CR-V IV vs Santa Fe III (DM): which is better?
Honda CR-V IV (2012–2018) vs Hyundai Santa Fe III (DM) (2012–2018): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Honda CR-V IVSpecifications
| Honda CR-V IV | Hyundai Santa Fe III (DM) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2012–2018 | 2012–2018 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.4 | 2.4 |
| Power, up to | 190 hp | 175 hp |
| Torque, up to | 244 Nm | 227 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 570 mm | 4 690 mm |
| Width | 1 820 mm | 1 880 mm |
| Height | 1 685 mm | 1 690 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 620 mm | 2 700 mm |
| Ground clearance | 170 mm | 185 mm |
| Fuel tank | 58 L | 64 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 28 750 ₸ | ≈ 28 750 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Honda CR-V IV
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 III (DM)
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
- Hyundai/Kia Theta II engine (G4KD, G4KE, G4KJ): cylinder scoring (especially the direct-injection G4KJ)
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Theta II (G4KD, G4KE, G4KJ)): cylinder scoring (especially the direct-injection G4KJ); knocking and oil consumption; catalytic converter debris in the cylinders.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Which one to choose
- CR-V IV — if you care more about: power, torque.
- Santa Fe III (DM) — if you care more about: wheelbase, ground clearance, fuel tank.
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 IV or Santa Fe III (DM)?
CR-V IV: up to 190 hp, Santa Fe III (DM): up to 175 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
CR-V IV: 170 mm, Santa Fe III (DM): 185 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: CR-V IV — about 28 750 ₸, Santa Fe III (DM) — about 28 750 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.