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

A little historical background

Sorento is a car with off-road history. Designed in 2002 based on Korean car Hyundai Terracan. Sorento 1st generation - real with 2 types of all-wheel drive transmission. Now a 3rd generation car is being sold in Russia, a mid-size crossover that occupies an intermediate position between Sportage and Mohave.

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

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

Competitors

Main competitors Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe is, “French” and one “Czech”. Still german cars similar sizes and characteristics are more expensive. The list of main contenders includes:

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

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

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

Exterior and interior

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

The interior of the new Santa Fe is made from scratch. Has little to do with interior decoration previous generation models. The interior design of the new Santa Fe used solutions similar to the ideas of Mazda designers in the CX-9.

Kia Sorento behind the competition in terms of interior. The remark concerns the used solutions and finishing materials. But the build quality and ergonomics deserve praise. On the back row the seats are comfortable. The doorway is wide, the floor is almost flat, but there is a little less legroom than in the new Santa Fe with an increased wheelbase.

Engines and gearboxes

Available for Kia Sorento the following engines internal combustion:

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

The new Santa Fe is equipped with similar motors, but with different technical characteristics:

1. 2 CRDi VGTs. It has a 200-horsepower return and a torque limit of 440 Nm. Works in tandem with an 8-band "automatic" only. Due to the greater number of gears, a diesel engine requires less fuel.
2. Theta II 2.4 GDI. 2.4 liter power point, which complies with Euro-5 environmental standards, develops 188 Horse power. The torque limit is also higher. It is 241 units. The representative of the Theta-II family, installed in Santa Fe, works only with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Versions with a manual transmission for this motor are not provided.

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

Other specifications

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

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

Off-road qualities

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

Crossovers are designed to travel on urban asphalt roads with a high level of comfort. Four-wheel drive provides increased stability and better cross-country ability of cars in winter.

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

Price

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

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

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

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of the Sorento include:

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

Main lack of kia– an outdated interior that requires fresh design solutions and updates.

Among the main advantages of Santa Fe, we note:

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

The disadvantages of Santa Fe are fewer equipment options, including relatively inexpensive versions with a monodrive and “mechanics”, and a higher cost of equipment.

So what to choose?

Santa Fe 4 generations - more modern car, significantly improved in terms of exterior and interior, but not having fundamental technical differences from Sorento. It costs more than the competitor when compared similar configurations. Best suited for buyers looking for Special attention on the appearance of the car, the quality of finishing materials and the comfort of the cabin.

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

In this article, I want to compare two mid-size Korean crossovers to find out which is better: Santa Fe or Sorento. Comparison is a little tricky due to the fact that both cars are built on the same platform and belong to the same company. But still, I'll try. We will discuss the appearance, interior design and useful options.

Hyundai Santa Fe is already on sale in the fourth generation, but Kia Sorento Prime is still in the third, albeit restyling. Hence the difference in "buns": the first is more modern and, therefore, is equipped latest options, and the second, although trying to catch up with him, is deprived of some interesting "chips". Although, in principle, the car from Kia looks quite worthy against the background of the model from Hyundai ahead of it.

Look at the generation chart:

Santa Fe began to be produced in 2000, 2 years earlier than Sorento. This was the beginning of their discrepancies in generations. While the first was completely updated in 2005, the second was still on the market in the first version.

The first generation of Sorento saw the light in 2002, in 2006 it underwent restyling and was produced until 2009. The second-generation Santa Fe was already preparing for a 2010 facelift at this time.

While Kia updated the second-generation model in 2012, Hyundai launched the third version of its crossover into production.

The third generation of Santa Fe survived the restyling in 2015 and was then produced until 2018; now it has been replaced by a model fourth generation. And Sorento Prime since 2014 is still produced in the third generation, which in 2017 underwent a slight facelift, plus received a few new options.

Due to the fact that there are a lot of requests for comparison of almost all generations of these crossovers, I decided to briefly highlight each of them by comparing their appearance, equipment and technical characteristics.

Body

Let's compare the appearance of the models and useful options for the body.

Appearance

The company has done a great job on the exterior design of both cars. Now almost every model of the automaker, be it Kia or Hyundai, has a modern appearance, which cannot be said about the cars of the early 2000s.

