 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe |
VS |  2012 Toyota Kluger |
Here is a comparison between the new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe and the soon to be replaced Toyota Kluger. We like the current Kluger otherwise known as the Highlander in other parts of the world. It is one of the few V6 medium sized SUVs still available and regardless of engine type is one of the best. We’ve driven a few over the years too! The Hyundai Santa Fe is all new for 2012 and although we have yet to drive the new model, the prior version of the Santa Fe didn’t sell very well for various reasons. Now that Hyundai is regarded as a Korean Toyota but doesn’t handle as well but with more style the new model is seemingly very competitive…
Hyundai Santa Fe Vs Toyota Kluger exterior: Easy win to the new Santa Fe for this comparison here. The Hyundai looks more modern, substantial and more upmarket than the Toyota. The Kluger is showing its design age by having a bit too much shiny stuff on the outside which looks misplaced and angles which no longer work quite so well.
Hyundai Santa Fe Vs Toyota Kluger interior: We like the Kluger design and quality but it is also showing its age. The new Santa Fe has caught up with Toyota in terms of presentation and is a modern place to be. In some ways it is nicer and others feeling not quite ‘at home’. Maybe the seats in the Hyundai just don’t feel comfortable. The Santa Fe is smaller than the Kluger when side by side but on it own the Hyundai looks a size bigger than what it actually is. In the end the Kluger looks old and the Santa looks new but feels odd. We are not fussed with either interiors.
Hyundai Santa Fe Vs Toyota Kluger engine and technology: The Santa Fe comes with a 2.4 litre petrol or high powered diesel. We’d pick the diesel for the fuel saving despite higher purchase price since its quite a powerhouse – however for a diesel it is relatively uneconomical! The Kluger’s petrol is very good too which is why it only sells the V6 petrol, which is surpisingly economical for a 6 cylinder engine! The Kluger’s engine is a reliable unit and will go for years whereas the latest diesel engines are yet to be proven to last over time – we simply know of too many problems. We are not fussed with either…
Hyundai Santa Fe Vs Toyota Kluger road test: Driving the Kluger is best described as reassuringly boring or simply nice. Steering is not as vague as the Prado and it’s interior is quieter the the 120 series Prado. It also needs more pedal to get the same thrust and it goes well. It’s not a sports car so don’t expect it. We haven’t tried the new Santa Fe yet.
The new Santa Fe has addressed the design issues and it looks good although not exactly unique in appearance. (We think that Hyundai is copying too much of its subsidiary Kia in terms of looks.) The interior design has leaped forward and we like the updated high tech appearance. It is expensive for a Hyundai although it does match smaller Honda, Mazda and others for quality and hardware and is a little bigger too but would you choose it ahead of the popular models or in this case the Toyota Kluger? We think only if you didn’t care about the badge!
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| 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe | Toyota Kluger |
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| Engines | |
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4 Cylinder (G4KJ) 4 Cylinder (D4HB) |
2GR-FE 2TR-FE |
| Weight | |
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Kerb weight FROM 1834Kg |
Kerb weight 1840-2030Kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
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Up to 64 litres |
72 litres |
| Other specifications | |
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6 speed Manual/Auto |
5 speed Auto |
| Capability | |
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Angle of: (degrees) |
Angle of: (degrees) |
| Performance | |
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– |
| Pricing | |
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2013 $36,990 – 49,990 AUD |
2012 $39,990 – 65,900 AUD |
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