Santa Fe II (CM) vs Outlander II (XL): which is better?
Hyundai Santa Fe II (CM) (2006–2012) vs Mitsubishi Outlander II (XL) (2006–2012): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Santa Fe II (CM)
Mitsubishi Outlander II (XL)Specifications
| Hyundai Santa Fe II (CM) | Mitsubishi Outlander II (XL) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2006–2012 | 2006–2012 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | diesel | petrol |
| Engines | 2.2 CRDi | 2.4 |
| Power, up to | 197 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque, up to | 436 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | CVT |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 675 mm | 4 640 mm |
| Width | 1 890 mm | 1 800 mm |
| Height | 1 795 mm | 1 680 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 700 mm | 2 670 mm |
| Ground clearance | 203 mm | 215 mm |
| Fuel tank | 75 L | 60 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 27 350 ₸ | ≈ 28 750 ₸ |
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.
Mitsubishi Outlander II (XL)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- High ground clearance: 215 mm
- Local assembly: Russia
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Mitsubishi 4B1x (1.8–2.4): valve cover leak
- Gearbox Jatco JF011E (CVT): pressure valve and pump wear
Engine (Mitsubishi 4B1x (1.8–2.4)): few widespread serious problems; valve cover leak; chain stretch at high mileage.
Gearbox (Jatco JF011E (CVT)): pressure valve and pump wear; belt and pulley wear; overheating when wheels spin.
Which one to choose
- Santa Fe II (CM) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
- Outlander II (XL) — if you care more about: ground clearance.
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 Outlander II (XL)?
Santa Fe II (CM): up to 197 hp, Outlander II (XL): up to 170 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Santa Fe II (CM): 203 mm, Outlander II (XL): 215 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Santa Fe II (CM) — about 27 350 ₸, Outlander II (XL) — about 28 750 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.