Santa Fe II (CM) vs Freelander II (L359): which is better?
Hyundai Santa Fe II (CM) (2006–2012) vs Land Rover Freelander II (L359) (2006–2014): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Santa Fe II (CM)
Land Rover Freelander II (L359)Specifications
| Hyundai Santa Fe II (CM) | Land Rover Freelander II (L359) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2006–2012 | 2006–2014 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | diesel | petrol |
| Engines | 2.2 CRDi | 3.2 |
| Power, up to | 197 hp | 233 hp |
| Torque, up to | 436 Nm | 317 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 675 mm | 4 500 mm |
| Width | 1 890 mm | 1 910 mm |
| Height | 1 795 mm | 1 740 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 700 mm | 2 660 mm |
| Ground clearance | 203 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 75 L | 70 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 27 350 ₸ | ≈ 66 275 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
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.
Land Rover Freelander II (L359)
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- Santa Fe II (CM) — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
- Freelander II (L359) — if you care more about: power.
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 II (CM) or Freelander II (L359)?
Santa Fe II (CM): up to 197 hp, Freelander II (L359): up to 233 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Santa Fe II (CM) — about 27 350 ₸, Freelander II (L359) — about 66 275 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.