These three sports utility vehicles prove how far Korean carmakers Kia, Hyundai and SsangYong have progressed. A decade ago, the SUVs these manufacturers produced not only look odd, they also do not offer much in terms of performance. Today, however, you wouldn’t be able to find a single stodgy model in their showrooms.
The SUV with arguably the most modern design in this story is the all-new Kia Sorento. But the newcomer, which is the only SUV of this group with front-wheel-drive instead of four-wheel-drive, promises more than good looks – it also offers greater roominess and refinement than the old model.
Keen to show that it, too, has both style and substance is the Hyundai Santa Fe. Like its corporate cousin, the Kia Sorento, the Santa Fe offers plenty of standard amenities, including an all-wheel-drive system that provides added surefootedness.
It may be an offbeat choice in Singapore, but the SsangYong Rexton boasts the strongest road presence in this shootout. Apart from its imposing dimensions and tough appearance, it also has a turbo-diesel powertrain (the only contender so equipped), which should give it plenty of low-end grunt.
Now, which Korean SUV in this rugged Gangnam threesome is the best? Continue reading to see what we think.
The Rexton doesn’t have as many amenities as its rivals, but its simple cockpit nevertheless offers great visibility and excellent headroom. Its turbo-diesel 4×4 drivetrain, generous ground clearance and Land Roverish toughness also give it the best off-roading potential in this company.
The Santa Fe’s cushy seats and practical cabin make it a good choice for families who enjoy jaunts up north. It’s an attractive and attractively priced SUV, whose only real drawbacks are its comparatively low headroom and restrictive access to the third row.
The Sorento may not have the Rexton’s off-roading potential or the practicality of the Santa Fe’s interior, but its space, refinement and performance make it a compelling choice for Hallyu fans who want a seven-seater Gangnam SUV.
Kia Sorento 2.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 2359cc
Bore x stroke 88mm x 97mm
Compression ratio 11.3:1
Max power 188bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque 239Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 111bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 10.2 seconds
Top speed 195km/h
Consumption 11.4km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 200g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Double wishbones, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Kumho Crugen HP91
Size 235/55 R19
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, VSM
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4780mm
Width 1890mm
Height 1685mm
Wheelbase 2780mm
Kerb weight 1693kg
Turning circle 11.1m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $168,999 (after $5k CEVS surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Coolest styling, classiest interior, keenest powertrain
– Highest price, no four-wheel-drive, sluggish manual override
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 2359cc
Bore x stroke 88mm x 97mm
Compression ratio 11.3:1
Max power 192bhp at 6300rpm
Max torque 242Nm at 4250rpm
Power to weight 113.5bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 10.8 seconds
Top speed 190km/h
Consumption 11.2km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 209g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Kumho Crugen Premium
Size 235/55 R19
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction aids ABS, VSM
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4690mm
Width 1880mm
Height 1680mm
Wheelbase 2700mm
Kerb weight 1691kg
Turning circle 12.7m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $161,988 (after $10k CEVS surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Most powerful engine, most practical cabin, lowest sticker price
– Trickiest third-row access, overly light helm, highest consumption
SsangYong Rexton 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbo-diesel
Capacity 1998cc
Bore x stroke 86.2mm x 85.6mm
Compression ratio 16.5:1
Max power 155bhp at 4000rpm
Max torque 360Nm at 1500-2800rpm
Power to weight 78.1bhp per tonne
Gearbox 5-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 13.2 seconds
Top speed 175km/h
Consumption 12.8km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 206g/km
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Hankook DynaPro HP
Size 235/75 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction aids ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4755mm
Width 1900mm
Height 1840mm
Wheelbase 2835mm
Kerb Weight 1985kg
Turning Circle 11.4m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $167,888 (after $10k CEVS surcharge)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Greatest road presence, cushiest ride quality, most fuel-efficient motor
– Fewest on-board amenities, smallest boot capacity, fewest airbags
