CR-V III vs Santa Fe II (CM): which is better?
Honda CR-V III (2006–2012) vs Hyundai Santa Fe II (CM) (2006–2012): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Honda CR-V III
Hyundai Santa Fe II (CM)Specifications
| Honda CR-V III | Hyundai Santa Fe II (CM) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2006–2012 | 2006–2012 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | diesel |
| Engines | 2.4 | 2.2 CRDi |
| Power, up to | 166 hp | 197 hp |
| Torque, up to | 218 Nm | 436 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 530 mm | 4 675 mm |
| Width | 1 820 mm | 1 890 mm |
| Height | 1 680 mm | 1 795 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 620 mm | 2 700 mm |
| Ground clearance | 185 mm | 203 mm |
| Fuel tank | 58 L | 75 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 28 750 ₸ | ≈ 27 350 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Honda CR-V III
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Honda K20/K24 engine: VTC actuator rattle on cold start
Engine (Honda K20/K24): VTC actuator rattle on cold start; oil consumption on the K24Z (2008–2012); crankshaft seal leak.
Hyundai Santa Fe II (CM)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- High ground clearance: 203 mm
- Large tank: 75 L
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia R 2.2 CRDi engine (D4HB): injectors and high-pressure fuel pump are sensitive to poor fuel
Engine (Hyundai/Kia R 2.2 CRDi (D4HB)): injectors and high-pressure fuel pump are sensitive to poor fuel; clogged DPF and EGR valve.
Which one to choose
- Santa Fe II (CM) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, ground clearance, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: CR-V III or Santa Fe II (CM)?
CR-V III: up to 166 hp, Santa Fe II (CM): up to 197 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
CR-V III: 185 mm, Santa Fe II (CM): 203 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: CR-V III — about 28 750 ₸, Santa Fe II (CM) — about 27 350 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.