Diesel brothers: comparing related Hyundai Santa Fe and KIA Sorento. Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento: compare Korean crossovers Hyundai Santa Fe comparison

Being in one price category, SUVs Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento have similar performance characteristics, therefore, there is nothing surprising and new in the fact that they are direct competitors on the market. The rivalry of cars is familiar to motorists ( / ), and there are reasons for this.

Since 1998, both manufacturing companies have been divisions of one large corporation - Hyundai Kia Automotive Group.

The cars in question are single-platform and have identical suspension elements. The main differences between the models are appearance, interior design and equipment quality.

Also, Hyundai and Kia SUVs have a slightly different price level. In particular, the diesel variation will cost about 100,000 rubles more than its opponent - we are talking about amounts equivalent to 1,469,000 and 1,359,000 rubles(data as of October 2014).

Design solutions

The release of the Sorento model, which replaced the Sportage, was accompanied by skepticism from motorists.

It was assumed that the novelty would not be able to keep the bar raised by its predecessor, but the appearance of the car only strengthened the company's position in the world market.

When creating the second generation of the model, manufacturers took into account all the nuances in order to satisfy the needs of the most demanding customers, and the main guideline in achieving the goal was Kia Sorento.

Comparing the appearance of Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento in any case will be subjective. It's all a matter of taste.

Nothing extraordinary was implemented when creating the general design pattern of the second-generation Hyundai SUV. The previous models of the company, which were the most popular, were taken as a basis. As a result, the outlines of the car turned out to be noble and recognizable.

The front and rear lights of the Santa Fe are raised to the fenders as much as possible. The smooth lines of the body are very organically combined with the brutal curves of the glazing and massive bumpers. The wheel arches are slightly flared, making the Santa Fe look like a Tribeca Subaru, or an Infiniti FX.

Kia Sorento in general. looks a little easier. At the same time, attention should be paid to the presence of a plastic lower part of the body, which protects the bottom of the car from impacts while overcoming difficult road sections. Santa Fe cannot boast of this.

Interior

When comparing interior design interior, preference is given to the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV.

The interior of the car attracts with its elegance and sophistication. The presence of decorative wood-like inserts, elegant instrument lighting, convenient location of buttons, elegant stitching of the seats with red threads - everything speaks of the high-quality implementation of the design idea. Grey Salon Kia Sorento looks less preferable, although the quality of materials and workmanship is in no way inferior to the opponent.

Despite these differences, in both cases, buyers are offered a fairly rich equipment.

And here Santa Fe is ahead of the competitor, because, among other things, it is equipped with an overhead LCD screen for passengers in the rear row seats.

Specifications

Driving performance under consideration Vehicle have very high scores.

The issue in both cases is wheel. Considering the small size of this element, cars cannot be called the most obedient - in order to keep them in one direction, some physical effort must be made.

Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento SUVs are equipped with power units that are completely different in strength and power.

As can be seen from the summary table, Santa Fe is supplied to the domestic automotive market with a 2.4-liter gasoline engine and a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine. As for the Sorento, in this case, manufacturers offer a 3.5-liter petrol engine or a 2.5-liter diesel engine.

At the Kia SUV power point it is aggregated with an automatic 5-speed gearbox, while a Hyundai car has a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

More economical is the Sorento, which needs no more than 14 liters of fuel in the urban cycle, against 15 liters of a competitor.

In terms of security, the models are almost identical. In both cases, the basic equipment is equipped with standard three-point belts (with pretensioners and), airbags and airbags, as well as all modern electronic systems active safety.

Cost and service

Price, at official dealers, varies within 35990-40990 USD for Hyundai Santa Fe, and reaches $41990 for Kia Sorento in the maximum configuration.

As for service and maintenance, here the statistics are as follows:

• The cost of work that is included in the inspection regulations for the Hyundai Santa Fe depends on a number of factors. If the mileage of the vehicle does not exceed 15,000 km, the maximum maintenance cost will be 7 000 rubles. An increase in mileage to 30,000 km will result in an increase in prices to 9 000 rubles. Well, if at least 30,000 km have been covered, then the minimum cost of maintenance can reach 13 000 rubles. Per additional work will have to post from 15,000 to 25,000 rubles depending on the condition of the SUV.

• For Kia owners Sorento, the first MOT will cost 5 500 rubles. During the third visit to this amount should be added the cost of purchasing new oil, air and fuel filters, as well as brake fluid and oils. With further maintenance (after 45,000 km), prices increase to 13 000 rubles since the need to purchase spark plugs and a timing kit is added to the purchase of filters.

