When it comes to overall functionality and ride comfort, I'd go for the Sante Fe. Although I'm not so sure about the recent rumors that their engines are very sensitive with our fuels that it affects the performance and damages the fuel pump. Anyone heard same stories?

Same luxury cars. same good looking but not same in their engine ability how longer can they survive. its better to know the possible disadvantages and advantages of the two and mostly how easy you buy the possible problems of the parts.

Santa Fe is King indeed.

Hello Kenneth!

Feel free to pay us a visit.

http://www.santafeclubph.com/

go for sta. fe!

For new SUV owners/users, the montero sports is a good buy but for long time SUV owners they want more from their SUV which is driving comfort and power. Montero sports 3.2 has 343 nm torque and 161 HP while the 2010 santafe R-eVGT 2.2 CRDI has 437 nm torque and 197 HP. Both SUVs are good depending on your requirement.

wala

i saw a santa-fei catch fire on the road. not a good car!

I own a 2WD ReVGT Santa Fe. Supple ride, auto and power everything, unmatched power and torque (goodbye Fortuner, see you later Montero), standard 6.5" touchscreen w/ Navi, spacious and euro like interior, minimal NVH compared to the Montero (we have one in the office) and the third row seats better also, and the pricing is perfect. There's also the novelty (Brown Metallic Santa Fe stand-out in the sea of Monties and Fortunes).

170-180hp for their upcoming 2.5L montero, compared to sta.fe's 197hp for the 2.2L engine..

montero= sore loser. LOL peace out

d-max is a truck? maybe you meant the alterra; still nobody beats the 2.5 monty in the bang for the bucks category

Santa Fe = global car passing global safety standards like EuroNCAP and the US NHTSA...

Montero Sport = 3rd world country SUV not been tested in 1st world safety tests like EuroNCAP or the US NHTSA...

Momtero Sport 2.5 VGT is better to buy..you will never regret.according to my SA 4x2 variant has a 7 inch Nav System,4x4 has a Paddle Shifter and GPS Nav Sytem New Sport Grill Mesh type.Cool!!!

Go for the Santa Fe! It rocks!

TEST DRIVE FIRST... THEN, DECIDE...

Montero Sport FTW!!

montero sport looks better for me. :)

I'd go for the Santa Fe.. better ride!

Tidus1203 is correct....... it's incomparable MS is a utility SUV whereas Santa Fe is a Premium, refine SUV vis-a-vis BMW.. even the vaunted 4wd system of Mitsu is no use unless you live an unpaved village.. Hyundai's 4wd is not for serious off-roading but a capable one.

101% agree with tidus1203....
also heard about 4D56 SCV problem... wonder if they already fixed it....

Agree with tidus1203. If you are into serious off-roading then get Montero other than that better get Santa Fe, it has full-packed features and most important passed the global safety standards.

If you want macho and more appealing looks go for the Monty, if you want a gayish looks then go for Sta.Fe., but spec for spec, Sta.Fe is a monster. Well for me, 1st thing to consider in SUV is the looks, 2nd is power and speed, 3rd is handling 4th is durability and 5th is market value after 5 yrs. So go buy that monty:-) Oh, better w8 for the new monty if you can..

@ Kenneth: go for TOYOTA FURTUNER, may ilalabas na bago, including navegation with multi-media.........

10 to vansxtrme23!

gayish? parang hindi tama yun a

Guys, how much kaya the 2.5 VGT would cost?

Gayish??? The santafe is how a true and modern SUV should look like that is why it is internationally acknowledged. The MS is basically a pickup with a built in campershell and an *gly butt. Macho??

Oh cmon' this is the fact montero is like a basketball player, sta fe is like a marathoner, who has better cardio?of course marathoners but whos more appealing to people, offcourse ballers!!!haha, so monty na!!!

monty is like a offroader trekker and sta fe is like a football player. and the more appealing?

Totally agree with you vansxtrme23!
Like what Botchi said, Santa Fe is King!

No offense intended just need to share. Peace!

http://monteroaccident.blogspot.com/

when will the new montero sport be available?

Santa Fe eVGT pa rin without a doubt ---- 2.2-litre producing 197 pferdestarke (ps or metric-horsepower) and 435 Nm torque, against the upcoming 2.5-litre VGT Monterosport producing 178 ps and 400 Nm torque.

@Bigforce, thanks for sharing, awful horror story.

So u all mean that sta fe has more appeal? Then why is it philippine roads are covered with lots of montero? Pro kc sta fe club ung ngccoment d2.lmao!!! Like i said montero is more appealing to public but sta fe is monster in d road in terms of power..let the buyer decide..

@vansxtrme23: Kasi naman, ang 2.5L MT na Montero ay P1.280M lang. Pero, you get what you paid for. Very bare interior, basic amenities, paltry power, ancient transmission. Ay, may special feature nga pala ang mga MS. Invisibility on the road. Kasi kahit saan ka pumunta, meron kang makakasalubong, masusundan at makakatabing MS na kagayang kagaya ng sayo.

Yung lalabas na bagong MS, w/c is still underpowered as compared to the SF ReVGT, I bet, is going to be more expensive than the current SF.

wala ng appeal ang monty, parang vios na

@Riskbraker - I don't think the monty is underpowered. Just not as powerful as the Sta. fe, that's all. Because if I'd take your statement as the basis for such argument, that would mean that the fortuner, alterra and everest are likewise underpowered.

