Santa Fe v. Sorrento

[Catman]

Aren't they related chassis-wise?

[giant_mtb]

The Santa Fe LX uses the same 3.5L V-6 as the Kia Sorento.  That's all I know.

[ifcar]

Not related at all. They share only the 3.5-liter V6, nothing about the platform is related. The Sorento is a truck-based SUV, the Santa Fe is an Elantra (maybe Sonata).

[Catman]

Not related at all. They share only the 3.5-liter V6, nothing about the platform is related. The Sorento is a truck-based SUV, the Santa Fe is an Elantra (maybe Sonata).

OK, what do you recommend?  A co-worker is looking at Santa Fe's.

[ifcar]

Neither the Santa Fe nor the Sorento has any advantage over the less-expensive Tucson/Sportage (Elantra-based near-clones), which are smaller outside but just as roomy inside, have more safety features, ride and handle better, and get better fuel economy.  

[mazda6er]

I believe the Sante Fe tipped in gov. crash tests, so that might not be the safest option. I also seem to remember that the Sorento has a very rough ride. Other than those two flaws, they're pretty good vehicles for the price, but I'd say ifcar has the right idea: recommend a Tucson/Sportage instead.

[Raghavan]

The Sorento's much better.