Toyota Kluger or Kia Sorento

IDontKnowWhyImHere on 21/01/2025 - 07:56
Last edited 23/01/2025 - 16:30 by 1 other user

Update: Thanks a lot everyone, appreciate your time and response.

Put down a deposit on Kluger Hybrid today.

After much thought, both weighed on their strength but on my usage, its not going to heavy and more short trips, hence the decision.

I have been looking to buy 7 seater for a while and test drive both.

Toyota Kluger Hybrid
Kia Sorento Diesel

Sorento Diesel for ~71K, can get GT line but can get Kluger GX Hybrid for ~66K or GXL for ~76K.

Considering the value, Sorento beats it with all the features, but thinking about reliability makes me think a lot.

Sorento users highly talks about Diesel variant almost equal to Hybrid fuel economy even for urban driving.

Any inputs welcome on these two for deciding?

Appreciate your inputs. Thanks.

Automotive Car Kia SUV Toyota

Comments

  • RogerLoger on 21/01/2025 - 08:17
    -1

    Read this: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/889642

    • MrThing on 21/01/2025 - 08:48
      +6

      really? 1 random poster with a very specific issue?

      Both are good, both have won drive car of the years in the past… meaning they are both solid choices

      I would lean Toyota as I am bias I have 2 toyotas currently and in hindsight wouldn't change my decision

      The Kia diesel has a DPF filter and adblue, that alone would turn me off any diesel in the future (from any brand).

      Where as the Kluger hybrid is built on a rock solid Hybrid tried and tested system - theres a reason there will probably be a wait to get your hands on a kluger hybrid in exactly the spec and color you want

      Have you looked at the Kia Carnival? or are you.. like me.. not a "van" person?

      • SBOB on 21/01/2025 - 09:08
        +5

        The Kia diesel has a DPF filter and adblue

        AdBlue in a Kia Sorento?
        Might wanna check that

      • Nugs on 21/01/2025 - 09:47
        +1

        "or are you.. like me.. not a "van" person?"
        I'm not a van person, that's why I had the snip after 3rd child was born
        .

      • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 21/01/2025 - 11:00

        Thanks for the details. I do have a Corolla and after seeing Sorento, it made me confused :) Carnival would be big for our family with 2 kids. So 7 seater would do it. GX is having very less features but reliability wise thinking about Kluger.

        • MrThing on 21/01/2025 - 11:34
          +2

          Toyota has always been lower on the latest gen features or mod cons, but relies on its supreme engineering reliability and quality build

          Depends what you're after. I value reliability above all else

        • SlickMick on 22/01/2025 - 09:39
          +1

          I loved my Sorento. (And I love Diesel.) It didn't have a single fault in 5 years, and afaik my brother in law who bought it from me has no regrets.
          I really wanted a PHEV Sorento but couldn't get hold of one (and gee they're expensive). Ended up with a Mazda CX-60, and really miss the Sorento.

          Meanwhile, I totally buy into the Toyota reliability story. But I don't like thier attitude e.g. most reliable car but worst warranty, and basic features missing or at an annual cost. I still want my final purchase will be a land cruiser (that will last me a few decades right), though I think Toyota would have to change their attitude before I'd buy one.

      • pharkurnell on 21/01/2025 - 12:31
        +3

        both have won drive car of the years in the past… meaning they are both solid choices

        i don't take any notice of these awards.. they lost all credibility since BMW x5 won 4x4 of the year…
        too much $ involved

      • RogerLoger on 22/01/2025 - 09:18

        As you like, but the poster in that link does reference "mixed reviews on Reddit mentioning potential issues with seals under the bonnet/hood, door seals, or even the mirror design". To me, that's a trigger for more research. It's up to the OP whether or not to follow up.

      • smartProverble on 22/01/2025 - 21:57

        the Kia Carnival? or are you.. like me.. not a "van" person?

        Honestly this is the coolest "van" on the road. Doesn't even look like a van.

        By van, I picture white boxes on wheels, bit the Carnivals just look kinda understated badass, and not too different from an SUV.

      • CocaKoala on 24/01/2025 - 21:45

        both have won drive car of the years in the past… meaning they are both solid choices

        While these are both indeed solid choices, "car of the year" is way mostly BS.

  • 87percent on 21/01/2025 - 08:52
    +4

    Kluger Hybrid IMO

    Although, if you are after a 7 seater, recently had a Honda CRV as a rental and the back row seats were actually quite roomy

    • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 21/01/2025 - 10:50

      Thanks. Partner turned me down for the CRV. So got approval for either of thess unfortunately.

