LX Sorento diesel AT or Sportage diesel AT

[IMm29]

Doing this for a friend, who's in a (good) quandary right now.
- He's disposing of his Carens and is wandering into SUV territory.
- He doesn't need the additional 2 seats he initially thought to be useful on the Carens. Occasionally they are, but are not really needed.
- A powerful diesel would be a priority over a gas unit, since he travels from Bulacan to Makati on a daily basis. Ride comfort would also be appreciated.
- He, his wife and 3 kids live an active lifestyle, so versatility (and space) is key.

Listed in the title are his current choices, and I would like to limit the discussion between the two of them for this thread (no barebones Montero Sports here please).

Would you go for a watered down LX Sorento diesel A/T for P1.330M or a Sportage diesel A/T for P1.290M?

I know it's apples to oranges, but with the pricing being so close, i would call them both bananas and just start comparing.

I look at the comparo to something like a TOTL Altis vs. a base level Camry (for hotel shuttle) applications. I'm not sure if this is a fair statement though.

My friend's not bowled over by the Sorento's formal looks compared to the newer Sportage's butch and youthful aura. I'm trying to help him see past that and hopefully feel the difference in terms of a more comfortable ride and more spacious interior.

Your thoughts folks?

Thanks.

[mda]

No to the Santa Fe?

Kahit outgoing model na, I prefer the looks of that over both the Kias (again, prefer = subjective).

[Starex_Gold]

Since space yung pinaka habol nila, Sorento na.

Pero overall mas oks ang Sportage, more features pa.

[IMm29]

No to the Santa Fe?

Kahit outgoing model na, I prefer the looks of that over both the Kias (again, prefer = subjective).

The lower end diesel Santa Fe is pricy though, at P1.5M ++, so most likely No.

But thanks for the input.

[IMm29]

Since space yung pinaka habol nila, Sorento na.

Pero overall mas oks ang Sportage, more features pa.

What about ride quality, SG? Wouldn't the Sorento be more comfortable? Or are you saying that the Sportage's ride is actually pretty comfortable already?

I haven't ridden/driven the Sorento, and not especially the current model, so I can't really say how much less kit there is on the LX vs the EX. Pix probably don't do the comparison much justice. Either that, or I'm just used to the spartan interiors of a Starex Gold. Hehehe!

[Starex_Gold]

Ride quality baka Sportage. Ewan lang ha

Kasi ang Sorento at SF pareho lang ng suspension. Our driver prefers Sportage over SF. Para sa kanya daw mas comfortable yung Sportage.

[IMm29]

Ride quality baka Sportage. Ewan lang ha

Kasi ang Sorento at SF pareho lang ng suspension. Our driver prefers Sportage over SF. Para sa kanya daw mas comfortable yung Sportage.

Not so much seat time on the Sporty for you bro? Baka your driver prefers the better handling vs the softer Sta Fe?

[Starex_Gold]

Actually medyo matagtag din yung Santa Fe. Hehe..

Sa amin, pinaka matagtag talaga yung Tucson ko, damn that ASD shocks. Kasi yun Santa Fe comfortable naman pero mas "truck" yung feeling niya. Laki din eh.

[IMm29]

Actually medyo matagtag din yung Santa Fe. Hehe..

Sa amin, pinaka matagtag talaga yung Tucson ko, damn that ASD shocks. Kasi yun Santa Fe comfortable naman pero mas "truck" yung feeling niya. Laki din eh.

Ah i see. Hehehe! I've driven our old Gen 1 Sta Fe before. It was a long distance cruiser. Comfortable, but not agile especially on high speed curves.

Interesting...

[Walter]

I would go with the Sorento since owner will be driving long distance regularly. The larger vehicle will be safer compared to the smaller one. Plus they have an active lifestyle and the Sorento has more cargo room.