Obviously, a Kia car is much cheaper to maintain, and given that it consumes less fuel, we can confidently say that maintaining a Sorento is more profitable and economical than caring for a Santa Fe.

The impressions of specialists and a test drive of South Korean SUVs can be seen in the next video.

In 2018, 7,484 SUV Kia Sorento, which is 40% more than in 2017. But his competitor worsened his statistics. Last year, 8,577 new Hyundai Santa Fe were purchased, and the year before last - 9,886, that is, sales decreased by 13%. But even with this mixed performance, the Santa Fe was 1,093 cars ahead of its rival in 2018. Will he be able to maintain leadership in this pair at the end of the current year? Let's compare these two models and try to understand what fate awaits them in the near future.

Prices and equipment

Kia Sorento 2019 model year offered to customers in four versions: "Classic", "Comfort", "Luxe" and "Prestige", and Hyundai Santa Fe 2019 - in five: "Family", "Lifestyle", "Premier", "High-Tech" and Black&Brown. The most affordable Sorento in the basic configuration "Classic", equipped with a 2.4-liter gasoline engine (175 hp), 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive will cost you 1,789,900 rubles, and Santa Fe "Family" 2 ,4 (188 hp) 6AT 4WD - 2,099,000 rubles, that is, 309,100 rubles more expensive. Both SUVs for this price are well equipped, they already have: heated front seats and power side mirrors, a system exchange rate stability ESC, front/side and curtain airbags, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and a six-speaker audio system. At the same time, Kia, unlike its competitor, is equipped with an electric folding side mirrors, and Hyundai is equipped with a heated steering wheel. However, against the background of such a significant difference in price, only the presence of all-wheel drive and a more powerful engine can speak in favor of Santa Fe.

The above comparison is not entirely correct, because the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with all-wheel drive, but the rival is not. So let's fix this. But first, let's clarify that the all-wheel drive Kia Sorento 2019 can be equipped with a 6-speed "mechanics" or "automatic". Sorento with a 2.4-liter gasoline engine (175 hp) and all-wheel drive in the Classic package costs 1,839,900 rubles with a 6-speed manual and 1,889,900 rubles with a 6-speed automatic transmission. That is, all the same, Kia turns out to be cheaper than its competitor by 259,100 rubles. or 209 100 rubles. respectively. It is worth noting that Hyundai, unlike its counterpart, offers several additional option packages (which we will talk about a little later), but all of them are available in all trim levels except for “Family”. Therefore, if we talk about the basic versions of Korean SUVs, then here the total advantage is on the side of the Sorento due to the best price and variety of modifications.

If we figured out the initial configurations, now let's take a closer look at the rest. All remaining versions are equipped exclusively automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. In the list of installed equipment of the following comparable trim levels "Luxe" and "Lifestyle" appear: heated rear seats, leather trim, rear view camera, rain sensor, keyless entry to the interior and engine start button. The cost of Kia Sorento 2.4 (175 hp) 6AT 4WD "Luxe" is 2,024,900 rubles, and Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4 (188 hp) 6AT 4WD "Lifestyle" - 2,259,000 rubles, t .e. for 234 100 rubles. expensive. It is worth saying that we deliberately skipped the 1,944,900 rubles version of the Sorento “Comfort”, because its list of options is shorter. But back to the Santa Fe, which, unlike its competitor for the money, is equipped with a 9-inch touch screen with the ability to integrate with smartphones Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In general, starting with "Lifestyle", Hyundai begins to demonstrate technological superiority over its rival due to the appearance additional package"Smart Sense" for 90,000 rubles. It includes such systems as: automatic braking in front of an obstacle, monitoring the state of the driver, keeping the car in the lane, etc. The systems in this package are included in standard equipment complete sets "High-Tech" and "Black&Brown". In general, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe continues to be significantly inferior in price, but it offers functionality that is not available in the 2019 Kia Sorento.