@kenneth - These two vehicles, I think, are very different in various ways. Although they both belong in the same category, for longevity, reliability (it's still a truck), serious off-road capability and a cabin which is quite easy to maintain, I think I'd go for the montero (or the alterra, fortuner or everest for that matter) , as I believe that is what it is designed for in the first place. On the other hand, the Sta.fe scores very high in passenger comfort, driving dynamics and speed. Now, which will your tito and tita choose?

U got that ryt gvm0116..@riskbreaker,klan lng nlabas ung manual trany na 1.280m, b4 that mdami n tlgng montero, kc nga it has more appeal.ndi nmn gngwang taxi ang monty not unlike vios kya mtaas ang sales bcoz of taxis.

wait for the updated monter sport if you can, and go for it...

For vansxtrme23: I know how much you love your Monterosport. BUT, macho looks has nothing to do with quality-wise chief.... Trust me. This unsolicited 2 centavos advice coming from me, who as a family, we own two 3-litre 2004 model and 2008 model Isuzu DMax's, one 2001 model Isuzu Crosswind, one 2010 model 2.5-litre manual-tranny Mitsubishi Monterosport, and one 2010 model 2.2-litre Kia Sorento VGT.... To tell you the truth, the Korean Kimchi Sorento would stomped all our Japanese lineups.... and the new up-and-coming UK-specified VGT 2.5-litre Monterosport would not even come close to the power of the Kia Sorento (197 ps, 435 Nm torque against the new Monterosport's 178 ps, 400 Nm torque).... So there you go, macho-looks has nothing to do with "SUBSTANCE".... Just stating 2 centavos FACT.... Very truly yours, Isuzu boy i am chief....

For docmel: Chief, learned it from a fellow TopGear Phils co-forumer that the upcoming 4x2 Montysport VGT will cost around PhP1.4 M (i take it though that maybe this is the intro price at tataas din yan kalaunan), while the 4x2 Santa Fe is still around PhP1.5 M.

thanks dtkiko, that's a good price, and totally agree with you, if i have the xtra money, i'll go for the sorento, it beats even her sister kimchi sta. fe

Kia sorento is not on the topic my friend. I know its a very good SUV and a sister co. of Hyundai but its completely not on our buyer's choice..All I want to say about the Monty is the looks, performance wise, it can't compete with the Korean's coz of HP and torque. But the design of those Korean's are more classy and looks like a female car for me. Not unlike Monty, its design is barbaric its not a classy design, but more on a sporty design.That's y Im picking it over Sta fe. Hope u got that .5 cents of thoughts.:-)

vansxtrme23: I get it and it's your money anyway my friend.... so stop imposing to anyone here that they should all get the Monterosport and those that are all commenting are Team Hyundai boys, for not all are Hyundai boys; i for one comes from Isuzu and i also appreciate how much the Kimchi have improved over the Japanese brands locally available here. You just have to ACCEPT IT for a FACT that there are a lot of Filipinos that know how to look on "better" things than Japanese, and that includes your "competitive BUT not as good and not on par as the Korean Kimchi Hyundai Sta. Fe or the Kia Sorento" Montysport. Stop also using cents, when it should be centavos worth of advice ---- a Philippine centavos worth of advice like yours will never be a US cents.... intiendes amigo?? ---- again, my 2 centavos pañero.... You just have to know FACTS and conjectures, the latter it being yours.

Docmel: Don't mention it chief, just sharing what i learned from a member here at TopGear Phils. By the way, just this month, we visited Mitsubishi Caloocan with the intention of looking into the Pajero Shogun in comparison with the Pajero Shoguns being sold in Subic that are being imported thru Port Irene in Cagayan. The agent told me that the VGT-equipped Monterosport "may" well be coming this February 2011. So anyone interested may check out their nearest Mitsubishi dealer.

@dtkiko - am may be going out of topic here, but what differences did you find out with regard to the local and imported pajero shogun?

Hyundai Santa Fe's performance is far from other contenders and the interior is very roomy, euro style, good driving comfort especially on zigzag roads but interior material is cheesy no leather, all plastic, stereo and sound system are low end.. I have my 2010 santa fe, I replaced my stereo twice in casa under warranty because of problem in bluetooth and not active touch screen and many more in short "madaling masira".. So now im looking for an aftermarket for replacement..

gvm0116: Good day chief. Actually they "seem" share the same 3.2-litre engine (2001 Japan-issue Shogun, reckoned as 2007 model here in Philippines and our current 2010 or 2011 Philippine-issue Shogun), based on the looks. We opened up the hoods on both of them (those being sold in Subic and the one at Mitsubishi Caloocan). i love to test drive the Philippine-issue Shogun to feel if there's any difference BUT never had any chance to. My wife and I test drove many of the Japan-used Subic Shoguns, and honestly, i can't really tell that i'm impressed. All Shoguns (our Philippine-issue and the Subic ones) come with auto-trannies. The Subic one is converted now to left-hand steering and all characters in the interiors are all in Japanese hehehehe.... Also, you have to take note of the levers (wiper and signal lights), they are still in right-hand mode hehe (baligtad pa rin chief, ika nga hehehehe). Current price(s) on the Subic Shogun range from PhP800k to PhP1.0 M compared to the Philippine-issue 2010 or 2011 Shogun "enjoying Mitsubishi's tax-holiday" at PhP2.7 M (before each costs around PhP3.2 M). They (the Subic boys) said before they (the Jap-Shoguns) were around PhP200k cheaper before importation was diverted at Port Irene in Cagayan. I believe it is PhP200k cheaper to get this Japanese-Shogun from Port Irene these days.

