Santa Fe III (DM) vs Forester IV (SJ): which is better?
Hyundai Santa Fe III (DM) (2012–2018) vs Subaru Forester IV (SJ) (2012–2018): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Subaru Forester IV (SJ)Specifications
| Hyundai Santa Fe III (DM) | Subaru Forester IV (SJ) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2012–2018 | 2012–2018 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.4 | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 175 hp | 171 hp |
| Torque, up to | 227 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | CVT |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 690 mm | 4 595 mm |
| Width | 1 880 mm | 1 795 mm |
| Height | 1 690 mm | 1 735 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 700 mm | 2 640 mm |
| Ground clearance | 185 mm | 220 mm |
| Fuel tank | 64 L | 60 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 28 750 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Hyundai Santa Fe III (DM)
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
- Hyundai/Kia Theta II engine (G4KD, G4KE, G4KJ): cylinder scoring (especially the direct-injection G4KJ)
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Theta II (G4KD, G4KE, G4KJ)): cylinder scoring (especially the direct-injection G4KJ); knocking and oil consumption; catalytic converter debris in the cylinders.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Subaru Forester IV (SJ)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- High ground clearance: 220 mm
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Subaru FB20/FB25 engine: oil consumption on 2011–2014 engines
- Subaru Lineartronic gearbox (CVT): torque converter and chain wear
Engine (Subaru FB20/FB25): oil consumption on 2011–2014 engines; oil leaks.
Gearbox (Subaru Lineartronic (CVT)): torque converter and chain wear; overheating when wheels spin.
Which one to choose
- Santa Fe III (DM) — if you care more about: power, wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
- Forester IV (SJ) — if you care more about: torque, 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 III (DM) or Forester IV (SJ)?
Santa Fe III (DM): up to 175 hp, Forester IV (SJ): up to 171 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Santa Fe III (DM): 185 mm, Forester IV (SJ): 220 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Santa Fe III (DM) — about 28 750 ₸, Forester IV (SJ) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.