If earlier it was clearly felt that in front of you is a work Korean auto industry(and this was repulsive), but now, looking at the models coming off the assembly line of Kia and Hyundai, you somehow don’t think about this trifle. And all why? But because their management made the right decision to swell the N-th amount of money into the development of the design. As they say, take a risk and win.

Take a look at the 2017 Grand Santa Fe for example:

To the interesting appearance and rather solid design of the pre-styling versions, after the restyling, some extravagance was also added.

Appearance Santa Fe 2018 model year, completely updated, so generally aims for the title of the most futuristic among middle-class crossovers:

Unusual appearance, enough chrome (not in the basic version) to emphasize the elegance of the body, radiator grille with an interesting, stylish charismatic pattern, LED daytime running lights with a cheeky squint, headlights in a vertical form factor (LEDs are available from the second configuration ) and stylish rear LEDs (in maximum configuration) lights - all this creates a feeling, if not of superiority over other road users, then the feeling that your car is at the forefront of modern automotive design- that's for sure. Well, if such an exterior seems too extravagant to you, then I think you should choose the previous generation Hyundai Grand Santa Fe.

Kia Sorento Prime 2017 clearly loses to its fellow futuristic:

It still has the same representative appearance and harmonious design, slightly ennobled after restyling due to the use of chrome in larger quantities than before, as well as a new pattern. grille(by the way, quite nice). Of the interesting, one can also note branded four-point foglights. But this applies to everyone modern models this brand. The headlights are made in the traditional form factor, without excessive pretentiousness.

Rear LED lights in Kia Sorento Prime are also present. But unlike a competitor, they are not available in the maximum, but already starting from the third (out of five) trim levels. The same applies to the front LED optics. By the way, the adaptive lighting system is currently only available at maximum speed, while the Hyundai Santa Fe lacks auto-corrector headlights only in the basic version (for comparison: the second did not have such a function at all before, and the first one had it after restyling the second generation ).

Options

A light sensor that allows the headlights to turn on automatically is present in the “base” of both cars. However, this was not always the case. So, Santa Fe 3 and the pre-styling Sorento have 3 light sensors in basic configuration was absent. At Sorento 2, it came from the second configuration, and for Santa Fe 2 it was only available as an option.

Fog lights in latest versions both are already in the basic configuration. By the way, for Hyundai, this seems to be the norm - it has always been like this. But Kia in the "base" they appeared, starting with the restyling of the second generation.

Interesting "chips" that have recently begun to be used everywhere on new models: the first is a system that is responsible for automatically switching headlights from high beam to the near one and vice versa, and the second is an automatic body leveling system. On Santa Fe 2018 they are, but on Sorento 2018, of course, no - after all, it is still of the previous generation, albeit updated.

But since 2012, the Kia Sorento has had an electric folding exterior mirrors in the basic version, while the Hyundai Santa Fe had only an option until 2013, and then starting from the second configuration. The electric drive and heated mirrors in the “base” are always in both.

Electrically heated wiper area in minimum configuration Sorento since 2011, and Santa Fe - 2014.

An interesting fact: the rain sensor is currently not in the basic configuration for both crossovers, Santa Fe 2016 could boast of it in the “base” (before that, it didn’t have such an option at all), the third Sorento before restyling had a rain sensor from the second configuration, the second pre-styling - from the third, post-styling - in the two richest equipment.

There is no headlight washer in both cars only in the “minimal wage”, starting from the third generation. In the second generation, Hyundai had it available as an option, and Kia had it in the two richest versions.

Interior

Design

Sitting in the new Santa Fe and Sorento, you find yourself in the realm of sufficient respectability and functionality.

Santa Fe 2018:

Sorento Prime 2017:

Both of them have an interesting interior design. The architecture of the consoles is symmetrical, which evokes a sense of harmony and completeness.

In principle, the interior was nice and Santa Fe 2016:

The tidy is made in a sporty style. This is evidenced by instrument wells with a chrome frame. The backlight is two-tone, but unobtrusive, pleasant.

The dashboard of the Sorento 2016 is made in a more calm, traditional form for this class of car. Instrument lighting is plain white.

Undoubtedly, interiors have evolved a lot. Compare with first generation car interiors.

Hyundai Santa Fe 1:

Kia Sorento 1:

Comfort

The “stuffing” of new cars also becomes “tastier” every year. For example, the following “comfort” options are available for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe:

1. The central 8-inch display is located at eye level (which is very ergonomic) and has physical buttons and knobs, which I think are more preferable. Such a display is not available for the base configuration, in the “base” you will only be given a monochrome 5-inch screen located in the console itself. By the way, in the maximum configuration, a regular navigation system.
2. In the richest version, the dashboard will include a 7-inch monitor, which will beautifully display not only the values ​​of various indicators, but also play the role of a speedometer. In other trim levels, the “tidy” will have a standard 3.5-inch display.
3. The gearshift knob will be covered with leather already in the minimum equipment.
4. Self-dimming rear-view mirror - also in the "base".
5. The cooled glove compartment is not available only in the basic version.
6. Keyless entry with start/stop button is available from the second bundle.
7. Illumination of the near-door space is available in richer equipment.
8. Bluetooth, wireless charging for phones in the front and two USBs for second-row passengers are already available in the basic version.
9. All cars are equipped with dual-zone climate control with anti-fogging system, air deflectors for the second row of seats, heated steering wheel and front seats. Heated rear seats and ventilated front seats are only available at maximum speed.
10. Longitudinal adjustment of the seats and backrest angles of the second row, electrically adjustable lumbar support in the driver's seat are already available in the basic version. Electric adjustment of the driver's seat in 10 directions is present only in the richest configuration.

Kia Sorento 2017 has similar options, but with some differences:

1. The situation with 8-inch and 5-inch displays is completely the same. Navigation is available from the third configuration out of five possible - i.e. here this function is more democratic.
2. 7 inch monitor dashboard is everywhere except the cheapest version.
3. The leather gear knob, unlike its fellow, is not available in the “base”.
4. The self-dimming interior mirror is also not available in the cheap version.
5. There is no refrigerated glove box at all.
6. Keyless entry and start / stop button - from the third configuration.
7. Illumination of the threshold - from the second, and illumination of the legs - from the third.
8. Bluetooth and two USB ports for the second row are present immediately, but wireless charging appears only in the pre-maximum version.
9. Dual-zone climate control with deflectors for the second row and a heated steering wheel, for some reason, are not present in the “base”. But there are heated front seats. Rear seat heating is available starting from the second level, and ventilation of the front seats is available only in the richest configuration.
10. Longitudinal adjustment of the seats and backrest angles of the second row is also available in the basic version, the driver's seat is electrically adjustable from the second level, and the electrically adjustable lumbar support in the driver's seat is not provided at all.

The third-generation Santa Fe salon pleases with the following "buns":

1. The steering wheel and gear knob are trimmed in leather.
2. The front row of seats has developed lateral support.
3. The armrests in the doors are made of soft material, the elbow is comfortable.
4. The second row of seats has an almost flat floor.
5. Heated front seats are already in the "base", then - heated steering wheel and rear seats.
6. Power seats and ventilation of the front seats - only in the "maximum speed".
7. Refrigerated glovebox.
8. Keyless entry system with start / stop button - only in the maximum configuration.
9. Standard navigation system, Hi-Fi audio system, bluetooth - only in the richest version.

The pre-styling Sorento 2015 has some differences in trim levels:

1. The steering wheel and gearshift knob are also covered in leather already in the basic version.
2. The lateral support of the front seats is not as pronounced as that of a competitor.
3. The armrests in the doors are also soft.
4. Also almost a flat floor at the seats of the second row.
5. Heated front seats as standard, heated steering wheel and rear seats - in more expensive versions.
6. Unlike a colleague, electric seat adjustment is available from the third configuration, and ventilation of the front seats and front seat memory (which the opponent does not have at all) are available from the pre-maximum version.
7. There is no refrigerated glove compartment.
8. The keyless entry system with start/stop button is available from the third trim level.
9. There is no Bluetooth and regular navigation only in the "base".

Used Hyundai Santa Fe 2008-2010 boast the following options:

1. Heated front seats, no heated rear seats at all.
2. Power seats are available from the pre-maximum configuration.
3. Front seat ventilation is not available.
4. Luke - with premaximum.
5. Heated steering wheel is only optional.
6. Keyless entry, start / stop button - also only optional.

The second generation Kia Sorento has a slightly different situation:

1. Heated front seats before restyling in the "base" was not available, but after - it appeared. Heated rear seats were also absent before restyling, and after that it is available from the second configuration.
2. Power seats before restyling - also in the "pre-maximum speed", after - in the richest version.
3. Ventilation of the front seats appeared after restyling, available for the maximum configuration.
4. The hatch was available only before the restyling - in the "pre-maximum speed".
5. Steering wheel heating appeared after restyling - but not in the basic version.
6. Keyless entry, the start / stop button was available before restyling from the third configuration, and after - from the second.

Security

For the safety of life and health in new Santa Fe meet driver airbags, passenger airbags, side airbags and window blinds. And this is already in the basic configuration. Further, depending on the “tricked out” configuration, blind spot monitoring systems, lane control, frontal collision prevention, warning and collision avoidance when leaving the parking lot become available. in reverse, driver fatigue sensor, automatic locking rear doors in the event of a vehicle approaching from behind.

The 3rd generation Santa Fe also boasted all airbags and a blind spot monitoring system already in the “base”, plus an airbag for the driver’s knees appeared in the maximum version. But in the second generation of Hyundai, window protective curtains became available only after restyling.

The updated Sorento Prime also has all the airbags and a warning and collision avoidance system when reversing from a parking lot in the minimum configuration. Plus, unlike a competitor, a system for locking the rear doors is immediately provided here. The blind spot monitoring system appears only in the maximum configuration, and there is no system for monitoring driver fatigue and keeping in the lane at all.

In the pre-styling 3rd generation Kia Sorento, the blind spot monitoring system was already available in the pre-maximum version, and the airbag for the driver's knees, unlike the opponent, is not available. But in the second generation, window cushions were installed even on the cheapest equipment.

assistants

For the 4th generation Hyundai Santa Fe, depending on the configuration, such systems and driver assistance devices are available as:

• all-wheel drive control system HTRAC with intelligent redistribution of torque along the axes,
• hill start assist system
• adaptive cruise control, which maintains a distance from the vehicle moving in front, independently stops the car in a traffic jam and continues to move if the stop lasts no more than 3 seconds,
• projection of readings of the main instruments on the windshield,
• rear/front parking sensors
• surround view system
• system automatic parking,
• Rear View Camera.

In third Generation Santa Fe, also depending on the equipment, was equipped with cruise control, parking assistance and a rear-view camera. There was no help system when starting uphill. Santa Fe 2 generations also did not have an uphill start assist system. There were also no such "goodies" as front parking assistance and automatic parking, a rear view camera. There were only cruise control and optional rear parking assistance.

The Kia Sorento has a hill start assist system after the second generation restyling, in 2012. After that, it was always available already in the basic version of the crossover. It seems that unlike Hyundai, Kia has always given its customers more assistants. So, the second generation, depending on the configuration, can boast (in addition to what the competitor had) another rear / front parking assistance system, an automatic parking system and a rear view camera. In the third generation, the Sorento retained cruise control, an uphill start assist system, reverse / front parking assistance systems, and a rear-view camera. After restyling in 2017, automatic parking and all-round visibility systems were added.

Summarizing

I understand that too much has been said. Maybe a little boring and difficult. But I honestly tried to figure out all the similarities and differences between the models of the last three generations myself.

Comparison of these cars I consider fulfilled, though not completely. It would be possible to compare the technical specifications, but since the main part of the motors were the same for both cars, I think that this is not very necessary.

I look at the differences and understand that the questions “what to choose?” and “what to buy?” remain. Personally, I like both crossovers both in appearance and in the cabin. And those options that dealers call useful, I do not need for the most part. So decide for yourself what you like best. I hope I didn't waste my time and yours.

Video reviews and test drives

Santa Fe somehow didn’t go right away: I unconditionally liked the quality of workmanship and the approach to organizing the internal space, but only the 68-year-old grandfather of three grandchildren can like the combination of an atmospheric engine with an “environmentally friendly” six-speed automatic on the go.

