Santa Fe I (SM) vs Outlander I: which is better?
Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM) (2000–2012) vs Mitsubishi Outlander I (2001–2006): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM)
Mitsubishi Outlander ISpecifications
| Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM) | Mitsubishi Outlander I | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2000–2012 | 2001–2006 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.7 V6 | 2.4 |
| Power, up to | 173 hp | 160 hp |
| Torque, up to | — | 215 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 500 mm | 4 545 mm |
| Width | 1 845 mm | 1 750 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 620 mm | 2 625 mm |
| Fuel tank | — | 60 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 40 325 ₸ | ≈ 28 750 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM)
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
- No data
Mitsubishi Outlander I
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
- Engine Mitsubishi 4G6x/4G18: timing belt and balance shaft belt failure
Engine (Mitsubishi 4G6x/4G18): timing belt and balance shaft belt snapping; worn engine mounts.
Which one to choose
- Santa Fe I (SM) — if you care more about: power.
- Outlander I — if you care more about: wheelbase, 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: Santa Fe I (SM) or Outlander I?
Santa Fe I (SM): up to 173 hp, Outlander I: up to 160 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Santa Fe I (SM) — about 40 325 ₸, Outlander I — about 28 750 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.
Other comparisons
Santa Fe vs X-TrailHyundai Santa Fe I (SM) / Nissan X-Trail T30Santa Fe vs RAV4Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM) / Toyota RAV4 XA20Santa Fe vs HighlanderHyundai Santa Fe I (SM) / Toyota Highlander I (XU20)Santa Fe vs PajeroHyundai Santa Fe I (SM) / Mitsubishi Pajero III (V60)Outlander vs SorentoMitsubishi Outlander I / Kia Sorento I (BL)Outlander vs RAV4Mitsubishi Outlander I / Toyota RAV4 XA20Outlander vs X-TrailMitsubishi Outlander I / Nissan X-Trail T30Outlander vs CR-VMitsubishi Outlander I / Honda CR-V II