Used test – affordable SUVs: Hyundai Santa Fe vs Land Rover Freelander and rivals
We've just driven the new Hyundai Santa Fe, but how well does an older version stack up against its used SUV rivals? We're here to find out
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Our Verdict
These cars are some of the best you can buy in the class, so it’s no bad reflection on the Toyota RAV4 that it finishes last. Its dashboard is classy and built to an extremely high standard, even if that side-hinged tailgate is rather impractical. It isn't blessed with the comfort or noise suppression of some of the other cars here, either, but its engine is strong and frugal while its sharp handling is guaranteed to raise a smile. It's also the most expensive to buy used.
The Nissan X-Trail isn’t as sharp as the RAV4 to drive; indeed, it doesn’t stand out in any one particular area, but it’s a great all-rounder. We love the fact that it’s so cheap to buy nowadays, not to mention cheap to service. However, it’s the thirstiest car here, and it could offer more leg room.
The real reason the X-Trail is in third, though, is not because it’s bad, but simply because the Land Rover Freelander is better. In fact, the Freelander is a smoother, classier and better-finished car than any of the others here. The problem is, you really know about it when the time comes to get your wallet out – and that’s something you’ll be doing again and again with the Land Rover, as it’s also costly to run and comes with the worst reliability record.
And because it’s so hard – nay, impossible – to justify all that extra outlay over the Santa Fe, the Hyundai pips the Land Rover to the top spot here. Granted, it isn’t as well finished inside as the Land Rover, and nor does it feel quite as classy to drive, but it’s still comfortable, easy to handle and quiet.
What’s more, the option to choose an example with those extra seats is something you get with no other car here, and with the engine’s extra punch, you’ll have all the pulling power you need when all of those seats are filled. And given the money you’ll save over an equivalent Freelander, that makes the Hyundai the affordable SUV you’ll want to find waiting on your driveway if you've got any long family trips planned this summer.
Read our review of the latest Hyundai Santa Fe
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1st – Hyundai Santa Fe
For Practical, spacious cabin with room for seven; smooth engine; big, but easy to drive; great value
Against Cheap-feeling dashboard; noisy over rougher surfaces; bland handling
Verdict Not the most inspiring drive, but seven-seat versatility and ease of use make it the most sensible bet here
Read the full used Hyundai Santa Fe review
Find a used Hyundai Santa Fe for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
2nd – Land Rover Freelander
For Strong image; lots of equipment; classy interior; smooth ride; quiet
Against Costly to buy and run; poor reliability record; limited boot space
Verdict The Freelander delivers in almost every area – but its talents come at an eye-watering price
Read the full used Land Rover Freelander review
Find a used Land Rover Freelander for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
3rd – Nissan X-Trail
For Cheap to buy and run; strong engine; good comfort and handling
Against Thirsty; gruff engine; short on rear leg room
Verdict Smart-looking and attractively priced, the X-Trail is the best choice for buyers on a budget
Read the full used Nissan X-Trail review
Find a used Nissan X-Trail for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
4th – Toyota RAV4
For Frugal; sharp handling; lots of go
Against Noisy; firm ride; feels cramped; frustrating rear tailgate; poor gearshift
Verdict The RAV4 is great fun to drive, but it isn’t as family-friendly as its rivals here
Read the full used Toyota RAV4 review
Find a used Toyota RAV4 for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
Specifications: Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRTD GSi 7st
Engine size 2.2-litre turbo diesel
List price when new £22,630
Price today £2995
Power 148bhp
Torque 247lb ft
0-60mph 13.7sec
Top speed 111mph
Fuel economy 38.7mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 193g/km
Specifications: Land Rover Freelander 2.2 TD4 GS
Engine size 2.2-litre turbo diesel
List price when new £23,435
Price today £4995
Power 158bhp
Torque 295lb ft
0-60mph 11.8sec
Top speed 112mph
Fuel economy 37.7mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 194g/km
Specifications: Nissan X-Trail
Engine size 2.2-litre turbo diesel
List price when new £21,325
Price today £2995
Power 134bhp
Torque 232lb ft
0-60mph 12.4sec
Top speed 111mph
Fuel economy 37.2mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 203g/km
Specifications: Toyota RAV4
Engine size 2.2-litre turbo diesel
List price when new £22,815
Price today £5495
Power 134bhp
Torque 228lb ft
0-60mph 11.0sec
Top speed 112mph
Fuel economy 42.8mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 173g/km
Price today is for a 2006 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing
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