Santa Fe I (SM) vs X-Trail T30: which is better?
Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM) (2000–2012) vs Nissan X-Trail T30 (2001–2007): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM)
Nissan X-Trail T30Specifications
| Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM) | Nissan X-Trail T30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2000–2012 | 2001–2007 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.7 V6 | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 173 hp | 165 hp |
| Torque, up to | — | 245 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 500 mm | 4 510 mm |
| Width | 1 845 mm | 1 765 mm |
| Height | — | 1 675 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 620 mm | 2 625 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 200 mm |
| Fuel tank | — | 60 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 40 325 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
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
Nissan X-Trail T30
Pros
- Gearbox Jatco RE (Nissan/Infiniti automatic): generally reliable
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- High ground clearance: 200 mm
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Nissan QR25DE (2.5): oil consumption
- Gearbox Jatco RE (Nissan/Infiniti automatic): at high mileage, shift shocks and valve body wear
Engine (Nissan QR25DE (2.5)): oil consumption; timing chain stretch; catalytic converter breakdown.
Gearbox (Jatco RE (Nissan/Infiniti automatic)): generally reliable; at high mileage — shocks and valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- Santa Fe I (SM) — if you care more about: power.
- X-Trail T30 — 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 X-Trail T30?
Santa Fe I (SM): up to 173 hp, X-Trail T30: up to 165 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Santa Fe I (SM) — about 40 325 ₸, X-Trail T30 — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.