      • 2024 on 22/01/2025 - 19:48
        +5

        I can see why you're not having any more kids, partner has your balls?
        j/K, hope my wife doesn't see this reply…

    • HeWhoKnows on 22/01/2025 - 20:40
      -6

      Kluger is Japanese made.
      Moreover made tough by Toyota

      Kia which is Korean does not have this reputation, rather the complete opposite.

      If it was me, its Toyota over Kia every day of the week

      Especially Kluger vs Sorento ! (OMG)

      • milanoxpress on 22/01/2025 - 20:49
        +3

        Australian sold Kluger are made in USA.

        Australian sold Sorento made in South Korea.

        So it’s a battle of,

        USA assembled vs South Korea assembled.

      • Poor Ass on 22/01/2025 - 22:55

        Kluger is Japanese made

        not anymore

    • supersabroso on 22/01/2025 - 23:59

      Kluger hybrid is the best one but the price is ridiculous, if you want the standard luxury features like ventilated leather seats, 360 camera, auto boot, moon roof etc. you have to pay $89k. If you can wait for the BYD Tang to be released next year, it'll probably cost a similar amount to the Kluger but it'll be better/more luxurious and probably cheaper than $89k. If you can't wait, maybe checkout the Haval Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid? It's only $74k, a much more cost effective version of the Toyota Prado.

      • Pussqunt on 23/01/2025 - 12:10

        2nd GWM Tank 500. Name sucks, and Great wall still misses little things in some models (like extending sun visors) but in this model you get 1st and 2nd ventilated seats and massaging 1st row. Features are a different level for the same price. Build quality with GWM is same as the rest lately.

        I'd prefer a BYD Bao 5, but they don't look like they will be here, if released, for at least another year.

  • Dollar General on 21/01/2025 - 09:04
    -1

    Whatever works for you and the family. You’re the one handing over the money and using the car

    • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 21/01/2025 - 10:50

      That's very true, just that deciding which one.

  • barge-in hunter on 21/01/2025 - 09:07
    +4

    It depends on your use case and how long you're planning to own it.

    To make a modern Diesel (eg, one with a DPF/EGR setup) viable and reliable for long term ownership, you need to regularly (every 2 or so weeks) drive it for long enough to trigger a burn off cycle (approx. 20-30 minutes at freeway speeds). If you don't do that, the emmissions systems will start to clog up with particulates and choke up the engine - and eventually cost a lot to repair. Here's a link to Kia's 'how to temporarily fix this' instructions when it's already started clogging up.

    So, if:
    - you're not driving high speeds
    - for decent periods of time
    - on a regular basis
    - intend to own it for more than a couple of years

    Then… just get the Kluger

    • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 21/01/2025 - 11:04

      Thanks for valuable inputs. Appreciate it. Looking to keep the vehicle as a family car for long time hence looking for reliable one. Sorento users vouch for the car and diesel engine even for urban driving. And for almost equal amount you can get top range in Kia with all the bells and whistle. I'm going through heck of the time thinking for right choice.

      • barge-in hunter on 21/01/2025 - 11:14
        +2

        That's ok - it's a tough choice - and you're right. Some modern diesels are better than others… but a quick google search indicates there are plenty of Kia owners who have to regularly run the "manual burn off" process (the one I linked above), and either they deliberately change the way they drive the car, or accept it as just part of owning the car.

        The choice is ultimately yours. I personally, just want a car to work - not throw regular engine error messages that I have to keep "rectifying".

        • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 21/01/2025 - 11:59

          Thanks again.

          True, get your point, with Kluger, no interventions like this.

      • SBOB on 21/01/2025 - 11:33

        Went through this same cross shopping a couple of years ago
        I drive a Sorrento, with no regrets.
        Have a couple of friends also that wen through similar SUV/7-seater cross shopping and also drive Sorrentos of varying trim and year releases over the last few years

        • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 21/01/2025 - 12:00

          Thanks for the update. Do you own Diesel variant? GT? And go through the same process to clean DPF?

          • SBOB on 21/01/2025 - 12:07

            @IDontKnowWhyImHere: Yep, diesel
            Sport series but a couple of friends stumped up the extra for gt (I couldn't justify the wait and price when i was buying)

            Zero dpf issues and I've not seen dpf being an issue commonly mentioned for the engine layout used in the sorrento.

      • Daabido on 21/01/2025 - 11:56
        +3

        Sounds like an easy way to get half an hour to yourself.

