Hyundai Santa Fe or ford kuga

[ProfJohnL]

What is the balance like between - SF 5 seat with extra luggage space against the 7 seat (which I don't need), which has has self leveling. does the self leveling make it a no-brainer for towing?
I note the 5 seat has a luggage cover and the 7 seat doesn't. .

All self leveling suspension does is to set the ride height of the car to the same regardless of applied load. It doesn't make towing any easier. except it always tows at the same height . Also its doesn't increase the load capacity of the vehicle, you must still observe and stay below the maximum limits set by the manufacturer.

 

[saint-spoon]

Not towed with the 7 seater, but the space under the 5 seater is great 5 different compartments, each about 9 inches deep. There is room behind the sliding rear seats to carry items as well,...........
...... get a paddlock and chain for spare wheel, as they are easily stolen.

Interesting to know, thank you for the knowledge.

 

[ChrisUK]

What is the balance like between - SF 5 seat with extra luggage space against the 7 seat (which I don't need), which has has self leveling. does the self leveling make it a no-brainer for towing?
I note the 5 seat has a luggage cover and the 7 seat doesn't. .

All self leveling suspension does is to set the ride height of the car to the same regardless of applied load. It doesn't make towing any easier. except it always tows at the same height . Also its doesn't increase the load capacity of the vehicle, you must still observe and stay below the maximum limits set by the manufacturer.

I realise that, but a level rig would make my numerous trips on Scottish ferrys more bump free.

 

[Hutch]

Hi Chris, just a point, I had a Witter, fixed flange and change to the towtrust one, as the TT one sat almost 1 1/2 " closer to the car and 1 inch higher than the Witter. My Coachman now rides very slightly nose down but the car loaded look very level, and drives and tows very well.
Hope you find what you want.
Hutch.

 

[tc2145]

I have a 2013 Santa Fe 5 seat automatic bought new and now with 53K trouble free miles. It is quiet and comfortable. Has detachable Witter towbar which has given no problems. Agree that the space under the boot floor is very useful and the lack of self-levelling suspension is not an issue with 100 kg nose weight and boot full of awning, chairs etc.
Has a full size spare wheel - try getting a puncture in France on Saturday evening with a space saver or even worse goo-kit.
The sat nav is ok and has taken us to the south of France and Scotland without too many difficulties.
Overall very pleased indeed with the car and thoroughly recommend it

 

[Keefanmaxx]

I have a Kuga (Zetec, not one of those lovely Titanium models ) which is provided by work. I don't tow with it personally, but have colleagues who do and from what I've heard, they can't fault it. The only thing I will say is that they don't report great MPG - around 26 mpg average and on a personal note, the gearbox ratios result in a lot of shifting up and down round town, but will cruise at motorway speeds quite comfortably.

Now, in our hunt for a new car, Mrs Keith and I looked at two options:-
1. Have a tow bar fitted to the Kuga at our cost, which is permitted but then have the fact that I'm always in 'the work car' (which has a few non-Ford extras fitted due to my job)
2. Look for new car to replace our Zafira - choice between the Hyundai Santa Fe Premium or, as we narrowed it down to from many, a Vauxhall Antara

I liked both, the Santa Fe being big and hefty with 194bhp, lots of stuff as standard, full sized spare and great boot capacity. The Antara on the other hand 150bhp from a 2.2 litre ... SE Nav so high spec, although looking a bit dated in some respects, no spare wheel :huh: but a reasonable sized boot.
Made some enquiries about tow-bars with vehicle specific electrics which were about the same, give or take a few pounds depending on the supplier so no real comparison.
The main reason for not buying the Santa Fe was Mrs Keith found it a bit too big for her to use as the day to day car where as the Antara is a bit easier for her to manage. I did a comparison, and the Antara produces more torque (350 lb/ft) at only 2,000 revs, so great for getting moving. It's comfortable to drive, quiet and is returning decent mpg at the moment. It's first big test is to Dorset in a few weeks, so we'll see how it goes!

Clearly, everyone will have their own preference in what they want for a car not just for towing, but day to day use. I will say that I would have happily had the Santa Fe as they're a great looking car with a proven and reliable history. Similarly, the Kuga is a well established car but at the moment, tend to hold their value well, which is what ruled this out eventually.

 

[Hutch]

Keffemax, what a nice write up . Hope this gives then others a insite. .

 

[Keefanmaxx]

Thanks Hutch, appreciate that. :cheer: