Kia Sorento OR Hyundai Santa Fe
Hi, both the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe are similar cars and there doesn't seem much to choose between them. I was wondering if anybody has towed with either or even both and what do you think of them as a tow car?
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We have had two Sorentos, a 13 plate manual, and currently a 66 plate auto (same shape as current ones). Both excellent tow cars but the later model is much more comfortable and practical and the auto box is much easier and more relaxing to tow with. Excellent long range tourer, I pull a 1800kg twin axle and have had no problems of note in 3 1/2 years/38000 miles (same for the older model). Reasonable fuel consumption (for a 2 tonne brick), insurance and road tax.
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Over the years I have had (all auto)......2003 3.5 petrol,2007 2.5 diesel,2010 2.2 diesel and current 2015 2.2 diesel.Apart from the 2010 model (which did not have self levelling) all have been brilliant tugs.The current 2015 kx3 is full of necessary toys like heated steering wheel and reversing camera and is the most car like to drive,also the most economical.I hope this helps.
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Currently have a Sorento and it is probably the best tow car I've had. I get around 28mpg towing. With all the seats down plenty of room.
I went for the Sorento as for me it looks better than the Santa Fe and the 7 year warranty.
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Sorry,should have said Sorento. And the 7 year warranty is good.
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I wouldn't let the lack of a full sized spare affect my choice of car ... when was the last time you ever used your spare? I had my last car about 5 or 6 years & never used the spare. EmilysMum has never used the spare in her car either in the last 7 years. And if it's slung underneath the back, as I know some Kia/Hyundai spares are, do you want to subject a full sized alloy wheel to living in all the salt & mud from the road?
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And if it's slung underneath the back, as I know some Kia/Hyundai spares are, do you want to subject a full sized alloy wheel to living in all the salt & mud from the road
well mine has been there 7 years, just poked my head underneath and it looks to be in good nick
, but agree, never had mine out, but i do like a full size spare for car and caravan, i think it is an age thing.1 -
Our sportage is 7yrs old and has a full size spare ,in a well in the boot ,Sorento spare was slung underneath because of the add rear seats,
Our dealer keeps trying to sell us a later model but they only have either a skinny spare or "repair?" kit now and there is no way a full size spare will fit in the space available,and at our age we need the security of a spare that can be on the car when also a caravan on the rear
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and at our age we need the security of a spare that ....
Not really sure what your age has to do with it ...🤔 I have a 'skinny' spare in my Merc ML, it doesn't bother me at all, as the chances are it'll only be on the car for a short time ie until I get the original wheel sorted, so far, almost 60k miles later it's still un-used in the boot.
Kia's Sedona's spare was underslung too. The older model was full sized spare, the later 'skinny'
And as said .... when was the last time you used your spare? It's been years since I've used a spare. My commuting car is a Smart ... no spare at all. I have recovery if the proverbial hits the fan! 😉
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2015 Sorento has a full size matching spare but I am not sure about newer model
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Never had either but my daughter, who works in a garage, steered me away from Hyundais because a lot of parts they normally get from their parts supplier for other makes are only available from Hyundai for their cars. These parts also have the appropriate huge dealer part price tag on them.
In her experience many repairs/services they do on Hyundais work out quite a bit more expensive than for other manufacturers vehicles.,
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I've towed an 1800kg caravan with both vehicles and I personally preferred the Sorento as it felt more solid and capable. No doubt the Santa Fe would be ok with something not quite so heavy.
I'm now on my third Sorento (Auto) and I can't fault it. In fact, it's almost paid for itself in comparison to the Discovery I had previously. Great tow car, but ridiculous, enormously deep pockets required to keep it running!
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Can’t compare the two as only had the Santa Fe, had 2 so far and would not change they are great value ( in my opinion) for money full size spare to me is essential, you cannot tow a caravan on anything except a full size spare and the 5 year warranty is excellent. Services are not cheap but I get 32 mpg towing my Elddis 550 and never had any issues.
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Had the Sorento first model very capable then bought a 13 plate Santa fe endless problems with transfer boxes when towing , managed to get a 4 year old Sorento much better tow car but did have a few warranty issues all sorted. Make sure you get one with warranty left on I would advise at least 3 years and don't be afraid of pointing out any issues especially the transfer box if the vehicle has towed , when mine ran out of warranty may 2020 i changed to a RRSport because we upgraded to a new 1900 twin axle van and the Sorento was only 19 kg within its towing limit. t did tow well but I have always wanted one and its been fantastic will tow anything without any problem.
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That would be illegal if true.
The spare parts supply chain is as good for Kia and Hyundai as any other mainstream OEM manufacturer. Service costs are comparable to all main brands.
I have an 18 plate Santa Fe, tows superbly and so far been very reliable. It has a full size spare, didnt even know a spacesaver tyre was an option.
Santa Fe and Sorento share platform, architecture, and powertrain so it really comes down to which one you like the best.
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Agreed, JV. What is prohibited is a manufacturer's insistence that main dealer servicing is essential to maintain the warranty. Any garage can carry out servicing and the warranty will be unaffected providing genuine parts are used.
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Keith made no mention of warranties etc ... his point was that his daughter said that many of the pattern parts available for other makes of car were only available for Hyundais (at a premium) from Hyundai themselves. And I can vouch for some of the high parts prices from having a Hyundai some years ago ..... cheap cars made from expensive parts! 😉
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They switched to the skinny spare when the adblue tank was added - around 2018. My understanding is that there wasn't space for the full sized spare any more.
Note that on models with a full sized spare, the spare doesn't have a TPMS sender, so when you use the spare, it will illuminate the tyre warning symbol on the dash.
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Great things about the Sorento (Mine is a 2015 KX3 if that's relevant):
- Easy to drive.
- Decent fuel consumption.
- Aircon in the boot area is brilliant for the dog.
- Android auto is brilliant.
- Full size spare (to 2018-ish).
- Reliability
Negatives:
- spares can be expensive (eg. £600 + paint + fitting for a door mirror).
- Kia UK insist on annual servicing for low mileage users, when Kia Europe are happy with every two years).
- I found some dealers are iffy.
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PS. There's a new Sorento due in the Autumn. If you're buying the existing model, look for some serious discounts.
https://www.whatcar.com/news/2020-kia-sorento-suv-revealed-price-specs-and-release-date/n21016
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It is totally illegal under Block Exemption Regulations and the European anti competition laws. Any company breaking them face huge fines.
The OEM is not allowed to bar alternative supply of parts or servicing by means of punitive measures detailed in warranty documents.
You have the legal right to have your vehicle serviced anywhere and use parts supplied from the aftermarket as long as they meet the manufacturers specifications.
If the dealer tells you otherwise they are breaking the law.
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