Santa Fe I (SM) vs RAV4 XA20: which is better?
Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM) (2000–2012) vs Toyota RAV4 XA20 (2000–2005): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM)
Toyota RAV4 XA20Specifications
| Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM) | Toyota RAV4 XA20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2000–2012 | 2000–2005 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.7 V6 | 2.0 |
| Power, up to | 173 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque, up to | — | 192 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 500 mm | 4 245 mm |
| Width | 1 845 mm | 1 735 mm |
| Height | — | 1 695 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 620 mm | 2 490 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 190 mm |
| Fuel tank | — | 57 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 40 325 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
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
Toyota RAV4 XA20
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
- Age: the last cars were built in 2005, condition is everything
Which one to choose
- Santa Fe I (SM) — if you care more about: power, wheelbase.
- RAV4 XA20 — if you care more about: 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 RAV4 XA20?
Santa Fe I (SM): up to 173 hp, RAV4 XA20: up to 150 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Santa Fe I (SM) — about 40 325 ₸, RAV4 XA20 — about 16 475 ₸ (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 OutlanderHyundai Santa Fe I (SM) / Mitsubishi Outlander ISanta Fe vs HighlanderHyundai Santa Fe I (SM) / Toyota Highlander I (XU20)Santa Fe vs PajeroHyundai Santa Fe I (SM) / Mitsubishi Pajero III (V60)RAV4 vs CR-VToyota RAV4 XA20 / Honda CR-V IIRAV4 vs OutlanderToyota RAV4 XA20 / Mitsubishi Outlander I