2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer LTZ Vs 2014 Sta. Fe 4x2 AT

[numbah5]

We were also in the same situation about a month ago. We were also choosing between the Santa Fe 2x2 and Trailblazer 4x4 but ended up buying the Santa Fe. Why? Simple. Coz it looks and feels better. I don't really like Trailblazer's design because I think it looks awkward. Actually it's not an American car like what most ppl say, well the first one was but the current generation isn't. Technically, it's a Thailand car. But my dad really likes it because he says na "mas sulit" daw pag TBZ and I guess he's right kase sobrang padami na ng padami ang TBZ around the road and it's getting too common already (like the Montero) that's why a lot of Filipinos prefer it over other competition. But then he saw the Santa Fe in flesh and it was really stunning indeed. It looks and feels like a luxury German SUV and the ride is really nice, smooth and quiet. Di mo talaga aakalain na Diesel kase it's quiet and the engine is really powerful. Plus it's even more efficient than our 2010 Ford Everest. So yeah just got our red merlot unit just last week and we are MORE THAN SATISFIED. The smark key/push start button was also a big plus for me. Plus it looks small on the outside but when you step inside, it's actually roomier than most ladder-frame SUVs. There's little complains sa 3rd row though but in my case, it's not an issue at all kase comfortable din naman umupo don. It has enough leg space and head room for a 5'8 guy like me and I even spent 3 hours sitting there without any discomort when we went to Tarlac. I guess if you're more than 5'11 then di ka pede sa 3rd row. Plus Santa Fe's not too common in the road din so whenever you see one, it's like a rare gem. I think it's because it's a little overpriced but in my opinion, it's all worth it :D

You can watch this review of the SF for more info
Hyundai Santa Fe SUV review - CarBuyer - YouTube

I have a question. Did HARI already rectified the "water leak" issue at the 3rd row area?

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[santafe33]

From what I've heard only the first few batches of units lang yung affected. Anyway they just had to reseal something at the back and it's fixed. I'm glad our unit doesn't have the issue. It rained hard twice last week and dry naman ung carpet sa likod

[copperone]

We own a white SF3 and we bought it 16 months ago. It is nearing 25t km and so far I have no complain about it. If you don’t want to own a “German SUV” that is made in Korea, an SUV that is fast…real fast (tested it to 190km/h), an SUV that handles like a sedan, an SUV that is very frugal on fuel if you want it to (18km/li using ECON and 11km/li when driving a bit aggressively), an SUV that has low NVH (sound like a muffled rolling thunder coming from afar when you’re inside), an SUV that is simply a beauty design-wise then go for the other brand. It is also good.

[numbah5]

TB is also fast na rin, especially with the 2014 models' upgraded engines. niky said before that the TB can now match the acceleration of the SF3 with the upgraded engine

One thing I like with both the TB and the SF3 is that they both employ European CRDi systems TB's engines are sourced from VM Motori Italia, with inputs by GM's American, Thai and Brazilian engineers, while the SF3's engine was jointly engineered by Koreans and Germans

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[jut703]

I'd get the Santa Fe in a heartbeat if it's mostly for urban use. But then again, there are lots of scenarios where a ladder-frame SUV would be the better choice over a car-based one. Reading the TS' criteria, looks like a ladder-frame SUV is more ideal.

However, as much as the Trailblazer is great in terms of its specs and real-world performance, I honestly find it ugly both inside and out.
That alone would make me pick an "inferior" Fortuner or Montero Sport if I needed a truck-based SUV.

[santafe33]

I'd get the Santa Fe in a heartbeat if it's mostly for urban use. But then again, there are lots of scenarios where a ladder-frame SUV would be the better choice over a car-based one. Reading the TS' criteria, looks like a ladder-frame SUV is more ideal.

However, as much as the Trailblazer is great in terms of its specs and real-world performance, I honestly find it ugly both inside and out.
That alone would make me pick an "inferior" Fortuner or Montero Sport if I needed a truck-based SUV.