Yes the Fortuner, Everest, Montero, and Alterra are all underpowered when you compared them to the specs sheet of the Santa Fe. I just figure them out bymyself when I read the specs sheet of TopGear. There are various reasons why most people buy MS or Fortuners. One is the price. MS 2.5MT at P1.280M is very reasonable considering the amount of features it has, same as the top of the line variant at 1.7M, which what you are paying for is the 3.2 engine. For the Santa Fe, the 1.55M 4x2 variant(not top-of-the-line) has more features than the 3.2 MS. And that is just one part of it. Again, consider the Torque and HP values of the two SUVs and you'll see that the 2.2 R-eVGT has more power than the 3.2 MS. I'm not a Hyundai fan either. I do hate the fact that they are getting near the sales figure of Mitsubishi. Being a Montero Sport fan for a very long time, I think it's time to realize that the Santa Fe has the most "value for money" nowadays. The only weak spot of the Santa Fe is the 4x4 variant. In fact it should not exist as it is not as competitive with the MS which is more suitable for off-roading. And, don't even think about considering the Fortuner. I own one and regret about it. I should have opted for the Montero Sport or Santa Fe as I am aiming for ride comfort which my Fortuner doesn't satisfy me with that.

RS500: I find your statements so true "deep-into-the-bones" with our own experiences (me, my family and closest friends). We've always been "hardcore" Japanese buyers from the fleets of 10-wheeler trucks that we use in our business (or most appropriately my wife's business hehehehehe) to our own personal day-to-day rides. It's a real awakening when you drive those Kimchi Korean made vehicles and realise at an instant "why it took me so long to even think about riding this Kimchi!!!!" ---- Boy, do they really GO!

Before we went with the SF, I did a little comparo myself (w/ a little help from TGP). It's almost the same dilemma as Kenneth's. We wanted to replace our 15 y/o Toyota Lite Ace as family hauler. We needed something that could carry 7 comfortably and with a little prestige (off-road capability wasn't necessary). The full-size SUVs were out of our budget. We didn't want another van nor a mini-van (ie Kia Carnival). And, I hate AUVs. So the list narrowed down to the mid-size SUVs. Immediately, I eliminated the Fortuner for its notorious stiff ride, the rumored stalling diesel engines and lack of novelty. The Alterra was out because it looks like a hearse. The Montero got kicked-off the list because having experienced one myself (we have one in the office), the NVH was very high especially during low rpm, the third row legroom was small and again, you can see one everywhere. It was down to three: the SF, Everest and Sorento. The handsome Kia Sorento was st*p*dly overpriced so it was out. We liked the Everest's looks (especially the then newly released LE), spacious cargo area even when the third row seats were up and it being a "Ford". But, it was eventually outmatched in almost every department by the SF. 6-speed H-matic vs 5-auto. Multi-link suspension vs Leaf springs. Standard touchscreen navi w/ GPS. Although shorter than the Everest, the width advantage of the SF was apparent and the smaller outside dimensions were actually an advantage because it was very easier to drive thru narrow roads (w/c are abundant in the province) and park. And then we have the top of the class power and torque. The beautiful Brown Metallic color w/c compliments the then new "fluidic" body was just icing in the very well priced cake.

I remember that thread, RBT from ******? Glad you picked the Sta. Fe

* from the other car forums

bakit na censored?

@dtikiko, do u know how to understand english?coz ur not getting my thoughts.im not saying Santa fe is bad, Im just comparing their looks. And i'm not trying to impose here to everyone that everybody should buy that Monty, im just helipng the buyer with my thoughts. Maybe ur a j*** that can't understand thoughts. Sorry for that. You know what, I'm not hating Korean cars, in fact I also love the tucson, sorento and also sportage. It's just the Monty and Sta.fe are the topic here, I just don't want the looks of sta fe so I'm picking monty over sta fe. Can you read all my comments from the very beggining? did I say korean cars are bad and you should not buy those? Anyway, sorry for rude statement, ur the one who started it.D*#&@$$..:-)

hep hep... anung kaguluhan to? manu ngang magsitigil nga kyo. puro kyo mayayabang! CGE IKW NA DTKIKO ANG MARAMING RIDES... IKAW NA......
@vansxtrme23 -- TAGALUGIN MO NLANG ndi ka maintindihan ni DTkiko e.. kawawa naman naliligaw sa usapan....

I think santa fe and monty are both good SUV's, you will not go wrong buying any one of them. I guess everyone is unique therefore the person buying it is the best one to decide which is right for him. Some prefer comfort than looks and vice versa. Some like it fast, some like fuel efficient cars, some prefer tall SUV's to make them feel secure if there is flooding and others consider resale value. At the end of the day the one buying should itemize all the features and give corresponding points or value based on his preference. Peace

Keep your money na lang para walang gulo! :)) peace out.

boyBAWANG: Bago ka nag-log in dito, ginawa mo na ba yung pinaluluto kong Boy Bawang, pare koy?

para sa lahat: masyado ng humaba etong kwento na to. discussing on underpowered mid-size SUV's. hindi naman yun ang tanong. yung simple, ginawang kumplikado. pano makakapili yung letter-sender kung may VGT ang kotse o wala. guys, prices of diesel are continuing to soar high. let the prospected buyer to test-drive the two vehicles and then decide. tapos...

vansxtrme23: Oks lang yan pare koy.... Parte na yan ng public forum, nagkakainitan at asaran....

