Rav 4 or Sta. Fe for a lady driver

[Jun aka Pekto]

After a while, given a choice to drive between this and a sedan, you WON'T pick the sedan. hehe.

That depends. The 3.3L V6 Sonata should be sold there and is the same one I have here. It's much quicker than a 3.3L SF with a top speed of 138mph/222kph (C&D magazine). It's also so quiet you don't realize you're doing 100 mph. It's also stable at high speeds which makes it a very good interstate cruiser.

Add: A Hyundai technician did confirm that the 2006 Sonata can indeed reach 147mph/237kph.....
http://www.azcentral.com/community/s...der1208Z5.html

[CVT]

No brainer,- go for the Sta. Fe.

:starwars:

[Horsepower]

*Jun: the takeoff G-force of CRDi VGT is addictive . I believe what you are saying about the Sonata as it's a luxury sedan probably aimed at taking down Accord, Camry and Cefiro (that must be insanely expensive though ). But personally, i won't choose a 3.3L V6 over a 2.2L CRDi VGT for the simple reason that diesel is cheaper here and that it's more energy efficient compared to petrol.

the Santa Fe's ECU can be chipped and from 150Hp/335Nm, it will become 180Hp/395Nm. I'm not sure how much "chipping" is though. hehe

Q: is the Azera same as Sonata? I've seen quite a lot of Azeras here.

[Gumusut_Amige]

talagang maganda ang mga feedback sa sta fe huh... kailangan ko ng dispatsahin siguro ang aking innova para makabili ng sta fe!

[Jun aka Pekto]

*Jun: the takeoff G-force of CRDi VGT is addictive . I believe what you are saying about the Sonata as it's a luxury sedan probably aimed at taking down Accord, Camry and Cefiro (that must be insanely expensive though ). But personally, i won't choose a 3.3L V6 over a 2.2L CRDi VGT for the simple reason that diesel is cheaper here and that it's more energy efficient compared to petrol.

the Santa Fe's ECU can be chipped and from 150Hp/335Nm, it will become 180Hp/395Nm. I'm not sure how much "chipping" is though. hehe

Q: is the Azera same as Sonata? I've seen quite a lot of Azeras here.

The Azera has a more powerful engine than the Sonata. 3.8L 263hp V6. It'll smoke my Sonata and is close to new 3.5L V6 Camry in acceleration. I don't know why people think the Azera is bigger than the Sonata. I've seen the two cars side by side and the Azera seems a bit smaller (less trunk space). Otherwise, they seem to be almost the same size.

I've been wondering what the gas mileage is for the diesel SF since we don't have them here. It'd be nice, though. But, the 3.3L V6 SF gas mileage is in the region of 8km/L city and 10.2km/L highway.

We've been watching that guy's trial closely because I made a $100 bet with a friend that the Sonata can't reach 147mph. Looks like I lost the bet. Maybe he won't remember. Anyway, there's been rumors (in Korea) of the Azera being able to reach 160 mph. I won't make a bet against that one.

Sonatas are relatively low cost here. We got ours for less than $20k with our old 1997 van trade in and 10 year bumper to bumper warrantee (not the regular warrantee) plus free oil changes for 4 years.

Add: You do realize that chipping the diesel SF will lower the gas mileage, right? Plus, the base gas engine, the 2.7L V7 still makes more hp (189). That reminds me. The SF 3.3 makes 242hp versus 235hp of my Sonata. I'll bet I can have my Sonata chipped to the same 242hp.

[SilverShadow]

Hi

I just like to share with you that my lady cousin is around 5'3" and when she sat in both cars, she like the driving position of the Sta Fe than the Rav4.
Overall, she chooses the Sta Fe over the Rav4. HTH

[Horsepower]

According to the website, ironically, it'll save more gas probably because the engine will run at its optimal power.

As for the fuel consumption of diesel SF, 50mpg is the best so far.

[Jun aka Pekto]

According to the website, ironically, it'll save more gas probably because the engine will run at its optimal power.

As for the fuel consumption of diesel SF, 50mpg is the best so far.

Ooooooh. OK. That article. I thought it was a publicity stunt with lots of trickery. It is a standard diesel SF after all. My bad. Hyundai needs to bring that sucker here.

[yuichi]

the car goes so fast without feedback, no cabin noise, no engine noise, nothing. so, while going 160kph, you'll think you're just cruising at 60 and all the other cars are just going slow. So glance at the speedo once in a while.

The body is wide and might take a little time getting used to.

After a while, given a choice to drive between this and a sedan, you WON'T pick the sedan. hehe.

As for the CRDi, try if you can order the 4WD version from your dealer.

as said- the next thing you'll noticed is that your being chased by the nlex patrol.

[kpy555]

Hi Guys!

