BLOCK PARTY
Auto Express|October 09, 2024
The chunky new Hyundai Santa Fe squares up against the Skoda Kodiaq in a battle of the family-friendly seven-seaters
BLOCK PARTY

SANTA FE vs KODIAQ

Seven-seat family SUVs offer different approaches to the formula

FAMILIES looking for multi-seat transport aren't as well served as they used to be. The MPV class has all but disappeared, with most options these days being either van-based or very expensive, so it's down to seven-seat SUVS to fill the void.

One car that has always been a capable contender in the class is the Hyundai Santa Fe. It was initially launched as an awkward-looking 4x4, but each generation has improved in terms of design, quality and kit. And while the Mk4 was rather forgettable, the new fifth-generation introduces a distinctive appearance that draws inspiration from Hyundai's recent concept cars and electric Ioniq range.

This model also sees a line-up of petrol hybrid and plug-in options offered, with no room for diesel in the range. That's a bold move when the latter still has a place in this market, thanks to its towing ability and long-distance fuel sipping.

One car that still offers diesel power alongside petrol and plug-in options is the Skoda Kodiaq. It hasn't been around for as long as the Santa Fe, so the Czech firm has just launched the second-generation model, but it will still be a strong rival for Hyundai.

HEAD TO HEAD

ON THE ROAD

THE Hyundai is more powerful than the Skoda by 10bhp and is faster from 0-62mph by two-tenths of a second, but it's not as pleasant to use its maximum performance.

The gearbox lets the revs soar, and while the Santa Fe is refined most of the time, its coarse engine note is obvious when accelerating. Neither car is designed to be entertaining in corners, but it's the Kodiaq that is the more agile of the two.

DESIGN

This story is from the October 09, 2024 edition of Auto Express.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 09, 2024 edition of Auto Express.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AUTO EXPRESSView All
Citroen C4
Auto Express

Citroen C4

AEX CITROEN was keen to emphasise the four pillars of its brand image - 'comfort', 'daring', 'sustainable' and 'simple' - ahead of us driving the new C4.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 29, 2025
liwey D2 Pro
Auto Express

liwey D2 Pro

DEX WEY is a big dash cam name in its home country of China, and now its range is available in the UK via Amazon.

time-read
1 min  |
January 29, 2025
Polestar 7 announced as new compact SUV
Auto Express

Polestar 7 announced as new compact SUV

SCOOP EV brand will move to a single-platform architecture to reduce costs and boost profits; 2025 will be \"strongest year in Polestar history\"

time-read
4 mins  |
January 29, 2025
Lamborghini Urus SE
Auto Express

Lamborghini Urus SE

AEX LAMBORGHINI'S Urus has been a huge success, having done more for the brand's bottom line than any other model.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 29, 2025
10 BEST SMALL CARS TO BUY
Auto Express

10 BEST SMALL CARS TO BUY

FROM £14,000 Small cars come in all kinds of shapes, if not sizes. Here we highlight the best

time-read
5 mins  |
January 29, 2025
Lexus LBX
Auto Express

Lexus LBX

FIRST DRIVE With Lexus’s F brand on hiatus, the LBX Morizo RR previews the company’s future performance models

time-read
3 mins  |
January 29, 2025
OFFICIAL NEW KIA BLITZ
Auto Express

OFFICIAL NEW KIA BLITZ

Covers will come off the new EV4 and EV5 in the second half of the year, with the smallest EV2 to follow. Petrol models are also in the pipeline

time-read
5 mins  |
January 29, 2025
Govt plan for digital documents raises concerns over security
Auto Express

Govt plan for digital documents raises concerns over security

REPORT Digital documentation could be open to abuse, say experts

time-read
2 mins  |
January 29, 2025
PEUGEOT E-3008 GT
Auto Express

PEUGEOT E-3008 GT

Tardy charging and poor range consigned our new E-3008 to home in a family emergency

time-read
2 mins  |
January 29, 2025
GR86 concept salutes Toyota rally heritage
Auto Express

GR86 concept salutes Toyota rally heritage

TOYOTA has revealed a one-off concept at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

time-read
1 min  |
November 13, 2024