Woah! Woah! Hey! stop na kayo guys sa pag-aaway nyo dito. Ako ung letter sender at nakapili na kami actually naka park na sya d2 sa bahay. We chose the Santa Fe, because medyo mas marami ang nakuha namin sa Hyundai kesa dun sa dealer ng Mitsubishi dito. Although mas mataas ang Montero Sport uhm... ung comfort ng ride ang naka attract sa amin. At ung features nya na rin mas spacious ung 3rd row ng sta. fe kesa sa monty. Hope you respect our decision thanks for all those comments you gave. :D

kenj23: More than happy to know you chose THE BETTER of the two haha! Not only do i respect you chief, i SALUTE YOU!

glad to know that kenneth or kenj23 has already decided on something. now, off to the next letter sender. hehehe

@kenj23: Nice. Anong color pinili mo sir? Yung 2WD ba? Enjoy your new ride. Kung may tanong ka tungkol sa Santa Fe, hanapin mo lang ako.

HARI go!

@riskbreaker agent ka ba ng santa fe? ask ko lang may iba pa bang style ng stereo para sa santa fe? kung meron magkano? tnx

@kenneth hinintay mo sana yung 2011 montero sport para macompare mo ulit hehe I heard tatapatan daw ang santa fe lalo na sa interior may screen at navigation din at lakas konti ng makina tas sabi nila may wiper na daw sa headlight parang trooper..

nel27: Kulang pa rin chief kahit UK-spec pa yung Monty. At 178 ps and 400 Nm, halos kapareho lang ng Nissan Navara 4x4 at 174 ps and 403 Nm. Ewan ko lang kung "spastic" ang power nito gaya ng Navara below 2000 rpm at biglang "peaky" by 2000 rpm. Yet, the torque of the Navara drops so fast as the rpm climb past 2000 rpm (see Navara's power and torque curves). Sana hindi ganito characteristic ng bagong Montysport VGT....

@nel27 Di po ako agent. I'm just a proud owner of a brand new SF. Di ko po alam kung may iba pang style ng stereo or speakers na available. Satisfied naman ako sa standard sound system. The power and torque are addicting. Minsan kapag may nakikita akong other mid-size SUVs sa expressway, di ko mapigilan ang sarili kong i-overtake sila (lalo na kung Fortuner... I freakin' hate those) kahit hindi kailangan. Hahaha... I want to see the specs of the new Monty. I have a bad feeling that it will cost above 1.6M (2WD).

@nel27: We don't need na to wait for the new monty kasi hndi kami satisfied sa mga binigay or deal from a dealer here of Mitsubishi. Mas nasatisfy kami sa offer ng Hyundai at mas maganda kasi interior ng Santa Fe than the current Monty. And I know that the new Monty would cost more than the current Monty and Santa Fe. And we are happy na sa Santa Fe hope you would respect that

@Riskbreaker: We chose the superior Red colored Santa Fe para kasi syang black pag gabi na at pag may ilaw ngmamaroon at minsan ngrered. Kaya un ang nagustuhan nmin. And yes it's a 2wd SF. What color did you chose for your Santa Fe?

@riskbreaker yes kayang tapatan ng japanese carmaker ang specs ng santa fe pero ang price hindi kayang tapatan kaya mas competitive ang korean cars,,Oo nga e sports car na lang ata makakaovertake sa santa fe hehe just kidding pero everytime na may sasakyan sa harapan ko kahit mabilis overtake pa rin kayang kaya kahit may mabigat na baggage sa likod just to take na walang sasakyan sa harapan ko haha.. SUV na parang sedan ang drive kasi di feel ang bigat,, too high ang ground clearance para maging sedan pero too low naman para sa SUV..

@Ken, congrats on your new ride, enjoy that power and torque monster in the road. Put 24's now!hehe just kidding..

@kenj23: good choice. congrats on your new ride. advise lang ken, wag mo siyang palagyan ng accessories kasi mas lalong papangit. try to remain the car in it's original look. mas astig pag nagmamaneho ka. another full satisfied customer...hehe

@kenj23: don't forget to install a turbo timer para hindi maabuse yung turbo ng santa fe mo. especially na equipped na yan ng R-EVGT. marami sa banawe.

next letter please......

@kenj23: Nice choice. Superior is very rare in our roads. Brown Metallic yung pinili ko kasi rare dito sa amin. Plus, yung 2 kasi naming cars ay red na kaya iba naman pinili ko.

@nel27: Hehehe.. medyo wala nga lang steering feel. Kapag nagma-maneuver ako sa mga tight roads, medyo kabado kasi di ko feel yung bigat nung steering di kagaya ng Honda Civic namin. Yun ang drawback ng motor-assisted power steering.

Tanong ko lang... na-try nyo na bang tingnan ang SF nyo during gloomy weather? Holy crap! Lumalabas talaga yung curves. There are times I just stare at it for 5 minutes while parked at the mall.

@riskbreaker: Yan palagi qng napapansin sa SF nmin. Ahahah!!! ung curves lumalabas. Next target nmin ang either the Tucson or the Genesis Coupe. :P

@barry: di q na kailangan ng urbo timer di kasi nman aq mabilis magmaneho. Ung tama lng from our house to my school. :P and Rainvisor lng pinalagay nmin sa SF.

Go for sta fe. My bayaw owns one and had the chance to drive it.

my tita and tito is also planning to buy either a fortuner, santa fe or montero.. gas consumption is making them think twice on which to buy..

@jayp95: The Santa Fe has the best fuel economy among the the 3.... Trust me. :D

With all due respect Sir Botchi; they were not just rumours about the montero sport vgt. My article last mid-november (here on industry gossip) was accurate except I had a typo 177hp instead of 177ps. Everything else was accurate.

