Looking for a 2016 SUV

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to purchasing an ex demo or a car that's 1 year old, max 2 through novated lease on a 4year term.

My boss (aka wife) said that since we're selling one of the cars, might as well go to a 7 seater. 7 seater it is, no discussion about it.

I reduced the models to 2: Hyundai Santa Fe (Highlander) OR Kia Sorento (Platinum) (not really into Mazda CX9).

What pushes my buttons is that in USA they have different head units (software), much better than the one in Australia and not sure why.

Looking through reviews on Facebook (owners groups), I see that Sorento ages better and has less problems.

Anyone here can share their experience with either ? I'll go on a test drive today, someday.

Poll Options expired

  • 6
    Sorento
  • 1
    Santa Fe

Comments

  • I have a 2 year old Santa Fe
    Good car but the reviews for last year tip the nod at the Kia
    What about Kluger?

    • Not a very good car compared to the others, you have to work the engine very hard to get the same feeling out of it. Petrol only engine also.

      Inside very outdated … comes with headphones … welcome back 00's.

  • I've had Sorento for nearly 5 years…. quite happy with it…it is 7 seater, and the rear seats are usable for people above toddler age.

    if I was buying now, I'd try to get Android Auto / Apple Carplay…. but you could always fit as aftermarket product into any car.

    • That's my problem.

      There is no 7 seater with Android/Apple Carplay on the market which pissess me off. Sportage has it because it has smaller screen.

      • +1

        I thought Pajero sport have Apple Carplay?

  • X-trail or Outlander?

  • Kia Sorento is the all round winner here. Drive car of the year in 2015 and constantly gains better reviews than its competitors.

  • the seats are very different in the two choices you have given

    go and sit in both, with the kids as well

    we found the Kia seats to have very long bases (where your bum goes) which meant the kids knees didn't hang over the edge, which made them very uncomfortable

  • Got my Kia Sorento GT 2 months ago, Also through novated leasing. Could'nt be happier! Best decision ever after almost an year's contemplation and research.

  • Not sure about the head unit, but what about the Colorado 7?
    Any ozbargainer that bought one and can comment on it?

  • I went today and did a test drive with both of them, Sorento Platinum and Santa Fe Highlander

    Kia felt better than the Hyundai, better quality, quieter and drove nicer.

    I think the upcoming Santa Fe which the Kia dealer said it will come around later this year will be much better than the current one. Until we can test drive that, Sorento wins hands down.

    I want to go with the Sorento, the problem that I'm facing is Trump. If he fcks someone, a new world economy crisis will happen. That won't sit very good with my projected budget for the next few years.

  • OP

    Did you end up buying Kia Sorento?

    let me know your experience as I am looking for one too…

    thank you

    • Yes, I test drove the new Santa Fe as well.

      After taking everything in consideration, I ended up buying a 2016, Kia Sorento Si (base model).

      In the end we ended up spending 30K on the car with 40k km, and warranty until 2023.

      Much happier than spending almost $60k for a extra features that I didn't really need but would have been nice to have. Couldn't justify $30k for push start/stop button and electric tailgate and leather.

      • Thank you so much.

        I am actually after 2017 Si limited.

        Car prices more expensive in WA.

        thank you for sharing that.

        • Not a lot of Si Limited around.

          Maybe it's worth while looking around Australia ? Not sure what the shipping + registration taxes will be but maybe it's worth the trouble.

          The problem with such a long warranty is that not a lot of people are selling yet.

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