Exactly my point. I mean it really is an awesome loaded SUV with exceptional performance but the looks is just a big turn off for me/for us. Parang trying-hard na awkward na ewan

[numbah5]

I'd get the Santa Fe in a heartbeat if it's mostly for urban use. But then again, there are lots of scenarios where a ladder-frame SUV would be the better choice over a car-based one. Reading the TS' criteria, looks like a ladder-frame SUV is more ideal.

However, as much as the Trailblazer is great in terms of its specs and real-world performance, I honestly find it ugly both inside and out.
That alone would make me pick an "inferior" Fortuner or Montero Sport if I needed a truck-based SUV.

Exactly my point. I mean it really is an awesome loaded SUV with exceptional performance but the looks is just a big turn off for me/for us. Parang trying-hard na awkward na ewan

Looks are subjective sirs. Some may find the TB's look as good and macho, some won't. For us TB owners, ok naman looks niya especially the macho look of the front. What we don't like are the use of hard plastics in the interior. Pero come to think of it, the 1st generation Fortuner is also tadtad ng hard plastics sa interior. Ganun kasi yung dating Fortuner ko

Let's not go into bashing of the 2 SUVs. Both TB and SF3 are really great but because of the requirements of Zeph, I would really suggest the TB. A ladder frame SUV fits his requirements and honestly speaking, the TB LTZ 4x4 A/T is the most bang for the buck Thai made ladder frame diesel SUV in the market right now

[jut703]

Looks are subjective sirs. Some may find the TB's look as good and macho, some won't. For us TB owners, ok naman looks niya especially the macho look of the front. What we don't like are the use of hard plastics in the interior. Pero come to think of it, the 1st generation Fortuner is also tadtad ng hard plastics sa interior. Ganun kasi yung dating Fortuner ko

Let's not go into bashing of the 2 SUVs. Both TB and SF3 are really great but because of the requirements of Zeph, I would really suggest the TB. A ladder frame SUV fits his requirements and honestly speaking, the TB LTZ 4x4 A/T is the most bang for the buck Thai made ladder frame diesel SUV in the market right now

You're right bro, a ladder-frame SUV is a better match for the TS' requirements. But you can't say that the TB is the best bang-for-the-buck without considering aesthetic appeal as well. It's not good value if you're not happy seeing it on a daily basis.

I have a friend who, just like you, is impressed by the specs of the Trailblazer. But he simply couldn't get over the looks, which he says is just nowhere as timeless as a Fortuner or as butch as a Montero. He got himself a 3.0V Fortuner even if he acknowledges that it doesn't have the best engine and isn't the most modern out there.

Very few people (because there are very few TB owners relative to Fort/MS) find the aesthetics of the Trailblazer to be great. But for those who do, then no doubt the Trailblazer is the SUV for them.


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[Zeph]

Very good comments mga Sir. Very much appreciated.

Now we are excited for the upcoming Auto Show. We have to test drive these 2 SUVs. I already test drove the new Sta Fe at last year's Auto Show in MOA. It was good. This time, we will test drive the TBZ.

I think the 2 SUVs have their own attributes that can be good and applicable for us.

[dahwan02]

lol di naman pangit look ng TB yung santa fe bagay sya sa mga professionals/executive na mga tao kasi small and luxurious yung dating nya while TB looks big, rugged, macho and parang nambubully yung dating nya one of the reason kaya TB kinuha namin nung wednesday. nasa taste ng tao yan kung ano yung maganda sa paningin nya. cheers.

btw meron din kaming 2009 santa fe and I can say na mas mabilis magaccelerate ang santa fe pero mas comfy ang ride kay TB not sure why baka may problema santa fe namin since nung binili pero ganun yung impression ng mga tao dito samin nung naksakay sila sa TB.

[jaymd]

TB was designed by a brazilian, built by thais and the company is american. I think chevy is planning to sell the TB or colorado in the US. TB vs SF3. TB ako. kahit pangit sya

[numbah5]

TB was designed by a brazilian, built by thais and the company is american. I think chevy is planning to sell the TB or colorado in the US. TB vs SF3. TB ako. kahit pangit sya

You forgot one thing sir. Duramax Diesel engine of the TB was engineered and designed primarily by the Americans and Italians The engine is sourced from VM Motori Italia, which used to be a 50-50 partnership between GM and Fiat until the former sold all it's shares to Fiat last year.

