Aren't they related chassis-wise?
The Santa Fe LX uses the same 3.5L V-6 as the Kia Sorento. That's all I know.
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).
QuoteNot 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.
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.
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.
The Sorento's much better.