[mreg376]

There's more to the driving dynamics than the drive train. For example, at least the Tucson I've been using has a bumpier ride. Weight also affects it, and depending upon preference, that can help or hurt. Noise is also better in the Santa Fe. Tech is just as good in the Tucson, though - even better in some instances.

But I didn't want the Santa Fe, either. It was just not over MSRP.

Yeah I agree on both counts. I test drove both hybrids and the Santa Fe took bumps somewhat better and was a bit quieter, which was to be expected from a larger chassis. However, I found that the Tuscon handled more nimbly, which is why I was curious about what you meant by driving dynamics. And, neither the additional bumps or the quietness on the Tuscon are dealbreakers for me. The Tuscon cruises like a champ in high speed driving (although at 90 mph there's no 37 mpg's ).

The Santa Fe was never really in the equation for me. The design is, compared to the Tuscon, ordinary and boring, and you get very little additional interior space for the size of the vehicle. Plus, obviously with the added weight and the same drive train as the Tuscon it is slower and feels less powerful.

 

[stargate125645]

Yeah I agree on both counts. I test drove both hybrids and the Santa Fe took bumps somewhat better and was a bit quieter, which was to be expected from a larger chassis. However, I found that the Tuscon handled more nimbly, which is why I was curious about what you meant by driving dynamics. And, neither the additional bumps or the quietness on the Tuscon are dealbreakers for me. The Tuscon cruises like a champ in high speed driving (although at 90 mph there's no 37 mpg's ).

The Santa Fe was never really in the equation for me. The design is, compared to the Tuscon, ordinary and boring, and you get very little additional interior space for the size of the vehicle. Plus, obviously with the added weight and the same drive train as the Tuscon it is slower and feels less powerful.

The interior space is definitely not as much as it should be compared to the Tucson. Slightly less leg room even I think.

If the dealer didn't want 8k over MSRP, I'd have the Sportage Hybrid. Alas...

 

[blnewt]

The interior space is definitely not as much as it should be compared to the Tucson. Slightly less leg room even I think.

If the dealer didn't want 8k over MSRP, I'd have the Sportage Hybrid. Alas...

The Sportage is a nice looking overall model, don't think you can get equal top level trim on the sportge vs. all the features on the Tucson though. And yeah, 8k over MSRP is crazy stupid I guess w/ the Telluride markups the Kias have gone all-in w/ that marketing tactic, F-them!

 

[Tampa8]

The Sportage is a nice looking overall model, don't think you can get equal top level trim on the sportge vs. all the features on the Tucson though. And yeah, 8k over MSRP is crazy stupid I guess w/ the Telluride markups the Kias have gone all-in w/ that marketing tactic, F-them!

Kia dealer here has continued on with mark-ups also. Night and day difference dealing with the Hyundai Dealer over the Kia and I had a Kia, they didn't care.
It's obvious why this Hyundai dealer is the largest volume dealer in the U.S.
Kia was without saying it, taking it or leave it. Hyundai was what can we do to get a deal, what's your bottom line etc etc. Offered to let me see one coming in off the truck matching what I wanted and get first shot at it and they followed through and I bought it.

 

[mreg376]

The interior space is definitely not as much as it should be compared to the Tucson. Slightly less leg room even I think.

If the dealer didn't want 8k over MSRP, I'd have the Sportage Hybrid. Alas...

Actually I heard the Sportage has less sound insulation than the Tuscon.

 

[stargate125645]

Actually I heard the Sportage has less sound insulation than the Tuscon.

The reviews indicated it was quiet so maybe I dodged a bullet.

 

[mreg376]

The reviews indicated it was quiet so maybe I dodged a bullet.

One of the Youtube reviewers said it was a like a motorboat at high speed.

 

[stargate125645]

One of the Youtube reviewers said it was a like a motorboat at high speed.

Ha, well that's not the impression I got from Alex on Autos - A+ on sound. Hopefully the Sorento isn't the same as a motorboat!

 

[mreg376]

Ha, well that's not the impression I got from Alex on Autos - A+ on sound. Hopefully the Sorento isn't the same as a motorboat!

For the Sportage? Yes, Alex is my main guy, he's the best. But he does noise tests at 50-60, not 90.

 

[Tampa8]

I'm not happy with the sound in the Tucson @ 140 mph.....

 

[Wytchdctr]

As far as the speed/power from the 2.5 some Tusons run - with the old style torque converter based 8spd auto - I picked it on purpose; specifically avoided the 2.5T with the wet/dual clutch auto. The recall they did for that transmission.. it didn't fix the problem(s) it has.. it just allows it lock in a gear so you can limp off the highway when it fails. Happy with the power from the naturally breathing 4 cyl and the trans it is bolted too. I'll boost something else when I feel the need to go quick again. I'm just happy to hear engine noise again when I am on the throttle.

Also, I have a Sedona for when I need the bigger vehicle and third row. Tuscon was just right size wise for my daily use and occasional kid hauling. The leg room front and rear are more than enough. Very comfortable in it at 6'2" and 250pds.