Our pick of the seven-seater crop is spacious, well priced and loaded with kit On sale Now Price from £42,890
IF TWO EQUALLY talented chefs opened restaurants next door to each other, the one with the more diverse menu would probably do the best. And that, in a manner of speaking, is why the Hyundai Santa Fe gets the nod over the closely related Kia Sorento in our SUV rankings.
In fact, both models follow very similar recipes, each offering a diesel engine as well as a variety of petrol hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. However, while the Sorento’s dish is only served up with four-wheel drive and all the trimmings, the Santa Fe gives you a front-wheel drive option and a choice of two trim levels, so you can dine according to your budget.
And, really, it’s not like you’re missing out on much by going for the cheaper of the two Santa Fe trim levels; its long list of standard features includes adaptive cruise control, leather seats (heated for those in the front), a heated steering wheel and keyless entry, as well as a big, user-friendly 10.3in infotainment touchscreen and a powerful Krell sound system.
The Santa Fe also makes life much more comfortable for third-row occupants than most rivals, simply by virtue of the fact that it gives them more space. Plus, you can fit a couple of carry-on suitcases in the boot when all seven seats are occupied, and as many as 10 cases when the rearmost seats are folded away.
True, being a tall and heavy car, the Santa Fe isn’t very entertaining on a twisty road, but it handles tidily enough, with precise steering that helps you place it confidently in corners. And, crucially, the ride is comfortable – especially if you stick with the 17in wheels that are standard on our favoured Premium trim.
Our pick 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid 4WD Premium List price £44,945 Target Price £41,030 Target PCP £506 MPG 40.4 CO2 159g/km For User-friendly interior with seven adult-sized seats; huge boot; lots of kit; long warranty Against Performance is only average; some wind noise on the motorway; top trim is pricey WHAT CAR? SAYS
Audi Q7
Our pick 55 TFSI S line List price £66,510 Target Price £62,060 Target PC