Good thing this thread is here! Actually, my wife is choosing between the new RAV4 4x2 and Sta. Fe CRDi.

Based on what I read here and on the other thread that compares it to the Fortuner, I see the Sta. Fe is a real winner!

BTW, how much is the Sta. Fe CRDi nowadays?

Thanks!

[yuichi]

*nice_444: yes, Red is also cool, so is Black, White and Silver. Don't pick Ti Blue kasi sobrang dami na. hehe.

.

right..... don't consider "gun metal", we wanted to be really few.

[yuichi]

Hi Guys!

Good thing this thread is here! Actually, my wife is choosing between the new RAV4 4x2 and Sta. Fe CRDi.

Based on what I read here and on the other thread that compares it to the Fortuner, I see the Sta. Fe is a real winner!

BTW, how much is the Sta. Fe CRDi nowadays?

Thanks!

P1.520M 2.2crdi and P1.580M 2.7 V6....bili na!

napulot sa kabilang thread....



2007 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV Test Drive & Review
From Aaron Gold

Koreans Do It Better
Guide Rating - 4.5/5

The Santa Fe was Hyundai's first utility vehicle; today it stands the middle ground between the smaller Tucson and a soon-to-come larger SUV. All new for 2007, the Santa Fe is exceptionally well thought out with brilliant attention to detail. With low prices ($21,595 to $28,595, plus options), decent economy (EPA est. 19-21 mpg city, 24-26 highway) and long warranty (5 year/60,000 mi bumper-to-bumper, 10 year/100k powertrain), the Santa Fe is bound to be a hit with American and Canadian buyers.
First Glance
Historically, the Santa Fe has always been a special vehicle for Hyundai. It was first introduced in 2001, well before the Sonata became a serious Camry/Accord competitor. At the time, Hyundai was best known for cheap wheels like the Accent and Elantra. But Santa Fe buyers were different: They were older and more affluent than typical Hyundai customers. They weren't buying the Santa Fe just because it was inexpensive; they were buying it because they thought it was a good, competitive vehicle.
Since then, Hyundai has come up with a stream of good competitive vehicles, and the all-new Santa Fe is just the latest in the series. Though the Santa Fe is a crossover and uses car-based construction, and in fact is built on the same assembly line as the Sonata sedan, it isn't actually based on a car; it gets a unique platform.

I liked the bumpy, bubbly shape of the original Santa Fe. The new one is a bit more anonymous but still handsome. From some angles it reminds me of a baby Audi Q7. A few original Santa Fe cues remain, such as the off-center tailgate handle. The new 'Fe is bigger in all dimensions than the old one, though its taller roofline makes it look shorter in length.


In the Driver's Seat

With color coded wood and aluminum trim, the Santa Fe has one of the best CUV dash boards on the market.
photo © HyundaiInside you'll find one of the best CUV interiors on the market. A two-tone interior with color-coded wood and aluminum trim is standard; a black monochrome interior is optional on the top-of-the-line Limited. Instruments and controls are lit in a cool blue color.
The front driver's seat is the most comfortable place; the passenger seat felt a bit too close to the floor for my liking. Access to the second row is good, though the seat cushion is short and lacks thigh support, a common sin in CUVs this size. All three positions have headrests and shoulder belts, but only the outers get LATCH child seat anchors.

A flip and fold seat makes access to the optional 3rd row dead easy. The seat itself is unpleasant but no worse than its rivals. It folds down when not in use; the five-seat 'Fe get a nice big storage bin in its place.

Standard equipment in the base GLS model includes power windows/mirrors/locks, keyless entry, A/C, CD/MP3 player, alloy wheels, antlilock brakes, electronic stability control, and side curtain airbags. SE adds a bigger engine, bigger wheels, automatic headlights, and other toys; the Limited gets leather seats (heated in front, power adjustment for the driver), dual-zone automatic climate control, and more.

On the Road
All Santa Fes get V6 engines: A 185 hp 2.7 liter for the GLS and 242 hp 3.3 for the SE and Limited. The 2.7 comes with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto while the 3.3 gets a 5-speed automatic. All powertrain combos can be had with front- or all-wheel-drive. The latter is an electronic system that varies up to 50% of power to the rear wheels as needed. It isn't meant for off-roading, but it can be "locked" into 50/50 4WD mode for slippery situations. Acceleration is more than adequate, with the front-drive 3.3 being the quickest.
What's really remarkable is the Santa Fe's ride. It's exceptionally solid and well-controlled. You don't have to pussyfoot the Santa Fe though corners for fear of losing control or tipping over (and even if you do get in over your head, the standard electronic stability control will step in to help). It'd feel even better but for the steering, which doesn't give much natural feedback from the road. Despite the somewhat artificial steering feel, the Santa Fe does tend to track in a straight line and is not at all fatiguing to drive on the freeway. Its small turning circle is nice, but with its tall sides and a fall-away hood, I found maneuvering through tight parking garages a bit of a stomach-churner.