You state that the SF is King of the highway-speed-demon SUV class. Is that a new class? Surely you mean king of the CUV class, which it is not either. Firstly it is not even a proper SUV. It is a tall hatchback with seven seats, and does not tick the boxes for what a SUV should be.

On the otherhand; the Montero Sport ticks all the boxes; more than capable at legal speeds on all roads from Highways to Baranguay dirt roads. And when the dirt roads end it will take even further. That is what a proper SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLE is meant to be.

In conclusion; both these vehicles are not even in the same category. The Montero sport, Fortuner, D-Max, and Everest are indeed in the same class and either would be fine out here in the provinces.

Of the three above, the Montero sport is clearly the one to follow and that is why MMPC moved over 12,000 of them last year. Now that the 4x2 and 4x4 autos have got a 2.5 177PS and 350NM engines, it's main rival the Fortuner 2.5 (102HP) is totally left behind in power and ride and offroad ---- For now that is.-----

Oh and Sir Botchi; enjoy the test drive next Friday week the 18th ;)

hatchback pala ang sta. fe? eh ang X1 hatchback din?

Sta Fe! Unless you do off roading....

talino nitong si expatio kala mo kung sino

What IS a Sport Utility Vehicle? Is the king of SUVs, the Ford Explorer, still an SUV even with the underpinnings of the Ford Taurus?

I think SUVs today should be categorized into two: truck-based and crossovers. Truck-based SUVs cater to people who would actually take their vehicle off-road while carrying a weekend's worth of luggage. Crossovers cater to people who would drive their vehicle everyday to work. Truck-based SUVs are rugged and rides like a truck (matigtig) while crossovers are too delicate for off-roading but rides like a car. But in the end, they are both SUVs meaning they could carry 5-7 people, has a tall ride height and higher ground clearance than a typical sedan. The Monty is truck-based while the SF is a crossover but they are both SUVs.

No way.
The proper SUVs were called such before the softroaders came along, and not called truck based. In any case the trucks could be called SUV based as oftentimes they are developed alongside each other or built with the other in mind.

Anyway, back to the point. The SF is fine for those in the city. Where I live in the provinces, I have never ever seen one SF and there are two old type Tuscons around.

Fortuners and Montero Sports together with trucks (pickups) are what you see on thew roads here, for good reason.

Kaya ba ng Santa Fe 4x2 auto rvgt mag tow ng jetski?

Kala ko bumili na ang original poser ng Hyundai Santa Fe? Hanggang ngaun pinag-de-debatihan pa rin haha! Keep it up guys!

@Jerricson: When did you test drive the Santa Fe? Was it the ReVGT variants? I seriously can't comprehend: "Montero has a harder kick kaysa sa Santa Fe." Unless you were driving a modified Monty producing 200 hp and 450 Nm of torque, there's no way the Monty can "kick harder" than the ReVGT Santa Fe.

The only one that can beat SF I think is the kia sorento, I read about an article na ung tinest drive na sorento eh 200hp, dko maalala torque. It was from c!

@dominic: Yup, I read that article in C! last year. That Sorento I think was a special edition. But, the ones sold in the Kia showrooms, I think, has the same engine as the SF.

I got chance to test drive the MS of my younger brother. Not bad. But when I tried to test drive also the SF of my bayaw, indeed a big difference. The 2009 SF for me has the edge in terms of power, space, comfort and yes, looks. A lot of people say the MS main attribute is its macho appearance. I can imagine if the fender flares are removed a big difference in looks will prevail. Strada pickup image naturally.
The SF on the other hand, with or without a body kit is still sexy. Last month, I was tailing behind an SF and its *ss is really beautiful. The MS on the other hand has the same rear image with the fuzion and for me doesn't look good.

Tagar27: Haha chief, even up to now pinag-uusapan pa pala itong thread na ito kahit yung original poser bumili na ng Hyundai Santa Fe. Napaka-sensitibo talaga ng mga Mitsubishi zealots haha! For them they can't accept it that the Montysport (even the newer so-called GTV version) are all just "overrated" pieces of equipment haha! Nagka-mechanical VGT lang, animo'y nag-parada na sila sa kalsada haha! Nauna pa nga nagka-VGT ang Isuzu DMax (Euro-version) at MU-7 (Alterra of the Thais) sa mga yan ahihi....
....AND indeed, malayo talaga mga Korean-made in comparison. While your bayaw is enjoying his Santa Fe and prolly in-love with it, we are super-stoked din naman sa Kia Sorento YES! Haha!

Mga idols na Hyundai boys: Let's just leave them all Mitsubishi boys WHINING here in this thread.... Nag-eenjoy na din sa Santa Fe niya yung original poser.
....Now, let's just leave all the Mitsu boys here enjoy their WHINE-and-cheese dessert on their "overrated" Monterosport so-called GTV haha!

AND, let's stop talking ill about Mitsubishi from hereon, 'coz they will treat us very very badly for doing so ahihi ahoho ayayay!

I'm no brand snob but I do tend to favor some brands. I'm just stating the fact that the best SUV/CUV in the Philippine market right now under 1.6M is the Hyundai Santa Fe.

@tagar27: ano model year yung MS nyo?

^hindi po sa akin Sir. It belongs to my younger brother and bought last november. Ayos ang MS but I found the SF more fun to drive.