      • yoquierotaco on 22/01/2025 - 22:40
        +1

        Was in the same boat. I went with Kluger for simplicity.

      • CocaKoala on 27/01/2025 - 11:07

        Sorento users vouch for the car and diesel engine even for urban driving

        What the other poster is talking about has nothing to do with how the car drives in urban settings. If you're not going to be able to do at least about half an hour of continuous driving at freeway speeds once a fortnight, you'll have dpf issues! This is true with any diesel engine.

        Diesels are wonderful with fuel economy and torque. I'm not trying to scare you away from one. If you do get the car to those speeds for that duration of time that frequently, then that's wonderful. But if not, then perhaps a diesel is not for you, regardless of what Sorento users vouch for.

    • Mechz on 21/01/2025 - 14:15
      +1

      Kia & Hyundai don't have DPF issues.

      • Pussqunt on 23/01/2025 - 12:14

        They definitely do. But you need to only do 1-2 minute drives for a few months to get yourself in trouble.

        For everyone other than a retiree living in a small, hilly town, a minute from the shops, they are fine.

  • Euphemistic on 21/01/2025 - 09:42

    Just pick the one YOU like best.

  • afayd on 21/01/2025 - 09:59
    +5

    Interior of the Sorento is very nice though. I drove the hybrid and absolutely loved how responsive the throttle was. 7 year warranty would put mind at ease in relation to reliability.

    • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 21/01/2025 - 10:56

      Love the interior in Sorento. Diesel also very nice for my driving. Just reliability and long term usage making me to think.

      • smartProverble on 22/01/2025 - 21:49

        We have the small Kia Sportage 2013. Has been a dream, no issues at all, just regular oil changes every 10k, brake pads, new tyres etc.

        I suspect the Kluger will be reliable as well.

    • MrThing on 21/01/2025 - 11:36
      +4

      Warranty =/ Reliability, it = peace of mind

      • Freitag on 23/01/2025 - 08:23

        sometimes not even that. My mom had an audi that kept having to go back into the shop, they couldn't figure out what was wrong, ordered parts from Europe… still making strange sounds etc… she didn't have peace of mind.

      • Pussqunt on 23/01/2025 - 12:16
        +1

        Except when it's not. If you dont follow your service manual to the letter, Kia can be a pain in the rear.

  • Duckie2hh on 21/01/2025 - 10:00

    Diesel

    You monster. Gretta will be turning up to your place.

    • Daabido on 21/01/2025 - 11:58
      -1

      I'm surprised she hasn't been cancelled after her recent comments in Germany.

      • Charity on 22/01/2025 - 12:29
        +2

        To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize

  • JimB on 21/01/2025 - 10:57
    +7

    I'd take the Sorento over Kluger.

    However if you have to drive more than 5 people regularly, I'd get the Carnival.

    • Daabido on 21/01/2025 - 11:59

      Yes, save on the snip. One of those slams the doors shut by itself.

      • JimB on 21/01/2025 - 12:34

        After having more than 3 kids, probably a good idea.

    • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 21/01/2025 - 20:03

      Thanks

  • sticky8anana on 21/01/2025 - 11:05

    kluger

  • pharkurnell on 21/01/2025 - 12:32

    Have you driven either? That may make up your mind.

    • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 21/01/2025 - 20:05

      Thanks, yes tried both :) Sorento checked lot of options but wanted to understand how it will stay for longer time since planning to keep it as a family car.

      • CocaKoala on 27/01/2025 - 11:16

        If reliability is your only concern with kia, just go ahead and buy one. They're pretty good.

  • LanceVance on 21/01/2025 - 13:43
    +6

    Kluger. For 3 reasons.

    1. Reliability - Yes Kia has the longer warranty, but modern diesels are more likely to have issues due to the emissions requirements, things like EGR's & DPF's. Toyota's hybrid system is rock solid & very proven. Also even though you have warranty, having to use it is always a pain. The Kia also uses a dual clutch gearbox with no scheduled transmission oil change last time I checked if thats still true that is a bad sign. So I'd go with the brand where you're less likely to need to draw from that well.

    2. Resale - Toyota's, particularly hybrid ones hold their value better than Kia's. Go compare resale of a used Sorrento vs a used Kluger, try looking for 5 year old ones, equivalent grade and km's. You are likely to burn less money via depreciation with the Toyota.

    3. Economy - People saying diesel economy is the same as hybrid even in urban are stretching it. Diesel's are much more variable depending on how and when you drive. Hybrid's have much more ability to keep their number's consistent across freeway or inner city.