Other things being equal, the Sorento conquered: it did not become more dynamic than its fellow, but the suspension settings, coupled with a lower price, have always been seen as a significant advantage. Maybe on heavy fuel everything will be a little different? We took both cars and drove somewhere into the fields.

The contrast is striking. As with the ix35, a diesel crossover is not the same as a gas crossover. Claims to the shaky suspension, to the unresponsive atmospheric engine, which the automatic machine suffering from environmentalism does not allow to spin up to acceptable speeds, almost completely disappear. With a turbine, it is somehow smarter and more elastic. And the suspension calibrations for a heavy diesel engine are different, so the elasticity and density of the chassis appears, which is inaccessible to Santa Fe with gasoline in the blood.

Diesel Sorento does not lag behind and does not overtake, keeps head to head. The 2.2-liter engine is traction and elastic, the transmission often gets into desired gear due to the wider operating range. Vibrations and fluttering of the motor on heavy fuel are reduced to nothing. And both of them.

Silence is the parameter with which both rival brothers conquer for good. If anyone else has a prejudice against heavy fuel engines, listen to the Sorento / Santa Fe. Even Koreans have now learned to make such machines quiet and smooth.

In terms of the smoothness of the gait, the Sorento, subjectively, is slightly ahead of the Santa. This difference will be noticeable on large potholes of hard, stony primers. Where the Santa Fe goes through the protruding bumps in a rough way, the Sorento is softer and “fluffier”.

On country roads pitted with deep pits, it’s hard for both: crossovers are not designed for off-road, the emphasis is still more on asphalt driving. Therefore, the suspensions are short-stroke, and this short stroke is chosen rather quickly. That’s why I simply don’t recommend driving through deep pits, but I strongly advise against hanging diagonally: the wheels will very quickly come off the ground and will no longer reach it. In such situations, a bunch of ESP with ABS helps a little, which blocks the spinning wheel, while adding traction to those wheels that are in contact with the coating.

Brakes in terms of efficiency for both are at about the same level, but the cars settle down differently. Santa Fe slows down steadily and evenly, Sorento nods harder.

The driver's seat in both cases is not similar to the standard of convenience: the seat is designed for overly respectable men in XXXL format. Hence this flat back, widely spaced lateral support rollers, a rather soft filler. Young and slender places are overabundant here, bumpiness in corners is guaranteed.

The strongest differences between rivals lie, in my opinion, not even in driving performance or appearance, but in the method of organizing the internal space and its design. Sorento is trying to seem like a thoroughbred European in everything: hence the plastic highest quality, and strict rows of function keys, and ubiquitous symmetry combined with straightforward logic.

There are no old-fashioned clocks in Santa Fe. In general, he hints to everyone that he is a little high-tech, contemporary and loves trends. Parking brake actuated by a button, the radio and climate control elements are located more intricately and bizarrely than in a strict Sorento, the illumination of the instrument scales is more playful and mannered.

And in terms of ergonomics, Santa Fe seems to me more successful than Sorento. The logic is simple: fewer buttons - better and easier. 9 buttons and 1 knob is more convenient than 12 buttons and 2 knobs. It is not necessary to produce entities where there is no need for it.

The back sofa of both is of the highest category for crossovers: heating, a panoramic roof, optional curtains on the windows, an air supply in all dimensions - it’s hard to come up with something better for a company of three passengers.

If the internal spaces really care, then I strongly recommend to abandon panoramic roof: the starry sky above us - the picture is certainly beautiful, but this window eats up a lot of space.

But in general, with the exception of a number of trifles, for passengers, both cars are equally friendly. And if you consider that both of them are seven-seater, and there is a shortage of full-fledged minivans on the market, then Sorento and Santa Fe may well act as an alternative to them. What to choose in the end is more a matter of aesthetic taste and wallet: with a bunch of other things being equal, Sorento is a good hundred thousand cheaper. And I do not see any good reason to overpay this hundred for Hyundai.

Results:

Parameter	Kia Sorento	score		score
Ergonomics, workplace driver	Less design, but more buttons than the rival. The lion's share of them duplicates what is available from the screen of the media system	4	Laconically and with a claim to high-tech. For ease of use, this approach is a boon. There are no pronounced failures in ergonomics	5
salon transformation, passenger seats	The roof from the head is higher than the Hyundai, which is visible to the naked eye. Heating, alas, is not a competitive advantage. But tall passengers are more comfortable here	5	A more sloping roof makes the top of tall riders hostage to the design. The difference is at the level of millimeters, but there is	4
Dynamics	"To the floor" go nostril to nostril. Passport advantage in 0.2 sec. in a spurt up to 100 km/h, KIA has an ephemeral advantage. But there is	5	Unlike petrol versions, the diesel Santa accelerates smoothly and without dips over a wide rev range. Hail the turbine!	4.8
Braking	Nose pecks during braking are noticeable and unpleasant - they lubricate the light sensations from control	3	On loose surfaces, the ABS kicks in relatively early, disengaging the wheels. Deceleration is generally effective, but from a two-ton machine you want more confident and assertive deceleration	4
Controllability	For a passenger car, in fact, but an SUV in terms of size and weight, the handling is wadded. I would like more feedback from the steering wheel. But it is not there, no matter what mode you set	3	The same claim: the steering wheel itself, the wheels somewhere below - by themselves. Between them - emptiness, return amorphous	3
Smooth running	As in the case of petrol versions, Sorento is again ahead. It is less sensitive to large potholes	5	Santa Fe with diesel is another car! The shaking, the rattling of short-stroke suspensions on trifles is gone. Compared to itself, but gasoline - two steps forward. But the Sorento is more resilient	4
Auxiliary electronics	The valet works perfectly: in the light of the lack of space, the thing is indispensable. Pushes even into those gaps, where he would - no way! The interface of the media system is newer, more convenient, more beautiful and more responsive. Extra points for this	5	Developers need to finish the interface of the media system and the speed of response to pressing the touch screen. KIA has gone ahead in terms of media	4
Price	KIA cheaper by a good hundred thousand	5	Santa Fe is more expensive by 114,100 rubles	3
In total:		35		31,8

Parameters	KIA Sorento 2.2+AT	Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2+AT
Power, hp / rpm	197/3800	197/3800
Torque, NM / rpm	436/1800–2500	436/1800–2500
Acceleration 0–100 km/h		10,1
Max Speed, km/h	190	190
Fuel consumption, city	8.8	8,9
Fuel consumption, track	5.4	5,5
Fuel consumption, combined	6.7	6,8
Price from	RUB 1,474,900	RUB 1,579,000

Or ?

In order to compare technical characteristics and driving performance and , cars with approximately the same equipment were used, equipped with diesel engines. in diesel version on the road behaves more dynamically than the petrol model. There are no complaints about the quality of the suspension and insufficient engine power. Since the diesel engine weighs more, the developers changed the suspension of the car, adding elasticity to it. Testing cars on the road, it is clear that Sorento and Santa are kept on the same level. Even with diesel engines cars run quietly and smoothly. Subjectively, the Sorento moves more smoothly. The difference is especially noticeable on large pits and a dirt road.

On the country roads with deep pits, both Sorento and Santa ride hard. It is immediately noticeable that these off-road crossovers are not designed, but are more suitable for driving on asphalt. Car suspensions are short-stroke and the stroke is selected quickly enough. These car models can’t cope with deep pits, so it’s better not to drive them on a bad road. The ESP+ABS combination helps the cars to cope with the swamp, blocking the spinning wheel and adding traction to the wheels remaining in contact with the road surface. Sorento and Santa have approximately the same efficiency brake system. At the same time, Santa slows down evenly and stably, and Sorento noticeably “nods”.

Landing in cars leaves much to be desired, as the chair is designed for respectable men. The seats have a flat back with wide-spaced side support rollers and a fairly soft filler. There is plenty of room for slender drivers on such a seat, and there is not enough support when cornering. Sorento and Santa Fe are the most different driving performance or appearance, but the principle of organization and design of the internal space. The interior of the Sorento is more like european car, in the decoration of which high-quality plastic is used. On the dashboard, you can see a symmetrical row of function keys arranged logically and accessible.

Salon Santa Fe resembles high-tech style. Hand brake the car is turned on with a button; radio and climate control are managed more bizarrely; illumination of instrument scales attracts attention with its mannerisms and playfulness. In terms of ergonomics, Santa Fe outperforms Sorento, because it is easier to control nine buttons and one knob than twelve buttons and two knobs.