Thanks. I'm looking for a diesel car to replace my crv. Please enlighten me, in case you know. Why did your brother choose 2010 MS instead of 2010 SF. you said that even 2009 SF is even better than 2010 MS.

Riskbreaker:
YUP chief 120% i concur, the Hyundai Santa Fe is definitely far better than the Mitsubishi Monterosport. As a family, we also have a 2010 Montysport, by the way, and a Kia Sorento (it got the same engine spec as the Santa Fe).

Just over 2 weeks back, a geologist colleague of mine bought a Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2-litre eVGT. Prior to deciding which one to get, he was torn between the Ford Everest and Monterosport GTV; Santa Fe was not even amongst his choices at first hehe (well, you know how prejudism abounds on Korean-made cars even when one hasn't tried them yet).... I tried convincing him to check out the Santa Fe as it's within his budget....
....AND at the end of his so-called test driving and ocular inspection on all SUV's (except the Alterra), according to his wife, they COULDN'T get him off the Santa Fe haha!

I can surely bet that Mitsubishi Monterosport fanatics don't wanna test drive any of these Kia Sorento's or Hyundai Santa Fe in the first place, and we all know why some of them are very vocal about them ---- BECAUSE, in reality, they don't wanna realise it that the money they used to buy the Monterosport isn't worth at all after driving a Hyundai Santa Fe haha! CLASSIC!

@gundam
Sir my younger brother has weakness in looks -so he admitted. Para sa kanya looks is the main factor. Bahala na raw kung may ibubuga o wala. Tepo nya ang ka pogi-an ng MS. Sabi ko naman sa kanya bakit? ang SF naman bukod sa may looks na may ibubuga (power) pa. Tumahimik lang sya kasi siguro na realize nya na ang MS ay hanggang looks lang at off road driving. Minsan nag off road driving din kasi sya kasama mga barkada nila. But for me what a waste because 90% of his driving activities ay hindi off road at kayang kaya sa budget nya.

@gundam
Sir, nakalimutan kong sagutin isa pang tanong mo. Nung nag test drive po ako, sa SF ka iba ang power kahit bago ang MS ng kapatid ko. Advice ko sa yo Sir, bago ka bumili pang palit sa CRV mo, i test drive mo ang dalawa para ma experience mo first hand ang mga sinasabi ko dito.

@dtkiko: We would have bought the new Sorento on looks alone (DAMN! That thing just stands out in our roads!) plus it has the SF engine and platform but it's overpriced like hell!

@tagar27: LOL at your little bro! Meron kaming Tito na bumili ng Sportivo before we bought our SF... siguro napaisip din sila kung bakit yun ang binili nila e meron naman sila budget.

@gundam: Make a list of what you want and need in your next SUV, make a short list, study and compare the specs and test drive.

Riskbreaker: Chief, you could have haggled the price down more with Kia, where my wife's 1st-cousins just had theirs for just plus PhP1.53 M....

@dtkiko: Really? Where did your wife's 1st-cousin get her unit? I live in the province... dealerships here are not flexible. Was the unit the 2WD, R-engine, 7-seater diesel variant?

Loans are high here, other countries now have no upfront dp, or low interest rates. Here, cars are for the rich and famous, except you would be eyeing a maybach which is pure luxury, I think dealerships should look at low interest rates and more packages to give loans and services to country men and women.

mga pare pls don't push ur choice let the buyer chose the right suv of their choice.both are good but has it's own weaknesses.try nyo veracruz it's v6 and 240hp crdi eVgt.ours is coming this week.can't wait'

Santa Fe: good package but questionable long-term reliability and resale value
Montero Sport: value for money but poor handling.. tends to fishtail because of the high clearance combined with soft suspension and narrow body
Fortuner: expensive but more prestigious looking, roomier, quite bumpy though but has a more stable ride unlike Montero, resale value is good and long term after sales service.
If your up with the goodies in a vehicle, go for SF or MS, if you're after long-term value for money, go for Fortuner.

ken matutuwa tita mo pag bumili sila ng sta fe...

SF if purely urban and rural with good condition roads.

MS if you have that spirit of adventure from time-to-time.

Personally since I'm an outdoor buff I'll take the MS. Really highly depends on your lifestyle ;)

matagal na pong naka-bili ng SF yun letter sender... :D

anyway for the sake of those back-reading the thread... my officemate is a big Mitsubishi fan.
He owns an old Pajero and just bought a MS last year. So naturally, when I opted for the SF last December, the friendly debate between us never ends :D Until we had our company outing 2 weeks ago in Batangas. We agreed to swap vehicles going to the resort. These are the exact words from him when we reached the resort.... "Benta ko kya Montero ko?" :D

Moral of the story: Test Drive First!

LOL @ 2/2 Flying random-discarder's anecdote.

:D
long-retired black wizard with 2WD ReVGT SF

5-year hiatus green wizard with 2WD ReVGT SF here.

yep, go for sta. fe.... my sis have one and its great to drive, very cool. Just recently, I bought a monte gls-v...(c/o citimotor las pinas), nakakainis... sira agad yung volume (increase/decrease) na nasa manibela. It really sucks! And citimotor told me to wait for replacement for about a month to 2 mos. Wala daw makunan na stocks.... Bwisit talaga!

yep, go for sta. fe.... my sis have one and its great to drive, very cool. Just recently, I bought a monte gls-v...(c/o citimotor las pinas), nakakainis... sira agad yung volume (increase/decrease) na nasa manibela. It really sucks! And citimotor told me to wait for replacement for about a month to 2 mos. Wala daw makunan na stocks.... Bwisit talaga!