Journey's End

With a bumpy, bubbly shape, the Santa Fe might remind you of a baby Audi Q7.
photo © HyundaiThere are lots of reasons to like the Santa Fe. Its the attention to detail that makes me love it. Examples: The roof rack crossbars can be adjusted with one finger. The hatch lid is balanced to stay open firmly and close easily. The front cupholders are lit, making it easy to plant your Pepsi. The A/C in the GLS and SE uses an innovative variation on the classic three-dial setup, and the Limited's climate control can automatically switch between fresh and recirculated air based on outside air quality. 2nd-row passengers get their own face-level air vents and the optional 3rd-row seat includes its own vents and fan control. Everywhere you look, you see what a well-thought-out vehicle the Hyundai Santa Fe is.

To me, the Santa Fe is more budget- and passenger-friendly than "Toyota's RAV4", though not as comfy in back as the Highlander. Spirited drivers may prefer the Mazda CX-7, but new SUV buyers will find comfort in the Santa Fe's stability. The lack of a center LATCH point means I can't whole-heartedly recommend it for 1-baby families, but it'd work great for my own family of four.

Bottom line: If you're shopping for a CUV, make sure to test drive the 2007 Santa Fe. The Japanese do it well, but the Koreans do it even better.


......bowako:

[yuichi]

hi ms.nice.....what's your decision?.......or ano color nang Sante Fe mo?

[bunge]

si wifey ko, super liit pero she will be driving her Red (red ba talaga yon? o color blind lang ako) SF very, very soon. magmu-mukhang grade-schooler sigurado, hehehehehe. pero talagang inlove na inlove sa SF, kahit anong kumbinsi ko na Tucson or Jazz dahil maliit nga e ayaw talaga pumayag.

[yuichi]

si wifey ko, super liit pero she will be driving her Red (red ba talaga yon? o color blind lang ako) SF very, very soon. magmu-mukhang grade-schooler sigurado, hehehehehe. pero talagang inlove na inlove sa SF, kahit anong kumbinsi ko na Tucson or Jazz dahil maliit nga e ayaw talaga pumayag.

her height would'nt be a problem since you can jackup the driver's seat.
wow that's also a nice color. looks black at night but turns deep red at daytime.
congrats and enjoy your SF. btw, crdi ba or gas?

[stormrider]

If you've got money to burn, I'm sure the RAV4 is not a bad choice.

But since you're considering the Santa Fe (gas or diesel?), I'd give this car a strong consideration. The RAV4 is overpriced, in my opinion.

You may also want to wait for the 2007 Honda CR-V before going with the Santa Fe. I read that the 2007 model has very female-friendly features.

[lui]

Hi Guys,

Greetings!

Anyway I just dropped by to ask for your opinion and comment 'cause I'm about to buy an SUV and still undecided on which to get either Toyota Rav 4 or Hyundai Sta. Fe. I had a Chevrolet Optra before and I observed that it's not anymore advisable to have a sedan especially for everyday use sa mga sira-sirang kalye natin d2.

Please help me decide considering the ff: Fuel Consumption; Over-all performance inc. safety and comfort; Re-sale value. Before Fortuner was included in my choices, but since i've read the thread between sta. fe and fortuner, i opt for sta. fe, but still considering the 2nd gen Rav 4. Prob. that I can see w/ rav 4 is its fuel consumption but I like its size kc smaller and advantage is its resale value and Japan technology. But I like more the design and mas tipid yung Sta. Fe since it's diesel.

Hope you could help me decide by giving your comments for the above-mentioned vehicles.

Many thanks. God Bless!!

HI ms nice_444,

Fuel Consumption: Santa Fe
Overall Performance : not sure
Resale Value : Rav4

Rav4 is a good car but mas value for money talaga Santa Fe.

[nice_444]

Hi there!
Ey thanks a lot & I appreciate all your feedbacks. But unfortunately, m not gonna buy anymore a brand new SUV sa ngayon. It's because I tried using our Landrover Freelander (M/T, Diesel) and it's really satisfying. I wasn't using it before 'cause it;s M/T transmission, and I was not that good in conventional 'cause my car before was A/T.. E since I don't have no choice and no other car to use, I tried this one, since wala masyadong gumagamit and yeah, nasanay na mag manual and it's very comfy. I even prefer using this one kahit na manual rather than my bro's A/T sedan. Maybe later there'll be better SUV that will come out. Ok as my choice tlaga sana ang sta. fe kaso mdyo nalalakihan kc ko. Anyway, again thanks a lot for your replies. Naudlot daw ba pagbili.. waaahhh!!! God Bless!

[mazdamazda]

Wow... a Freelander...