Fe.
       
  • atmar 9 months ago
     
    the newer santa fe is much more expensive.....
       
  • dmaxred18 9 months ago
     
    KIA & HYUNDAI = TRASH!!!!!!!
    The worst in reliability/durability at siguradong di magtatagal sa mundo,.lol
    Para kang bumili ng Basura pag bumili ka ng mga yan! Better buy japanese cars
       
    • jasonlimos 9 months ago
       
      Thats what they use to say about Samsung TV, that you should instead get a Sony
         
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