Santa Fe III (DM) vs RAV4 XA40: which is better?
Hyundai Santa Fe III (DM) (2012–2018) vs Toyota RAV4 XA40 (2012–2019): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Toyota RAV4 XA40Specifications
| Hyundai Santa Fe III (DM) | Toyota RAV4 XA40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2012–2018 | 2012–2019 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.4 | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 175 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque, up to | 227 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 690 mm | 4 570 mm |
| Width | 1 880 mm | 1 845 mm |
| Height | 1 690 mm | 1 670 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 700 mm | 2 660 mm |
| Ground clearance | 185 mm | 197 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.
Toyota RAV4 XA40
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Local assembly: Russia
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 2AR-FE engine (2.5): VVT-i actuator rattle on cold start
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2AR-FE (2.5)): VVT-i coupling rattle on cold start; water pump leak; at high mileage — increased oil consumption.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Which one to choose
- Santa Fe III (DM) — if you care more about: wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
- RAV4 XA40 — if you care more about: power, 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 RAV4 XA40?
Santa Fe III (DM): up to 175 hp, RAV4 XA40: up to 180 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Santa Fe III (DM): 185 mm, RAV4 XA40: 197 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Santa Fe III (DM) — about 28 750 ₸, RAV4 XA40 — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.