I think it's time to compare the top versions of the models, skipping a couple of intermediate ones. The most expensive SUVs are equipped diesel engines, combined with an automatic transmission of six steps for Sorento and eight for Santa Fe. Thus, Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi (197 hp) 6AT 4WD "Prestige" will cost customers 2,309,900 rubles, and Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi (200 hp) 8AT "Black & Brown" - in 2,949,000 rubles, i.e. for 639 100 rubles. expensive! But this price difference shouldn't surprise you. The further we get from the base trim levels, the greater the technological gap between the models becomes. The main functional advantages of the Black&Brown version include the projection of instrument readings on windshield, panoramic roof with a sunroof, an 8-inch display with navigation and, of course, a 7-seater saloon. By the way, the third row of seats is already available as additional option with a complete set of "Premier" for 50,000 rubles. And so that the difference of more than half a million rubles still does not shock you, let's say that in terms of equipment (front seat ventilation, power driver's seat, automatic parking system) Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi (200 hp) 8AT "Premier" for 2,599,000 rubles it is in no way inferior to a competitor and has an advantage, for example, in the form of an electric tailgate with an automatic opening system.

Specifications

The length / width / height of the Kia Sorento 2019 is 4685/1885/1710 mm, and the dimensions of the Hyundai Santa Fe 2019 are 4770/1890/1680 mm. Wheelbase Santa Fe, of course, has more - 2765 versus 2700 mm for a competitor. Ground clearance is the same - 185 mm. But fuel tank Sorento has less - 64 against 71 liters. Volume luggage compartment Hyundai with rear row seats folded / unfolded is equal to 2019/1036 liters for the 5-seater version and 2002/1016/328 liters for the 7-seater. For some reason, the size of the opponent's trunk is not indicated either on the official Kia website or in the brochure for the model. But given the dimensions of the SUV, it is obviously smaller than that of a competitor.

Both models offer the buyer a choice of only two engines: petrol and diesel. 2.4-liter gasoline engines in Kia Sorento 2019 and Hyundai Santa Fe 2019 with a capacity of 175 hp. and 188 hp, as well as with a torque of 225 Nm and 241 Nm, respectively. And 2.2-liter diesels have the following characteristics of Sorento vs. Santa Fe: 197 hp vs 200 hp and 436 Nm vs 440 Nm. In general, Hyundai's performance is always slightly better than that of its counterpart. As for transmissions, both SUVs again have only two versions. But Kia offers 6-speed manual or automatic box gears, and Hyundai - a six- or eight-speed "automatic".

And now let's look at the dynamic performance and fuel efficiency of these two rivals. To do this, we compare comparable modifications of SUVs. Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km / h (consumption in city / highway / mixed modes) for Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Santa Fe is: 2.4 (175 hp) 6AT 4WD vs 2.4 (188 hp) ) 6AT 4WD - 11.5 s (12.3 / 6.9 / 8.8 l) vs 10.4 s (12.6 / 7.3 / 9.3 l); 2.2 CRDi (197 HP) 6AT 4WD vs 2.2 CRDi (200 HP) 8AT 4WD - 9.9 (8.8 / 5.4 / 6.7 L) with vs 9.4 with (9.9 / 6.2 / 7.5), respectively. There was no sensation here. More powerful Hyundai engines demonstrate better dynamics and higher fuel consumption. That's why Kia has a smaller fuel tank.

Summary

Kia Sorento 2019 and Hyundai Santa Fe 2019, despite close dimensions, completely different SUVs in their essence. Sorento offers a wide range of modifications with different combinations of engines, transmissions and drive. At the same time, the price of the model in comparison looks very attractive, which cannot be said about its competitor. But Santa Fe, in turn, provides its customers with the opportunity to equip the car with the most advanced technical systems, more powerful engines, as well as purchase a functional 7-seater version of the model. It is difficult to imagine what demand these SUVs will have in 2019, but in the first quarter of this year, 3,598 Santa Fe were sold and almost 2 times less than Sorento - 1,611 cars. However, it is worth saying that the closest competitor to Santa Fe is still Kia Sorento Prime with the possibility of 7-seater accommodation and cost from 2,004,900 to 2,531,900 rubles. But it's already!

Many experts call the period of the 2000s the era of Asian crossovers. Indeed, just at that time there was a real automobile boom, in which SUVs played a key role. If earlier, European models were the undoubted leaders, then, with the beginning of the 21st century, the situation has changed dramatically in favor of Korean and Japanese cars.

Not only do they fight for a place in the sun with cars from the Old World, last years competition between the Asian concerns intensified. It is about this case that we will talk today. In this article, we will compare the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento - two crossovers that can already be safely called old-timers in the automotive industry.

Santa Fe's career began in 2000. Analysts, even before the release of the model, predicted a great future for the car. One of the main reasons for this was considered the use of a modular platform from the legendary Hyundai Sonata. Indeed, according to most experts, the use of this type of body is a direct path to success. Due to the fact that the car was originally created for the US market, marketers and the name picked up the right one - Santa Fe. For those who do not know, the city located in the US state of New Mexico is also called by itself. The great demand for the new product prompted the company to think that it was time to deliver the crossover to Europe.

