Comparative assessment of Ford Territory, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Kluger SUVs, with evaluations on performance, features, design, and overall value
In the year 2015, the Australian market saw a variety of seven-seat SUVs that offered a blend of family-friendly versatility, modern design, and reasonable performance. Among these, the Mazda CX-9, Kia Sorento, and Hyundai Santa Fe stood out as leading models.
Design
The Mazda CX-9 and Kia Sorento were commended for their modern, practical design and comfortable interiors, tailored for family use. The Mazda CX-5, a predecessor to the later CX-80, was praised for its timeless and elegant design since 2015, setting a standard in this segment. The Hyundai Santa Fe also emphasised spaciousness and multiple seating configurations to accommodate kids, adults, and cargo efficiently.
Fuel Efficiency
SUVs like the Jeep Cherokee (a five-seater) offered engine variants with fuel consumption ranging approximately between 5.8 to 10 L/100km, depending on engine and drive configuration. The larger seven-seat SUVs generally had modest fuel efficiency given their size, but newer diesel engines helped balance power and consumption. Hybrid variants were also emerging, providing better fuel economy alongside seven seats, such as the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Driving Dynamics and Performance
The seven-seat SUVs were designed to offer a balance between family comfort and road dynamics. The Mazda CX-9 and upcoming CX-80 models were highlighted for refined and enjoyable driving experiences, combining safety, handling, and power suitable for highway and urban driving. Vehicles like the Kia Sorento included options for four-wheel drive, enhancing versatility, and firm and supportive seating contributed to comfort on longer trips or rougher terrain.
Notable Mentions
- The Santa Fe is an SUV that focuses on the driver, while the Ford Territory is a grand tourer capable of hauling five adults in comfort.
- The Nissan Pathfinder represents a drastic change in philosophy, with monocoque construction, petrol-only engines, and the option of front-drive variants.
- The interior of the Ford Territory betrays its age with mismatched, scratchy plastics, and even in the range-topping Titanium spec, it feels meanly equipped.
- The Pathfinder's execution is so hit and miss compared to the polished, all-round ability of the Koreans (Sorento and Santa Fe).
- The Nissan Pathfinder's hybrid drivetrain is zingy, engaging, and surprisingly quick, but struggles with braking and weight control.
In conclusion, the top seven-seat SUVs in Australia in 2015 focused on family-friendly versatility, modern and practical design, and reasonable performance, while fuel efficiency was improving with the introduction of diesel and hybrid options. The Mazda CX-9, Kia Sorento, and Hyundai Santa Fe stood out as leading models, with dynamics balanced between comfort and competent road handling. The Jeep Cherokee, though not seven-seat, demonstrated advancements in engine and transmission technology around this time but is more of a smaller SUV.
Sports enthusiasts might find the Mazda CX-9 and Kia Sorento ideal for weekend family drives, given their modern, practical design and comfortable interiors tailored for family use. Additionally, the Hyundai Santa Fe's focus on spaciousness and multiple seating configurations can accommodate various sports equipment efficiently, making it a suitable choice for sports-oriented families.
