Hyundai Santa Fe vs. the competition

Hyundai Motor Philippines recently launched the latest iteration of the Santa Fe midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV).

The fifth-generation model is touted as a “refined and robust SUV” that best suits the modern, outgoing car buyer. On that note, it packs quite a few notable features that make it an ideal choice for those who want more than just a regular ride.

Hyundai Santa Fe features:

The Hyundai Santa Fe boasts a striking new design thanks to the “Open for More” concept implemented by the South Korean car brand.

All around the vehicle’s exterior are H-shaped appointments that can be found on its headlamps, front bumper, and taillamps. The same elements can also be seen inside the SUV through its dashboard mood lights, air conditioning vents, and seat stitching.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is also now more boxy compared to its predecessor, which reinforces the vehicle’s rugged appeal. Complementing its chiseled look are robust appointments such as angled side mirrors, skid plates, a rear spoiler, roof rails, and a set of 21-inch alloy wheels (for the top-spec Calligraphy variant) shod in 245/45 tires.

The interior packs some noteworthy amenities like a 12.3-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) LCD instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a bi-directional console box, dual power sunroof, and a set of Nappa leather-wrapped seats (for range-topping variant).

Hyundai also gave the fifth-gen Santa Fe a power tailgate that opens wide to allow better access to the foldable third- and second-row seats that can be used for a wide variety of applications.

Power, for the Hyundai Santa Fe, is delivered by a 2.5-liter gasoline engine — available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. It is paired with an eight-speed dual clutch or automatic transmission.

On paper, the said setup makes 277 horsepower and 422 Newton-meters of torque.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a solid option for those in the market for a stylish yet rugged vehicle. However, it’s not the only SUV in the Philippines that looks sleek and hardy at the same time. Here are some of its competitors.

Toyota Fortuner

You can’t talk about SUVs in the Philippines without mentioning the Toyota Fortuner.

The latest model of the said nameplate wears plenty of sharp angles with the right amount of curves to make it appear as sexy as it is athletic. Highlighting the said look is a mesh-type (blacked-out) grille, a pair of split-type LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, fog lamps at the front, mudguards (front and back) and stylish roof rails.

It rides on 18-inch machine-cut finish alloy wheels wrapped with 265/60 tires.

Plus if you want a sportier-looking Toyota Fortuner, the local arm of the car brand is offering a Gazoo Racing variant of the said SUV — with all the bells and whistles of course.

The cabin of the Toyota Fortuner flaunts masculine-looking appointments such as leather seats with maroon accents, maroon trims on the instrument cluster and infotainment panel, black appliques on the steering wheel, and leather with maroon highlights on the door panels.

Facing the driver is a 4.2-inch (TFT) instrument panel complemented by an eight-inch infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Under its hood is a 2.8-liter diesel powerplant mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. A 2.4-liter mill is also available, which is married to either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport

Yet another popular midsize SUV in the Philippines is the Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

With looks (thanks to the Pajero DNA) that would appear at home both in the city and in the country, the said seven-seater has been the choice of many car buyers who want a vehicle that can go to almost any terrain while still enjoying some level of comfort and convenience along the way.

Notable exterior features of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport include its iconic dynamic shield front fascia, LED headlamps, large combination turn signal and fog lamps, a robust-looking skid plate, wide step boards, a rugged-looking pair of roof rails, its new LED combination lamps, and a set of 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/60 tires.

Even better was the Mitsubishi Montero Sport Ralliart, sold with a handful of rally-inspired appointments that hark back to the brand’s heydays.

Inside, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport gets a new eight-inch colored LCD instrument cluster alongside an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

It also gets comfortable seats wrapped in leather, a steering wheel finished in the same hide, as well as door trims with soft-touch materials.

Propelling the Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a 2.4-liter diesel engine mated to either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The brand’s Super Select four-wheel drive II drivetrain system is available for the range-topping variant of the SUV.

Photos from Jirehl Kent Flores, Ruben Manahan IV, Roy Robles, and Juan Paulo Papa

Also read:

5th-gen Hyundai Santa Fe now available in PH

Hyundai Mobility Experience returns for 2024

All-new Hyundai Santa Fe on public display ahead of PH launch