After several minor updates, in 2006, the first car of the second generation descended from the assembly line of an enterprise located in the state of Alabama. New Santa Fe broke all the sales records of its predecessor, and, for a while, became the so-called "best seller" automotive market. Then there were two restylings, and, in the end, Santa Fe 3 was introduced. It is worth noting that the developers also created a 7-seater modification of the car. By the way, it was twice recognized as the safest in the class.

As a response to a competitor Hyundai, in the winter of 2002, the premiere of the new Sorento took place. By analogy with its today's counterpart, the car was also named after the city, but this time the resort of Sorrento, located in Italy. Interestingly, the first generation model was classified as an SUV, as there were some differences between European and Asian automotive regulations. It cannot be said that the Sorento greatly outperformed its competitors, but this did not prevent it from showing good sales results.

In 2009, the second generation model was introduced. The developers have worked on the dimensions and features of the body, so no one had any doubts that the Sorento is a crossover. In 2014, as part of an event in Paris, the presentation of the third generation Sorento took place. This event plunged motorists into a pleasant shock, as representatives of the Korean company did not inform anyone about the upcoming premiere. It was a fantastic marketing ploy, as already at the end of the first month of sales, all possible records were broken. Interestingly, on Russian market crossover is called Kia Sorento Prime.

Given all the above information, when asked which is better, in terms of history - Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe, the second option looks more attractive.

Appearance

Perhaps today, Hyundai designers have nightmares about the time when the first generation Santa Fe came out. The exterior of the debut version of the crossover, to put it mildly, was not impressed. No one could understand how it was possible to design the legendary Sonata module so ridiculously. Fortunately, the second generation Santa Fe, in addition to becoming a full-fledged crossover, received an updated look. Designers have focused on the modernity and manufacturability of the exterior of the car.

In turn, the third-generation model already boasted one of the brightest exteriors in its class. I would especially like to note the ease and ease with which the developers managed to combine dynamism and sophistication in the appearance of Santa Fe. Interestingly, the car has already twice been recognized as the best in terms of design.

Kia designers, unlike their competitors, immediately put a lot of effort into decorating the appearance of the Sorento. In the exterior of the car, notes of aggressiveness are visible, which gives the model an advantage over competitors. It is worth noting that the debut version was considered an SUV, so the overall dimensions were impressive.

The appearance of the second generation has changed markedly. Fortunately for the fans of the company - for the better. The car has noticeably decreased and received a completely new front end. The appearance of the third-generation crossover has undergone only minor improvements, among which I would like to note the installation new optics and fog lights.

At this point, the Kia Sorento looks stronger.

Salon

Despite the fact that both models are Korean, there are quite a few differences between the design of their interior. If, for example, the Santa Fe salon is made in the so-called premium style, where expensive finishing materials and high-tech elements are used, then in the Sorento salon there is simplicity and comfort. Designers have relied on minimalism, and equipped the dashboard with only the most necessary. A huge plus of the Sorento is that it is much more spacious than its counterpart.

Since the current situation looks very contradictory, we will award a draw in this confrontation.

Specifications

If we compare the filling of the latest modifications of crossovers, then the following situation develops: Santa Fe - three gasoline engines (2.0, 2.4, 3.3 l) and two diesel engines (2.0, 2.2 l), Kia Sorento - gasoline 2.0, 2.4 and 3.3 l, and diesel for 2.0, 2.2 liters. In terms of volume, everything is exactly the same, but only the units of the first crossover are a little more powerful.

If we compare the models of 2017, we get twins. Santa Fe is slightly more powerful and uses more fuel. The rest of the cars are the same.

Price

The cost of Kia Sorento 2017 in the basic configuration is 1,794,000 rubles. You will have to pay 1,609,000 rubles for it.

Russia has always been a "country of sedans". But lately this type of car has been losing ground more and more. Sedans are gradually giving way to crossovers, typical representatives of which are, for example, Santa Fe or Sorento. The reasons for this are clear. The condition of the roadway is even, about the countryside and there is no talk, to put it mildly, far from ideal. Therefore, a car with high ground clearance and good off-road performance will always be in demand. On the other hand, a city dweller (bought for a lot of money) is not really needed. He needs a “light” variant so that he can crawl along the curbs and not hit the pavement with his belly on the potholes. Crossovers are such a “light” option.

Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are popular mid-range crossovers from Korea

There are a lot of brands of crossovers now. They are produced in Japan, and in Europe, and in China. We will consider two cars by birth. Meet Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.

Salon

Hyundai Santa Fe is economical and easy to drive

Salon Hyundai Santa Fe can be described as "pleasant". Soft plastic in calm muted tones, leather inserts designed to emphasize the richness of the interior. . You will rarely find such a number of buttons and controls anywhere. However, this may seem redundant only at first glance. After all, the ability to control the basic functions of the car without taking your eyes off the road is worth a lot. The elements on the dashboard are grouped according to all the canons of ergonomics, the instruments are easy to read.

When comparing Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. At Hyundai, they are comfortable, with developed lateral support. Rear passengers do not have to go, crammed like “herring in a barrel” - there is enough space for everyone. The air flow system for passengers in the rear seats (from below and from the B-pillar) can be used as an example for other automakers. The Koreans took special care of the driver. The four-position lumbar massage system will help the driver to endure a long journey without compromising health.

Hyundai Santa Fe has enough. Everything is thought out. One has only to press the lever, the rear seats fold flush with the floor and now you can not only carry a bulky load from the back, but even spend the night.

With the interior space, too, everything is in order. Moreover, in new version it got even bigger. The car has seven seats. Very comfortable seats (the driver has good lateral support) will surely please the future owner. Of course, the driver here will have to do without a massage, but he will not feel particularly deprived. There is enough space, the steering wheel is easily adjustable for reach and height.

Kia Sorento car is a great option for traveling with the whole family

Our climate is harsh. Especially in the territory located beyond the Urals. So the heating function will always be in demand. So, the Kia Sorento has heating organized even at the seats last row. And it's not to say that this option was very common. Heated steering wheel will only add comfort.

He turned out successful. Designers decided to give preference to a sporty style. It came out pretty organic. Dashboard pleases the eye with authentic "wells" of the speedometer and tachometer. Aggressive interior lighting adds drive with active driving. The eight-inch screen of the multimedia system did not let us down either. It supports touch input and features high definition. Connecting external media will not be a problem.

Among the shortcomings can be called cheap finishing materials. Squeaky "oak" plastic does not add Kia charm. An obvious miscalculation by the designers. When it's worth Choice Sorento or Santa Fe, such a disadvantage can cause you to lose.

Engine

For Hyundai Santa Fe . In our opinion the best choice will be a 2.2-liter turbodiesel. This motor has truly excellent performance. And this is not an exaggeration. With a power of 197 horsepower and a thrust of 436 Nm, the engine consumes only 5.5 liters of diesel fuel when driving on the highway.. Excellent result!

Kia Sorento. Available here as gasoline engines as well as diesel. If you like to ride in the style of "sneakers to the floor" - then the 2.4-liter engine that gives out "mountain" will suit you better 176 Horse power. And for lovers of a leisurely economical ride, a good old diesel engine has been prepared. Its 197 "horses" will be enough in any situation.

Those who prefer comfort will be offered an “automatic”. If you want complete control over the car - there is an option with "mechanics". Complete freedom of choice.

Test dear

In the competition Santa Fe vs Sorento, the last point remained - the road test. Say what you like, but Sorento is still a city car. Soft suspension, six-speed "automatic" - everything in it is adapted for operation precisely. However, the engine power is enough for federal highways, you will not feel like an “ugly duckling” on them.

Test Drive Kia car sorento:

What about country roads? You know, it's pretty good. Yes, you can’t climb plowing, but the muddy dirt road will not become an insurmountable obstacle for the Kia Sorento. The soft suspension has a good energy intensity, it can only be "pierced" if it is on purpose. In principle, a disadvantage can be considered a tendency to break into a skid when the steering wheel is carelessly moved. But here it all depends on the "gasket between the seat and the steering wheel."

Hyundai Santa Fe. On paved roads, the car behaves beyond praise. Dynamics, handling - all on top. But off-road is not for him. If the car is still driving on wet sand, albeit at the limit of its capabilities, then in the event of not even very heavy rain, you will have to run after the tractor. The result is below average.

Test Drive Hyundai car Santa Fe:

So, Hyundai Santa Fe is different:

• beautiful salon;
• very good engine.

And Kia Sorento can write down in the column of its advantages:

• reliability both on the primer and on the autobahn;
• impeccably implemented seat heating system.

Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe. What to choose? Depends on operating conditions. If you are a typical city dweller who travels outside the policy “once a year by promise” or moves exclusively on federal highways, the Hyundai Santa Fe is more suitable for you. Well, if you regularly go out into nature - choose Kia Sorento, you won't regret it.

SUVs such as the Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are typically used both as a workhorse and as a recreational vehicle. All of them are quite capable of coping with the tasks assigned to them, but each does it in his own way. The most controversial point in all three crossovers was the suspension, which needs to be improved.

Compared SUVs can easily pull a heavy trailer, boldly move along muddy dirt roads thanks to all-wheel drive, but big ground clearance allows you to overcome obstacles. This is all true, not text from an advertising brochure. However, it is likely that in practice the maximum that they have to do is to drive up the rolled primers to the country house and climb ... to the multi-level garage. And this is good! Because Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and Mitsubishi Outlander too gentle for real off-road. But for the price, Asian SUVs are more affordable than German premium class representatives.

The Korean concern brothers Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi and Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi are equipped with an identical 4-cylinder 197-horsepower turbodiesel with the Common Rail system, cooperating with a modern 6-speed automatic transmission. Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 DI-D has a power of only 150 hp.

When comparing specifications, our rivals proved to be real stewards additional equipment to minimize differences between vehicles. For rich equipment that increases the level of comfort, all SUVs have received well-deserved approval.

None of the three crossovers can complain about the lack of space. Only Mitsubishi on the front row was a little tighter. Also in Japanese car weaker lateral support of the front seats. Passengers feel best in Santa Fe. The seats are well shaped, and landing both forward and backward is not difficult. Working with the cabin equipment after a short adaptation period does not create stress.

Kia passengers can enjoy the same comfort. However, the driver's unusual landing may seem uncomfortable. Even after the chair is completely lowered, there is a feeling that you are still sitting high.

Each of the competitors deserves praise for trailer towing capability. Load capacity 600 kilograms and permitted maximum weight trailer two tons - more than enough for everyday use or travel.

Backrest in all vehicles rear seat can be combined in a ratio of 60:40. Despite the close family ties, the Hyundai's boot volume is 534 liters less than the Kia's 660 liters, which has an additional cargo compartment under the luggage compartment floor.

The test Outlander, if necessary, can turn into a seven-seater, with the help of two additional seats hidden in the trunk floor - an option. To get a flat floor in the cargo compartment, you need to fold the seat cushions forward, and only after that the back will lie flat. Loading the trunk is difficult with a lid that opens only up to a height of 1.80 meters. Tall people will hit her head.

Almost 200 Korean horsepower and high torque, it would seem, leave no chance for the Japanese SUV. Outlander lacks 47 hp and 56 Nm of torque. However, when accelerating from a standstill, Mitsubishi boldly keeps pace with competitors, lagging behind only tenths of a second: 9.9 s to 100 km / h against 9.6 s for Hyundai and 9.8 s for Kia. The explanation for this phenomenon is simple - Mitsubishi is lighter by almost 200 kg and is equipped with a 6-speed mechanical box gears. There was no version with a comfortable 6-speed "automatic" at the time of testing.

This, in turn, was reflected in fuel consumption: 7 liters per 100 km for such big car respectable result. Kia and Hyundai consumed almost a liter more: 8.0 and 8.2 liters respectively.

At the same time, the Outlander turbodiesel is more temperamental: the 2.2 DI-D picks up speed more readily and is clearly quieter under load. But general level noise, engine-driven, tires and oncoming air flow in Mitsubishi was higher than in Hyundai.

The suspension of the Japanese on a bad road works extremely nervously. The Outlander reacts to bumps roughly and harshly, and on long waves it sways so that the front suspension hits the limiters.

Kia's suspension also reacts harshly to bumps and annoys with its rough work. Especially at low speeds, when the body starts to vibrate. Despite the technical similarity to the Sorento, the Santa Fe produces best impression and absorb noise more effectively. On a bad road, the Hyundai trim elements creak less than in the Kia. Although Hyundai is not “soft”, it still provides a higher driving comfort than Mitsubishi and Kia. However, the Santa Fe's suspension noticeably responds to small bumps, noisily transferring shocks to the car body. All these SUVs are suitable only for good roads.

It seems that if, in terms of equipment and dynamic characteristics Asian SUVs have shown themselves on the good side, then in terms of chassis balance they are still far from the level the best representatives German SUVs. The sophistication of the set of differences between BMW, Mercedes and Audi, compared crossovers can only dream of. The same goes for the steering, which the engineers still need to do a lot of work on. But the time will come when Asian manufacturers will significantly close the gap with the German leaders, just as they did in the field of design and interior quality.