Skip to content

Third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe (2012-2018) towing vehicle purchaser

Experienced and reliable, a second-hand Hyundai Santa Fe Mk3 is a great option for effortless towing, according to Euan Doig.

Car shopper seeking a used 2012-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe for towing purposes
Car shopper seeking a used 2012-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe for towing purposes

Third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe (2012-2018) towing vehicle purchaser

Hyundai Santa Fe Mk3 and Skoda Kodiaq: A Comparative Review of Two Spacious Seven-Seat SUVs

In the ever-expanding market of SUVs, two models stand out for their roominess and practicality: the Hyundai Santa Fe Mk3 and the Skoda Kodiaq. Let's delve into their features and differences.

The Hyundai Santa Fe Mk3 is a seven-seater SUV with ample space for all passengers, offering decent leg- and headroom. Priced at around £5500 with 167,000 miles, it is a more affordable option for those seeking a spacious vehicle. The model comes equipped with a 194bhp 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine and has an insurance group of 20 and an average economy of 47.1mpg.

The rearmost seats in the Santa Fe Mk3 are suitable for kids, and adults can fit for short trips. The loading lip is reasonably low, making loading and unloading easier. Four trim levels are available: Style, SE, Premium, and Premium SE. The Premium trim adds additional features such as electric windows all round, cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone climate control, parking sensors at both ends, heated seats in the front, and more.

The Santa Fe Mk3 was involved in several recalls, with approximately 80,559 vehicles recalled due to a faulty ABS control unit, and over 12,000 due to a potential issue with the bonnet release cable allowing water ingress and corrosion. A small number of vehicles were also recalled due to a potential issue with the steering wheel rim detaching.

On the other hand, the Skoda Kodiaq (2016-present) is a roomy and flexible seven-seat SUV with a classy interior and Skoda's typical practical touches. It is priced at around 25,800 euros, indicating that a used 2013 model would have been lower, potentially in the range of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 euros. The boot is small when all seats are in use, but becomes large and flat when seats are folded into the floor.

The Kodiaq shares similar running gear with the Hyundai Santa Fe Mk3 but offers an extra air of classiness. SE cars come with air conditioning and reverse-parking sensors, while the premium trim level adds additional features such as electric windows all round, cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone climate control, parking sensors at both ends, heated seats in the front, and more.

The used Citroën C5 Aircross is another comfortable and stable towing option, suitable for five-seater SUV users. The Kia Sorento (2015-20), sharing similarities with the Santa Fe Mk3, offers an extra touch of classiness.

In conclusion, both the Hyundai Santa Fe Mk3 and the Skoda Kodiaq are spacious and practical seven-seat SUVs, each with its unique features and price points. When considering a purchase, potential buyers should research the recall history of the Santa Fe Mk3 to ensure they are making an informed decision.

Read also:

Latest