Ford Everest Vs Hyundai Santa Fe - Opinions from Real Owners

JackOfNoTrade on 14/02/2016 - 12:57

Hi All,

Was thinking about purchasing either the Ford Everest Trend (the mid range model) or the Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander (top of the range model).

Anyone got opinions about which one is better than the other? I've read all the reviews from the 'expert advisers and magazines' online but am hoping to get some advice from real owners about how their experiences are so far.

Also, if you could mention whether you got any discounts or free stuff thrown in with the price you paid, that would be great for me to know come haggling time.

Thanks in advance.

Automotive

Comments

  • nocure on 14/02/2016 - 13:06

    Ford every time.

    • Daabido on 14/02/2016 - 13:15
      +16

      No, I haven't noticed that. I would say that the worst drivers drive a cross-section of brands and models, from Toyota Camrys, to old Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores, boy racers who think Mummy's Golf is a rocket, pompous and / or arrogant Mercedes Benz (usually the poverty pack C180) or BMW 320 drivers, to rubbish 4WD owners who think every traffic island is there for their own amusement so they can get to that turning lane just a little quicker.

    • negger on 14/02/2016 - 16:18
      +2

      Says the Chrysler salesman:-p

      • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2016 - 13:47

        What's an everyday nice looking car then in your opinion?

        • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2016 - 14:57
          -6

          Plenty of cars have design language that actually works, many European cars, many American cars all look great. I think GM has a reasonably good looking lineup, as do VW. Korean design is just tacky. Its poor knock offs of what everyone else is doing. And I know one of them employed Audi's chief designer, but he's not doing a very good job, is he?

        • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2016 - 15:14
          +3

          @thorton82:

          Be more specific mate. I think many cars are derivative these days, especially Ford. Bottom line: you're grouping cars by their continent, when you should really be looking at a case by case basis.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2016 - 15:36

          @inose: Design philosophies extend over entire brands. Remember those horrible Bangle BMWs? Im judging by continent because all Korean cars have the same tackiness in design, they are all horrible.

        • captobvious on 14/02/2016 - 16:25
          +2

          @inose:
          Really we should be grouping cars by costs.
          People tend to buy the cheapest even if its not the best. that's how the market works and that's why China is booming and that is why there is a market segment where Korean cars sit, in the cheap end.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2016 - 21:30
          +2

          @thorton82:

          I must disagree, and would like to see some actual examples.

          I mean, you're saying that Hyundai's got horrible tacky designs. I really can't agree with you there.

          If anything, Ford is copying Hyundai's design.

          Look at the 2017 Ford Escape, and tell me that it's not a copied or 'inspired' by a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.

          Why would Ford copy a 'tacky design'?

          Another example of Ford being original: Ford Mondeo vs Aston Martin

          I could give more examples. But I'd love to see some of your examples of Hyundai's 'horrible design' if you care.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2016 - 22:27

          @thorton82:

          You may not agree with the design philosophies… but at least they have one that's rather consistent?

          Unlike Holden!

        • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2016 - 22:41

          @inose: That's because all of Holden's rubbish/ugly cars are Korean!

        • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2016 - 22:43

          @thorton82:

          Probably true… rebadged Daewoos, and other GM cars. Daewoos don't have a good perception back in their country either…

          Holden doesn't really have any power do they.

      • djones145 on 14/02/2016 - 20:07
        +2

        casio watches are back into fashion! like flares and pin ups!

  • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2016 - 13:30
    +4

    Seems like the perception of Korean cars isn't quite up there with the Japanese cars, based on these few initial comments…

    I have no issues with Korean cars especially nowadays, and they rival the Japanese brands in reliability, and of course, in a whole different league when compared to the new comers from CHina and India (… seriously?!). I mean, they win international awards, and a few Car of the Year awards (in the US, and others including Australia). They wouldn't have been able to achieve these with just price (as what the CHinese and Indian cars try to do), nor with compromises in quality. No Chinese or Indian car would be anywhere near that level, but they are catching up.

    Based on looks, I would prefer the rugged looks of the Santa Fe anyday.

    Here's a professional website comparison (along with other SUVs):
    http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/reviews/car-comparisons/1510/lar… (the new Kia Sorento won btw; 2nd: Ford Territory; 3rd: Hyundai Santa Fe)

    • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2016 - 13:39
      -5

      You are basing your final call on the looks of the car, so basically what other people think about your car. Except they don't think its rugged, they think why would that cheapskate buy a Hyundai?

      • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2016 - 13:41
        +1

        why would that cheapskate buy a Hyundai?

        That's what you'd think. Smart people don't think like that.

        (And that's why I said, 'based on looks', as in don't look into my opinion too much? BTW, have you read your own advice? Equally as bad, also on looks and outdated knowledge; would suit the 80s - 90s.)

        • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2016 - 14:59
          -3

          Except smart people are the ones who make the most money largely, and you don't see many Hyundais prowling the streets of Toorak and Vaucluse.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2016 - 15:18
          +2

          @thorton82:

          You're right. But most of us aren't like them, right? We go for the best bang for your buck, and we can't be picky; We've got to be smarter with our money.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2016 - 15:37
          -4

          @inose: Well they sell an awful lot of Mercedes in Australia, so I wouldn't say most of us. And I guess 'they' have been smarter with their money. I think buying a Korean car is being stupid with your money personally.

        • captobvious on 14/02/2016 - 16:28
          -1

          everyone has campaign taste on a beer budget.
          The Koreans suit this category and that is where they will be for many decades to come.

  • captobvious on 14/02/2016 - 13:41
    +4

    One thing to mention, the Ford Everest is in a different category to the Santa Fe, For starters is bigger and built for offloading 24/7. This will also explain the pricing. The Everest is a competitor to the LC Prado and they may have possibly targeting the LC 200series. The everest is based on teh Ranger chassis and I Can definitely attest to the Rangers capability offroad, I doubt the Santa fe will last long doing the same line of work as an everest.

    You would need to compare the Santa Fe to a Ford Territory or Holden Captiva which are in the same price bracket and catagory

  • chumlee on 14/02/2016 - 13:47
    +6

    I'm surprised you are cross shopping these two as different categories. If you want to go offroad or tow a caravan or float then go the Ford. If just an city car go the Hyundai

  • Aust on 14/02/2016 - 18:06
    +1

    Good luck with your purchase.
    If you need off-road use you will need the Everest though the Sante fe would be ok if it's just a trip up a sandy beach.

  • Peace Maker on 14/02/2016 - 22:11

    I'm just going to leave this here. Everest catches fire during road test

    • StewBalls on 15/02/2016 - 07:48
      +3

      That will buff out with a bit of polish, don't worry! ;)

  • tight-ass on 14/02/2016 - 22:50

    I haven't driven a Ford Everest, but I've driven Santa Fe's, i30's, i'40s, ix35's, elantra's and accents (all work cars) and I'm not a fan of the Santa Fe or any Hyundai car for that matter. Give me a Toyota, Mazda, Ford or a Holden any day.

    The Santa Fe's and ix35's both have huge blind spots because of the massive rear pillars, plus the so-called leather they use (or should I say pleather) has a really bad smell to it.

    Also the reverse camera image is pretty average, which could be due to a poor quality reverse camera or most likely it's due to the screens/displays they use which don't appear to be on par with the other big manufacturers in terms of image quality.

    Most Ford's have a history of depreciating rapidly, however the tide appears to be turning - especially with the Ford Ranger and I'd imagine it'll be much the same with the Everest given it's basically a wagon version of the Ranger.

    • StewBalls on 15/02/2016 - 08:10
      +4

      Agreed. We have i20's, i'30s, & ix35's in our fleet, and they're ordinary at best. If there's a Corolla, X-Trail or Focus available, most of us will grab that instead!

      I've owned a couple of Hyundais, they used to be decent value for money at face value, but they quickly made up for it with exorbitant service & parts costs…the Koreans love the printer consumable business model. However, lately even the sticker price advantage has been eroded, they seem to be asking the same price for Korean cars as Japanese alternatives, making them a no-go IMHO.

      I've not owned a Kia, but test driven a few…if you look at on-paper specs alone they sound promising, but once you drive one you really notice the drop in actual build quality from equivalent Japanese models…albeit with very similar purchase prices. These things should genuinely be about 25% cheaper than they are.

  • rigby75 on 15/02/2016 - 07:50
    +2

    Go the Hyundai or a Kai. The Korean cars are are better then the Thai built cars. If you want offroad go for a Toyota.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2016 - 09:58
    +2

    Hyundai are NOT reliable. This is based on personal experience, not some random survey.
    I only have three mates with Hyundais and every one of them has broken down or had serious issues.
    1. Faulty build with the rear wheels not being in line with the front, making the car crab sideways and wear the tyres down at an alarming rate.
    2. Faulty valve causing the car to burn oil and blow at black smoke when accelerating hard.
    3. Currently un-diagnosed fault causing the car to lose power going uphill.

    These are all brand new cars.

    • Looking4Bargians on 15/02/2016 - 10:52

      Can i ask which model and build year we are talking about ?

    • sellingoutsoon on 15/02/2016 - 12:53
      +1
      1. Currently un-diagnosed fault causing the car to lose power going uphill.

      Air-conditioning ;)

    • hmac on 15/02/2016 - 13:41

      yes i agree with @sellingoutsoon
      if you have a really small engine that isnt powerful or old and have the ac on, and you go up a hill then ofc its going to lose power. It even happens with holdens, and how steep is the hill? you know most engines cant operate on very very steep hills

    • [Deactivated] on 16/02/2016 - 09:21

      2Xi40 2015.
      1x i35 2015

      A mate has just told me his i20 has been recalled to have most of the steering components replaced.

  • Username Goes Here on 15/02/2016 - 13:44
    +2

    I've had a Santa Fe for about 3 years now. I can't really fault it. It performs well, has not had any issues, provide decent fuel economy and this with coupled with fixed priced servicing and 5 year warranty make this a great car. I can't comment on the ford as I don't own it, but my previous ford was not reliable and that put me off them. Personally I would buy the Santa Fe again if I had to choose a new SUV.

    • p3t0r on 15/02/2016 - 16:13

      We have had our Santa Fe Highlander for 7 months now and really enjoy it. It's great value and was our preference out of all of the mid size SUV's (the Everest wasn't out when we were looking around)

  • ShortyX on 15/02/2016 - 13:47
    +1

    We recently purchased a Kia Sorento SLi and it's been great so far. I personally think the Korean cars will continue to increase their market share.

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 15/02/2016 - 13:54
    +3

    Not sure why people are so negative about Korean cars. Ever been to Seoul? Look at how modern/clean the city is compared to our decayed capitals.

    As for cars, yes 15 years ago Hyundais/Kias were rubbish, but now I'd rate Hyundai on the same level as Toyota, but with better warranty and servicing costs.

    Do posters here realise the Everest is built in Thailand? And as other posters have mentioned these two vehicles are in completely different classes.

    • GameChanger on 15/02/2016 - 15:02
      +1

      Korean engineers are now among some of the best in the world.

      Problem is that the negative image of Korean built still exists because Kia was so bad 10 years ago it was a joke. Would be interesting if they made a completely new luxury brand.

      • edgar28 on 15/02/2016 - 16:03
        +1

        because KIA owned by hyundai now

        • Wallyt99 on 15/02/2016 - 16:19
          +1

          Kia has been owned by Hyundai since 1988. It was however more recent events which have seen closer to a full merger. Now many cars are rebadged versions or shared platform / design. The quality of Kia was up well before the ostensible merger (but well after they were bought by Hyundai).

  • Maxxjet on 15/02/2016 - 16:17
    +4

    Read this

    http://autoexpert.com.au/buying-a-car/which-cars-to-buy-or-n…

    He may not be a real expert as he claims to be, but he got the data…not personal or friend experience… statistically more reliable…

    • Looking4Bargians on 15/02/2016 - 16:30

      Site seems dodgy but gives the information what you need.

    • Daabido on 15/02/2016 - 16:45
      +1

      For anyone knows about motoring journalism in Australia, he is a real expert.

      • tonyjzx on 07/09/2016 - 01:07

        Yeah its John Cadogan. He's ok. Real talk.

        The Everest is a true 4wd so if you need it, get it. Ford has the usual local dealer nonsense. I think the Everest is based on the Ranger chassis so it will actually do real 4wd work unless any of the Koreans.

        The Hyundai is more a softroader CUV, they are fine for what they are but I have issue paying $40k for a Korean with soft resale.

        For the OP, I dont know why you would waste your time trying to canvas opinion. Test drive both and decide.

  • legarcia on 06/09/2016 - 23:17

    Just traded our 2013 territory with the 2016 Santa Fe highlander and really impress with what it has to offer.

    Pretty much almost all the gadgetry and electronics that a luxury suv with 6 digits price tag is included.

    Performance wise, couldn't really fault it, not as punchy as the 4l territory but still have enough grunt to overtake in the freeway.

    And the cherry on top is 8yrs unlimited km warranty, 5 years free servicing and free 10 yrs road side assist.

  • browser on 13/03/2021 - 20:27

    Bringing up an old thread.

    5 years on, the Santa Fe has gone through 2 updates. The 2021 Santa Fe Highlander really looks the part, I was quite impressed.

    The Everest is still largely the same, except it has got a new engine option, the interior especially around the control panel looks dated. And an 8 inch infotainment screen is laughable in 2021 standard. To be fair though it's not just ford but many manufacturers cheap out on the screen.

    I think if you don't need the off road capability and towing capacity, there's little reason to consider the Everest.

    On the other hand, if you enjoy the outdoor, going camping, and driving on sand dunes, then the Everest ticks all the boxes. The new BaseCamp edition (I think it's a Trend) comes with tow pack, nudge bar (with sensors), light bar, snorkel, cross bar and awning, for $66,000 represents pretty decent value.

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