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[Zeph]

lol di naman pangit look ng TB yung santa fe bagay sya sa mga professionals/executive na mga tao kasi small and luxurious yung dating nya while TB looks big, rugged, macho and parang nambubully yung dating nya one of the reason kaya TB kinuha namin nung wednesday. nasa taste ng tao yan kung ano yung maganda sa paningin nya. cheers.

btw meron din kaming 2009 santa fe and I can say na mas mabilis magaccelerate ang santa fe pero mas comfy ang ride kay TB not sure why baka may problema santa fe namin since nung binili pero ganun yung impression ng mga tao dito samin nung naksakay sila sa TB.

You've got a point there dahwan02... Points for both vehicles actually...

[GTcervan]

Sir, based on your requirements, I would suggest the TB and especially, since you mentioned hauling stuffs which might include towing, dito talaga mas lamang ang Trailblazer.

Nobody mentioned it yet but the towing capacity of the Trailblazer is rated 3-tons. Therefore, you won't need a bigger vehicle than the TB when it actually has that towing capacity.

Both have 6-speed automatic transmissions but since 4x2 lang Santa Fe, it is FWD. The TB is RWD while in 2WD mode, so mas lamang ang acceleration ng TB sa Santa Fe, even if they are close in horsepower, though TB has 500NM of torque while Santa Fe has 420NM.

TB also has higher ground clearance than SF and it can be useful in bad weather. Sa luxuries and comfort, dun mas lamang ang SF pero in your criteria, mas useful ang TB.

But in the end, it's your choice, sir. Happy car shopping!

[Zeph]

Sir, based on your requirements, I would suggest the TB and especially, since you mentioned hauling stuffs which might include towing, dito talaga mas lamang ang Trailblazer.

Nobody mentioned it yet but the towing capacity of the Trailblazer is rated 3-tons. Therefore, you won't need a bigger vehicle than the TB when it actually has that towing capacity.

Both have 6-speed automatic transmissions but since 4x2 lang Santa Fe, it is FWD. The TB is RWD while in 2WD mode, so mas lamang ang acceleration ng TB sa Santa Fe, even if they are close in horsepower, though TB has 500NM of torque while Santa Fe has 420NM.

TB also has higher ground clearance than SF and it can be useful in bad weather. Sa luxuries and comfort, dun mas lamang ang SF pero in your criteria, mas useful ang TB.

But in the end, it's your choice, sir. Happy car shopping!

Well based on what I read from the reviews, acceleration of Sta. Fe would be faster as based on its lighter weight.

Acceleration 0-100 kph:

Sta. Fe 2.2 CRDi with 197 bhp -- 9.8 secs (Source: topgear uk)

Chevrolet TBZ LTZ 2.8 CTDi 197 bhp -- no specific review yet with regard to acceleration
But for the previous model (177 bhp) -- 10.8 secs- factory claim (Source: automobile-catalog.com)

Acceleration for us is just a minor factor since we are talking about SUVs, unless we buy a race car or supercar then we will talk more on the acceleration. Acceleration for an affordable midsize-SUV of 0-100kph in range of 10-13 secs is already good enough for us to overtake reckless bus or truck drivers.

[Ventoy]

This time TB is for practically and new looks

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[Zeph]