The rear sofa of both cars is made according to the classic principle for crossovers. Seat heating, a panoramic sunroof, additional window blinds and an air direction system in all dimensions - this is quite enough to ensure the comfort of rear passengers. The Santa Fe has a slightly clogged roof, so tall passengers will be more comfortable in the Sorento. Except for a few minor things, both cars are comfortable for front and rear passengers.

Although both of these crossovers are a global product, the main target market is overseas. There are large seven-seater SUVs in honor, and for a long time. That did not stop us from localizing them. Grand Santa Fe and Sorento Prime built on single platform. But if Kia has a big Mohave, then in the camp of Hyundai it is the Grand Santa Fe, the flagship crossover of the brand. high status dimensions echo - Santa has almost five meters in length, and Sorento is 120 mm shorter. If the width on the second row of seats is parity, then in terms of legroom, the Santa is more spacious. Even more difference in length is felt on the third row. If in Santa Fe adult riders will endure a short trip without much discomfort, then in Sorento it will be completely uncomfortable for an adult in the gallery. And although Kia has its own climate control unit for the third row, it can only be used to change the intensity of the airflow. While in Santa Fe, the temperature is also regulated on the third row. Interestingly, the second row in both cars is devoid of personal climate.

For two passengers on the second row Hyundai expanse, but the three of them are a bit crowded. rear seats can be moved forward or backward, the slope of the backs is also set. Kia, although shorter by 120 mm, but on the second row is only a fraction closer, the seat adjustments are the same.

Ergonomics driver's seat not without flaws. In Kia, in general, a comfortable seat, except that the driver lacks a little support in the shoulder area. Excellent steering wheel covered with smooth leather. But in order to reach the display of the multimedia system, you have to break away from the seat back. In Santa, it was also worth working out the center console better - its layout takes some getting used to. Although to entertainment complex no need to push here. The Santa Fe multifunctional steering wheel is not so convenient - in order to press some buttons, you have to remove your hand from the usual grip.

In terms of design, Santa's interior is 100% Hyundai. The same can be said about finishing materials. And although there are many light colors in the interior design, this does not add much elegance. Kia interior looks more solid, but the monotony of colors soon depresses. But there are no questions about the quality of materials.

It would be naive to expect phenomenal agility from full-size SUVs. The Hyundai steering wheel is a little overweight during parking maneuvers, but the feeling of feedback remains with increasing speed. Wheel Kia requires less effort at low speeds, but in sharp maneuvers it lacks the purity of reactions. And yet, is it really that important? Comfort for such cars should be at the forefront. And indeed, as a retribution for the “pass-through” steering setting, the Sorento Prime indulges in silence and smoothness. But Hyundai lacks neither one nor the other. It works out the transverse irregularities more rigidly and reacts more sharply to the track. Surprisingly, in a busy state, the situation is only getting worse.

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

Of course, the V-shaped six, no matter what injection scheme it has, for such big cars not enough. So overclocking can’t be called otherwise than by the term “sufficient” that has already set the teeth on edge. Fuel consumption is also "sufficient". Even with delicate handling of the accelerator pedal, Hyundai required up to 12 l / 100 km. And Kia with a less progressive engine is even more voracious by a liter. As a result - neither dynamics, nor profitability.

Korean SUVs performed the same way on our commercials. When the platforms were under one front and one rear wheels, both cars overcame obstacles. But it all ended with a diagonal. It was worth putting three wheels on the platforms, as Kia and Hyundai gave in.

Before you go on a serious off-road, you should think carefully several times. After all geometric passability none of them shine. Under both axles, the ground clearance is less than 200 mm, and the angles of entry and exit are quite comparable to passenger cars. So the Sorento and Santa Fe are rather large station wagons. Their element - slippery roads or not the most deep snow. But which one is better? While the Grand Santa Fe is a little more exciting to drive, it's unlikely to be the deciding factor for those who need big crossover. My preference, albeit with a micro-weight, is Kia side Sorento Prime. Let this car be controlled a little worse, but it is more comfortable. A more humane price tag only adds Sorento points.