Buy Montero....It's great

Santa Fe is great for the city and highway, but for us in the provinces, its definitely Montero Sport. Power without traction is useless in our roads. I don't even understand why city folks buy SUV/CUV in the first place. A sedan or minivan would be more appropriate.

Go Sante Fe :))

if you are going to use your car for pang harabas or for everyday workload then i guess the montero suits it but if you are going to drive it for leisure and luxury then Sante Fe fits, mas nakakapanghinayang kasi na mabugbog ang sante fe comparing to montero hehe

@macpro: The reason why city folks buy SUV/CUV is because city roads in the Philippines are like provincial roads in other countries. The Star Expressway here in Batangas is a rip-off... our Barangay roads are smoother! That's why I absolutely love my Santa Fe, luxurious ride for us regular folks.

Montero is again the top selling SUV. This just proves that it is a reliable and balanced vehicle for rough and smooth terrain which most Filipinos really want.

Of course the SF is a luxury vehicle. Kudos to its subtle ride :)

Why doesn't the Sta Fe have power driver seats? This is a bit annoying for me since I'm a big guy who sometimes lets my mom borrow my car - so I have to adjust it back every time. I'm shopping right now and choosing between the Sta Fe and the Forester - Sta Fe should have clinched it if not for its suspicious lack of power driver seats.

Santa Fe for me. Speed king of the road.

Go for Sta Fe, New Thinking...

I agree with Riskbreaker, Sta Fe is king goodbye Fortuner, see you later Montero. But sometimes even if Sta Fe is king on SUV level it should respect the fast car category. I pass by a Sta Fe one day and it want to race so i leave it behind with 200 kph. It must give respect, not to act an absolute king on the road. By the way I owned a 3-letter car logo. But for SUV level i salute Sta Fe though.

Hello guys. Can you help me decide which SUV to buy? I am totally messed up which one to chose - Santa Fe or the New Montero Sport (2011). I was able to drive test both but I can't really decide. Please give me more insights of which is better.

@Steve27: I own a 2WD ReVGT Hyundai Santa Fe and my father's ride is a 4WD Mitsubishi Monterosport sans VGT. Here are some of my observations:

1) Size: The SF is very roomy inside because of the extra width. The cargo is tiny though when the third row seats are up. The upside: it's very easy to fold down the 3rd row seats in the SF as compared to the MS.

2) Comfort: I love riding the SF. Very supple ride as compared to the MS. I also like "gliding" over small speed bumps. The MS just can't do that with the coil springs. Also, I love the auto-sensing wiper and headlights.

3) Drivetrain: Even with the VGT, the SF is still more powerful than the new MS. NVH is lower in the SF than the MS too. I also like the 6-speed manu-matic tranny in the SF.

4) Value: My 2WD SF has a 7" touchscreen w/ backing up camera and Navigation. iPod connectivity is seamless.

5) Looks: It's subjective. MS is everywhere. I absolutely love staring at my Brown Metallic SF.

Finally, go for a test drive.

Good day!

Gusto ko lang po Ishare.

(Hyundai: from borrowing engines from Mitsubishi to providing them for Mercedes-Benz)
nhttp://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/0805_hyundai_engines/index.html

yesterday, after driving the new rear-wheel-drive Genesis sedan at Hyundai's state-of-the-art research facility and test tracks in Namyang, Korea, we had lunch with Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, who is President of the R&D and Corporate Product Planning and Strategy Divisions of Hyundai-Kia Motors. Dr. Lee joined Hyundai in 1984, so he has been at the company since before it sold cars in the United States (the Hyundai Excel, that gem of a subcompact, debuted here in 1986).

Dr. Lee reminded us what a big achievement the Genesis is for this automaker, which was established only four decades ago as a satellite assembly company for Ford's U.K. arm to assemble Ford Cortinas for the Korean market. Aside from those kit cars, Hyundai's first car was the 1975 Pony (which, incidentally, was designed by Giugiaro), and through the 1980s Hyundai licensed designs from Mitsubishi to build cars. Hyundai did not build its own engine until 1991, when the Alpha four-cylinder was introduced. Dr. Lee was the proud father of that engine, which is still used in the Accent.

From its first engine seventeen years ago, the company is now building a variety of four- and six-cylinder passenger-car engines and now also a completely modern V-8, the Tau, which is optional in the new Genesis luxury sedan. "It all started in 1990," recalls Dr. Lee, "when Toyota launched Lexus. We were just spectators, but we thought, 'Why couldn't we do that, also?' At the time, our daydream seemed laughable, but through diligence and hard work, our dream has come true. Until 1991, when we developed our first engine, we had no technology; we relied totally on Mitsubishi. The Alpha gave us a tremendous boost of confidence, and we now can build anything we want. We could build a 600-horsepower supercar, or we could build a $2000 people's car. But the car we have always wanted to build is the one you drove today [the Genesis]."

While presiding over a sumptuous lunch at Rolling Hills, Hyundai's luxurious modern hotel near its Namyang facilities, the softspoken Dr. Lee elaborated on Hyundai's technological accomplishments and growth. The tables have turned on its relationship with Mitsubishi, as Hyundai now supplies technology for the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter Theta engines for both Mitsubishi and Chrysler. Some 1.9 million of them were built in 2007. And at this year's Beijing auto show, Lee recalled, "Dr. Dieter Zetsche [head of Mercedes-Benz] announced that he would like to partner with Hyundai for four-cylinder engines."