I test drove a new Sta Fe yesterday for a stretch of 3-5Km road. I found it nice and refined... Though, we noticed some setbacks .
One was the noticeable low Ground clearance. Ang baba nya compared to other SUVs. And the cladding made it lower still. With this, mahirap ipagitna mga malalaking bato or debris on the road especially on the provincial roads or highways, which I usually do when driving, particularly pag may kasalubong kang mga trucks at buses, and that the usual highways/roads are just 2 lanes in the province. There will be high chance that the engine below could be hit. Also pag baha, mukhang delicate syang ilusong pag me baha e hehe.
Second, the view for the driver and passenger- Parang mataas yung panels/level of view eh, unlike sa Monty or Strada where you can readily see the roads. O baka siguro hindi lang kami sanay .
Thirdly, I think there's no "child proof lock" or something since I could not find buttons to lock all the doors on the driver side. Mahirap sa amin yun kasi minsan may mga batang sakay kami, o pasaherong makukulit.
Fourth, the steering wheels are little numb, even in Normal mode. I could not feel the road. Ang tipo kasi namin yung parang may feeling kami ng road grip-and-downforce thing ala F1 So mas maganda sigurong ilagay na lang lagi sa Sports mode hehe. Fifth, mukha ngang malambot suspension sa likod... Para bang pag kinargahan ng 50-70 Kg cargo eh sasayad na ang tires sa fender.

For us, Sta Fe is a crossover, and an Urban SUV.

Just our thoughts... No offense meant. Otherwise, nice ride.

[niky]

Well based on what I read from the reviews, acceleration of Sta. Fe would be faster as based on its lighter weight.

Acceleration 0-100 kph:

Sta. Fe 2.2 CRDi with 197 bhp -- 9.8 secs (Source: topgear uk)

Chevrolet TBZ LTZ 2.8 CTDi 197 bhp -- no specific review yet with regard to acceleration
But for the previous model (177 bhp) -- 10.8 secs- factory claim (Source: automobile-catalog.com)

Acceleration for us is just a minor factor since we are talking about SUVs, unless we buy a race car or supercar then we will talk more on the acceleration. Acceleration for an affordable midsize-SUV of 0-100kph in range of 10-13 secs is already good enough for us to overtake reckless bus or truck drivers.

From what I've seen at COTY (haven't published this year's results yet, though... have to get around to that...), the Santa Fe is in the low 9's with FWD (which is what you get with the same money you would spend on a 4x4 TB), while the TB is nearly 10 flat with the 200 hp 4x4 model, and in the low 9's with the RWD model.

This is in similar conditions with two people on board.

[nels76]

I test drove a new Sta Fe yesterday for a stretch of 3-5Km road. I found it nice and refined... Though, we noticed some setbacks .
One was the noticeable low Ground clearance. Ang baba nya compared to other SUVs. And the cladding made it lower still. With this, mahirap ipagitna mga malalaking bato or debris on the road especially on the provincial roads or highways, which I usually do when driving, particularly pag may kasalubong kang mga trucks at buses, and that the usual highways/roads are just 2 lanes in the province. There will be high chance that the engine below could be hit. Also pag baha, mukhang delicate syang ilusong pag me baha e hehe.
Second, the view for the driver and passenger- Parang mataas yung panels/level of view eh, unlike sa Monty or Strada where you can readily see the roads. O baka siguro hindi lang kami sanay .
Thirdly, I think there's no "child proof lock" or something since I could not find buttons to lock all the doors on the driver side. Mahirap sa amin yun kasi minsan may mga batang sakay kami, o pasaherong makukulit.
Fourth, the steering wheels are little numb, even in Normal mode. I could not feel the road. Ang tipo kasi namin yung parang may feeling kami ng road grip-and-downforce thing ala F1 So mas maganda sigurong ilagay na lang lagi sa Sports mode hehe. Fifth, mukha ngang malambot suspension sa likod... Para bang pag kinargahan ng 50-70 Kg cargo eh sasayad na ang tires sa fender.

For us, Sta Fe is a crossover, and an Urban SUV.

Just our thoughts... No offense meant. Otherwise, nice ride.

Agree. Di talaga pang harabas ang SF. For tough job, go with TBZ.
While its soft suspension is a plus for comfortable ride, yan din ang achilles heel nya lalo pag medyo madami kayong sakay o dala.

[Zeph]

I just wanted to share the following article with you guys--

Explaining All-Wheel, Four-Wheel, Front-Wheel and Rear-Wheel Drive on Edmunds.com

I have been reading. Already test drove the TBZ 2014 LT variant in the auto show just few days ago.

And now, we are still split with our decision...