    Side note - Active cruise control is one of the best features in new cars for me. Having driven both new Kia's and Toyota's, Toyota's version of this is superior.

    • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 21/01/2025 - 20:09
      +1

      Thanks very much for detailed response. Appreciate your inputs. The GX variant seems very basic and the next trim GXL is extra 10K. Have to give up on this variant just to extra features. Have to work out on that.

    • apple2016 on 23/01/2025 - 14:42
      +2

      I would disagree with the diesel economy. They are more consistent than hybrid.

      • LanceVance on 23/01/2025 - 16:52

        Speaking from my experience I had a Hybrid Camry (2022) for about a month. Around town I was averaging 5.1L/100 and then went on 6 hour both ways trip for which I reset the computer and I averaged 5.4L/100. Whereas I've had friends who own diesels complain their averages change quite a bit around town, albiet not as much as a normal Petrol car would.

    • Pussqunt on 23/01/2025 - 16:26

      Everyone uses a variation of that gearbox because it's cheap and reliable.

      If Toyota had no customers with failed cars between year five and seven, they would have a seven year warranty too, as it would cost them nothing. They don't, because they are perceived as more reliable, and they would rather spend elsewhere in the business.

      You have to drive most HEV's like an idiot to see fuel savings. Those savings are lost on shorter tyre life's.

      Toyota's adaptive cruise and lane keep in the Corolla is the best I've driven. No experience in a Klugger, but the Prado is the worst I've driven.

      • LanceVance on 23/01/2025 - 16:54

        DCT's may be getting good now but they along with CVT's still have a terrible reputation hangover. Never heard of VW DSG or Ford Powershift issues?

        • Pussqunt on 24/01/2025 - 08:43

          Different gear box mate. The current 8 and 9 speeds everyone uses is ridiculously simplified.

          • LanceVance on 24/01/2025 - 09:34

            @Pussqunt: Have a scroll in this thread and you'll see at least one person having DCT issues with their new Sorrento.

            • Pussqunt on 25/01/2025 - 09:35

              @LanceVance: That's new. Used to be the diesel engines went. And the shocks for that year they had a 3t tow rating.

              Usually these gearboxes don't go unless you manually select overdrive while towing.

      • milanoxpress on 23/01/2025 - 18:59

        Which model Corolla? E120 12th Gen Corolla?
        2019- 2022 (Nov) ?
        2022- current ?

        5th gen hybrid system in 2022-current Corolla hybrid, is very good unit. The All New Camry has it well. Current model Rav 4 is using 4th Gen hybrid system.

        • Pussqunt on 24/01/2025 - 08:41

          Sorry, Camry. Not Corolla. Low km hire car, mid last year. Drove greater than 500km on B roads.

          I haven't driven a modern Rav 4. Can't comment on its adaptive cruise and lane keep. I usually get bigger or better value cars.

  • netjock on 21/01/2025 - 15:49

    Price difference not enough to go KIA.

    Nice insides are nice if the car is reliable. Maybe helps if you are going to sleep in it if you are broken down middle of nowhere.

    • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 21/01/2025 - 20:10

      Thanks, thats true. Have seen Sorento owners feedback and they do have few issues along but still majority vouch for the longevity. I'm any case, they cant beat Toyota for sure.

      • smartProverble on 22/01/2025 - 21:54
        +2

        cant beat Toyota for sure.

        This is based on old stereotypes which started when Japanese cars were in fact superior, reliability wise, compared to their British or American counterparts in the 80s.

        You have to compare cars on a model-to-model basis, rather than as a brand. Toyota has produced duds too.

        https://www.thedrive.com/news/explaining-the-toyota-reliabil…

        • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 22/01/2025 - 23:04

          Thanks for the link, true. Its just come to mind. Thanks for the feedback.

  • Malik Nasser on 21/01/2025 - 18:45

    There's a lot of good advice already given.
    Further to this you should also consider resale value.
    This will play into your total cost of ownership, and should be another variable you should consider when making your choice.
    How well does the price of a similar age and condition KIA hold up to a Toyota?

    • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 21/01/2025 - 20:12

      Thanks for pointing out. Havent seen the exact resale value of Sorento yet but klugers should be priced high for sure.

  • Jasco on 22/01/2025 - 07:54
    +4

    We have the GT Diesel Sorento and absolutely love it. Owned it for just over 12 months, driven to Brisbane and Melbourne from Sydney. I don't know much about cars but it feels incredibly well build and designed. Very fuel efficient and responsive. Haven't had any DPF issues or even had it mentioned by the mechanic during services. We were'nt concerned about resale value as we have no plans to sell it. We did look at the Kluger but ultimately decided on the Sorento for the design preference and features. I would test drive both and choose the one that "feels" right as I'm sure they're both great cars.

    • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 22/01/2025 - 22:57

      That's great actually, thanks for the feedback. Design and features wise, I'm on the Sorento always.

  • Overclocked91 on 22/01/2025 - 07:59
    +1

    Kluger hybrid- For reliability and resale value/lower depreciation.

  • DaKraken on 22/01/2025 - 18:20

    To add to the good points above we cross shopped the Kluger Hybrid, Sorrento and Santa Fe a few years ago. The Sorrento was a great car and we almost went that way but ended up opting for the Kluger Hybrid GX. (The GXL wasn't worth the extra $10k, as the GX can still support fixed roof racks and we didn't need a powered boot or seats).

    Fuel economy was a big one, as I am quite sceptical that the diesel will get the nameplate efficiency in real city driving, which is a lot of what we do. That was when 95 was more expensive than diesel, now they're mostly neck and neck, so that's turned out alright. The Kluger was also roomier for the rear seats, so we figured we might get a bit more use out of them because of that. And service costs for the diesel were far higher (maybe even double).

    The tech does let the Kluger down, but we run Android auto most of the time so it's not that big a deal. We also didn't need to tow anything substantial, so that might be worth considering. From memory the Sorrento had better 3rd row airbags coverage, and it's just a better looking vehicle in my opinion.

    Having had it for a few years, the Kluger hybrid is simply a nicer driving experience, there's no way I'd go back to a normal ICE. But having said all this I don't think you'd be disappointed with either vehicle.

    • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 22/01/2025 - 23:00

      Thanks for the response. Appreciate it. Agree on your points. I'm also in the same boat with the urban driving. Schoold drops, groceries mostly and once a wekk 30K drive to another town.

      • LanceVance on 23/01/2025 - 16:55

        Driving habits lean heavily towards Hybrid being better suited.

  • matchabatcha on 22/01/2025 - 20:14

    AFAIK Sorento Diesel comes with 8speed wet DCT. Not as bad as dry DCT, but for a lot of stop and go situations, Kluger might have a better transmission.

    • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 22/01/2025 - 23:01

      Thanks, yes mostly smaller trips. Have read Adct works in a different way than others. But havent read about it.

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 22/01/2025 - 21:53
    +2

    Sorento users highly talks about Diesel variant almost equal to Hybrid fuel economy even for urban driving

    Zero way you'll get almost equal fuel economy with the diesel versus the hybrid during urban driving. Think almost double.

    Now, highway driving, the diesel will soundly beat the hybrid.

    • IDontKnowWhyImHere on 22/01/2025 - 23:02

      Thats good to know. Thanks. I have read about these points in the groups while looking for details.

  • Poor Ass on 22/01/2025 - 22:56
    +1

    I would go the sorento as the kluger is a real guzzler

  • JakeyJooJoo on 23/01/2025 - 01:15

    The diesel sorentos are just so good… Reliable and economical on fuel. I've got a 2010 one that we've cosmetically banged up, 300K kms on it. I've been kinda hoping something major will go wrong with it so I can get a novated lease EV, but the sorento just never misses a beat.

    Before buying this one, like you, I researched heavily. I couldn't justify the toyota price tag, followed by ongoing higher fuel costs. You get a lot of your dollar in the sorento, and the diesels stand the test of time.

    One thing I'd note is, when researching the sorentos, I noticed defects vary greatly on year. Often they'd do the model overhaul, and then the next 1-3 years would potentially have defects. Then, years~3-6 of that model are perfect. Check out where in the model life cycle that are at the moment. That said, I've heard the newest ones are rock solid these days, regardless of year.

  • bigbadboogieman on 23/01/2025 - 07:29
    +1

    A friend of mine has Sorrento purchased brand new on Novated lease. Has transmission issues. Once already replaced during the warranty period. He is afraid what will happen when something similar happens when it's out of warranty. He is planning to sell before warranty expires.

  • mountaineer on 23/01/2025 - 08:02

    Came here to say I have owned a last generation Sorento since 2015… other than normal wear and tear, no single issue… owned a Toyota Corolla before the Kia, no major issue but with many minor problems … both bought brand new.

    • LanceVance on 23/01/2025 - 16:56

      Petrol or diesel?

  • Oofy Doofy on 23/01/2025 - 09:09

    As long as you don't keep the diesel past it's warranty period, it should be okay.

    But I'd still go the Toyota for several reasons.

  • h0mbre on 23/01/2025 - 09:49

    I generally aim to not be biased toward any brand but if there is any brand I am somewhat biased toward, it is Toyota due to the joy their cars brought me in my youth and also my fondness of WRC and their rally cars.

    With that said, when we needed a new family car that my wife was predominantly going to be driving, in my head I was set on the new Kluger pending a few test drives as it was just released.

    My wife wanted to test drive the Sorrento first, I stayed quiet during the test drive but was blown away by the technology in the car given the price. When I went to test drive the Kluger it just paled in comparison.

    Wife chose the Sorrento and I’ll be honest, I love driving her car. I will consider the EV9 against any equivalent Chinese offerings when we upgrade in a few years.

    MY22 Diesel GT-Line - paid $62k with a whole heap of accessories before the covid madness. At that time, it was a no brainer considering what you got for the price.

    Car has 50k on the odo and we recently had one major mechanical issue (blown turbo) that took 2 months to resolve while they waited for parts but a loaner car was given. Not nice to be without our car for 8 weeks but with the loaner car and the car driving like new upon return, it hasn’t left us with a bad taste in the mouth towards the brand and we’d buy another one.

    Drove to Victoria over Christmas from Sydney and it was a joy.

    Went to the states last year and hired both current models X5 and a Sorrento (their models are different but it was a high spec GT-Line equivalent but with the turbo petrol motor and captain chairs). Obviously the X5 motor is beautiful but with kids in the car and in a foreign country, we honestly preferred the Sorrento. Maybe biased because of familiarity but it was a joy to drive from LA to SF and the driving aids etc were better and awesome on the freeways.

    • Poor Ass on 23/01/2025 - 10:20

      does SF still have lots of homeless?

      • xuqi on 23/01/2025 - 11:30

        When do they not?

        • Poor Ass on 23/01/2025 - 12:26

          not as much pre covid

      • h0mbre on 23/01/2025 - 13:40

        SF has bad parts but still has its charm.

        I’ve been there in 2016 and 2024.

        Took our young kids in 2024 and we had a good time

        Some people have been visibly shocked when we tell them we went to SF.

        I often ponder how these people manage to get past their front doors…..

        Probably the same people who are scared to goto ethnic suburbs for food.

        • Poor Ass on 23/01/2025 - 13:53

          Tenderloin and KFC the only one there

          I find you never see the homeless up the hill it's too difficult for them and nothing for them there

          Probably the same people who are scared to goto ethnic suburbs for food.

          ya one of those that walk in a restaurant and then don't see their own race and walk out

        • serpserpserp on 23/01/2025 - 15:53

          Probably the same people who are scared to goto ethnic suburbs for food.

          I know a few people that live in well heeled suburbs and lament that they don't have a great choice in food. They actually do have great choices and restaurants compared to most other people, but they want "diversity" in their food choices and they want it cheap, but they don't want to travel for it and they want the patrons to be WASPy

  • Shamdog on 23/01/2025 - 10:28

    Any thoughts on the Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid? Reviews seem solid.

    • jace88 on 08/02/2025 - 22:38

      I'm pretty happy with the SF Hybrid. Design has grown on me, and I have found it punches above it's weight in the 'feel good' factors like packaging/interior/tech/etc. It's a really good family vehicle, and the six seater captains chairs spec with pecan brown leather is gorgeous (also surprising for the price point).

      I cross shopped with Kluger, Sorento, and wildcard was Carnival. Kluger was overpriced and outdated (and the third row was horrible), the Sorento was a very strong contender given it's the sibling but given it was not too different in price for the top specs, the Santa Fe felt significantly newer, nicer and also had third row airbag coverage.

      Carnival - wife wasn't keen on a van, and I heard the electronic sliding doors don't have great sensors for detecting little children fingers… feels like an accident waiting to happen when we have two under 5.

  • dealsucker on 23/01/2025 - 10:29
    +1

    Kluger. The hybrid powertrain is smooth and efficient and Toyota reliability. Diesel will have issues with DPF especially when mostly driven in the city.

    • knasty on 23/01/2025 - 11:38

      Agree. I have a 10 year old V6 Sorento and it's been great, but there's no way I'd buy a modern one in diesel form for urban driving. The DCT is clunky at low speed and whilst the engine is great everyone knows how urban driving kills modern diesels.

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