After reflecting on this fact for a moment, Dr. Lee said, "I am not sure we want to share our technology."nnThe irony at the table was richer than the cream of mushroom soup. Here was the man who developed a simple, four-cylinder engine to relieve his company of its reliance on one of Japan's second-tier automakers, now able to entertain offers from the world's most prestigious automaker for an engine-sharing deal. How quickly things change in the automotive world. And how quickly one realizes that Hyundai is a force to be reckoned with.

Kung wala si Mitsubishi wala rin yung Pinag tatalunan nyo na mas Mabilis si Santa fe kaysa kay montero. Peace.


and may personal Experience Because We own a Montero 2009 3.2(Sa Utol ko) and Santa Fe 2009(Mine)

For me In terms of Quality (Lalo na sa Electronics) Mitsubishi Montero than hyundai STA FE , Hyundai Daming problema sa electronics.

Sa performance sa hyundai Sta FE Ako. Ang sarap Ihataw sa Startoll! Kasama ko ang UTOL ko Dala nya yung Montero. Iwan si montero mga 4 na sasakyan ang pagitan.

Sa problema.

sa tagal dumating yung parts ng SIRANG electronics ni SANTA FE nndahil walang stock ang Dealer

( Dealers/planta Usually stock parts na madalas masira, eh kaso AC controller ang nasira, 4 months bago dumating dahil wala silang STOCK! nasa 1500KM pa lang yung santa fe )

Sa monty naman! Laging loss of Power. Linis ng EGR and MANIFOLD dahil puro carbon deposit, Palit SCV (Suction Control Valve) dahil nasira sa maruming EURO 2 complaint na DIESEL fuel From SHELL. nafter nun Okay na.0 seconds ago

after 3 years i can hear all the rattle from the santa fe, its used for city driving only. i dont know why it can last long without defects.

in terms of speed,comfort,quality and etc., which is the best choice,the 2012 hilux or the mitsu gls sport (m/t)..

natatawa lagi ako kay boss tidus....pasta naryan ang sta. fe, kawawa si monty being a "3rd world" SUV.... question is where do you live sir? in US/Europe? welcome to the Philippines....this is Monty's turf, it's playing field....Sta. Fe can raise her skirtd, alright...hehehe

mitsu d best...tried and tested...

SF and MS are in different categories.. spec per spec and purpose, they're completely different.. i think sta fe is pitted against the outlander.. its just that, wala ng outlander d2..

I have waited for a year now. I want to buy within a month, so, which one should you recommend 2012 Montero, 2012 Fortuner or 2012 Sante Fe? Or should I still wait further, until the new body comes out the two latter choices?

Santa Fe king of the road...Montero super usok.. thats why i change.

nakakatawa naman ung iba dito.SUV ang usapan tapos HP at Torque ang binibida.e hindi naman performance cars yang mga yan.
MALAKAS MAKINA NG SANTA FE NYO?try nyo ilaban sa honda civic sir yan tignan lang natin! :)

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2013-hyundai-santa-fe-ix45-22-crdi-will-have-225-hp-43481.html

i got my "Pepot" (Sta Fe. 4x4AT e-VGT) last Oct.2011 and its awesome. But b4 buying that, I read the abve article ask by Kenneth and I would like to thank Botchi for shedding the much needed info for me to decide what to buy in between Sta.Fe & Montero.

I drove intermittently only for 10 days bgo ako bumalik ng UAE. From Batangas, I road tested "Pepot" sa Slex at 165 at sa Star Tollway at 200, just to validate Botchi's claim and how e-VGT is different from the other VGT's. wheew awesome.. KING of the road indeed. di ko lang alam na meron na palang speed cam sa Slex.. i got caught baka pag na renew registration my fine na makuha si misis.. hehehe..

Whenever there are ??? from die-hard fans Montero and Toyota, pinapakita ko lang ang print-out ng analysis ni Botchi.. highlighted in pink and yellow, nasa glove box ni "Pepot" and that's it.

What a greaaaatttttt SUV.. the best deal there is

I own a Hyundai Santa fe fwd with the 2.2R VGT engine, and here are my thoughts:
1. Comparing to the monty and everest the Santa fe has the worst steering feedback, totally disconnected from the road, sometimes goes numb sometimes totally loose, the monty has far superior steering feel
2. The Santa fe has definitely a strong engine, but you can't trash it all the time because I've noticed the power weakened after 30K clicks due to the tranny weakening and jerking.
3. The body feels loose and feels very unstable at high speeds, at 180 km/hr it feels like its going to flip over.
4. The Monty, even though it only has 176hp compared to the 197hp of the Santa fe, the Monty has a higher top speed, reaching 201 km/hr (look it up in Facebook) compared to the Santa fe at 198 km/hr which puts an end to the Santa fe's reign in highway sprints
However, as a city dweller, the Santa fe is perfect, it's not an SUV so you can't treat it as a SUV, it's a CUV, meant for city and highway driving but mainly for city driving that's why we bought it cause we needed a 7 seater CUV for city driving.
Peace :-)

The New Sante Fe long wheel base is the new KING of SUV like a boss!

Where's my comment >..

I didn't like these words from the writer, "The Santa Fe though takes poorly to off-roading because its independent front and rear suspension give it too much independent wheel articulation, which lessens its dynamic ground clearance--something the other SUVs, with their solid-axle rear ends, do not have a problem with."
FYI sir emron po traction control almost all of vehicle now a days spedialy SUV's, its like useful when one of your wheel is on slip situation like off road condition, even
if your suspension is dependent or independent!

labanan ng mga packing sheet