Towing performance Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 2010 and Kia Sorento Diesel 2010

Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 10, 2010 at 13:44

ThreadID: 80632 Views:7880 Replies:6 FollowUps:1

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Duncan99

I would appreciate any experience people have had with either of these vehicles when towing a caravan around 1700kg , In particular how they handle soft going (gravelly slopes and sandy roads not water/muddy conditions) and pulling out of sandy dry creek crossings. Im led to believe that they are ok in 1st gear due to low gearing ratios but concerned as they dont have Low Range.
Im not looking for an off-road 4wd but dont want a vehicle that wont handle the above situations.
Your comments will be appreciated!
Duncan

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Reply By: carlsp - Tuesday, Aug 10, 2010 at 17:22

Tuesday, Aug 10, 2010 at 17:22

Hi Duncan,

Slightly seperate note. Just in Broome and the guy next to me had a Hyundai for towing a Jayco freedom poptop. At 105,000 kilometers the overhaed camshaft pulley bearing failed. Had enourmous trouble getting spare parts for repairs there were none in Australia. He had been stuck there 3 weeks.

Not certain if this is a common fault but might be worth a look.

Carl

AnswerID: 426853

Reply By: Duncan99 - Tuesday, Aug 10, 2010 at 17:33

Tuesday, Aug 10, 2010 at 17:33

Hi Carl,
Thanks for that info. Maybe not the new 2.2l diesel though - it only came out in January i think, so if the vehicle you refer to has done 105,000 km its probably an earlier model.
duncan

AnswerID: 426855

Follow Up By: Maîneÿ . . .- Wednesday, Aug 11, 2010 at 17:30

Wednesday, Aug 11, 2010 at 17:30

Wasn't that the ix35 that come out in January ??
has variable speed turbo in the diesel, I drove one and they have amazing torque, it was unstoppable going up hill, it was a 6 speed automatic trans with electronic sequential/manual mode available.

ix35 Hyundai

Maîneÿ . . .

FollowupID: 697547

Reply By: mikehzz - Tuesday, Aug 10, 2010 at 18:33

Tuesday, Aug 10, 2010 at 18:33

I have a Freelander 2 2.2 diesel with about the same specs as those 2 and can say that you shouldn't need low range especially if it's an auto. Lightish suv's with 400 nm torque all available at low revs are quite amazing. Mine punches way above its weight. In the absence of 1st hand advice with those brands I hope that helps. Mike

AnswerID: 426861