Errrr KayJay, actually the Santa Fe would qualify in that logic as a raised Sonata... it's developed from a Sonata platform.

Java, those are the reasons I would think of. I think both are very good vehicles, and they should be capable of doing anything a similar vehicle from another brand can do. It's just that the type of use defines the vehicle.
If the vehicle is going to be used and abused in off road then Santa Fe an Tucson might not be the best suited (and neither would be Forester's, Outback's, CR-V's, etc, etc, etc)
If you are going to settle for a small SUV, I'd say definitely go for a Hyundai!

 

Why go new? You could always get like a Silverado or something four-door, my Dad used to have one and five people fit easily in it... I don't know how many kids you have... but kids don't take up that much space, but I was in there with three teenagers in the back and it was a good fit... but ahh well.

Foresters own, the same as any Subaru. Just because its a small underpowered 4cylinder doesn't mean it can't handle some rugged ground and put down power. 0-60 in like 9 seconds seems weak, but it gets hella torque in first gear for a 4cyl. I learned how to drive on that sucker, and I abused the hell out of it with 110k miles and it still can outlaunch the Tibby even though its automatic. Hyundai SUVs frankly suck... but hell thats what the warranty is for I guess. If you get one you won't like it I guarantee it.

 

I guess if you look at it that way smile.gif
Lemme tell you,... The Santa Fe is WAY tougher than the Sonota.
Tucson,... not so much

 

actually.. santa fe is based on the Sonata...

And for mild offroading, both are probably just as good as any other.. I used to race my old Excel in the dirt.. mostly unpaved fireroads, but I have dunked it more than once getting through a HUGE puddle in the middle... if that car could do it time and time again with no issues.. I am sure either of the trucklets that Hyundai sells would be able to

 

Maybe I can get the dealer to let me do a weekend test drive.....through the mud and the muck! LOL :puppy_dog

 

Java, maybe you could start a Tuscon/Sante Fe site??

 

redz you live in NM not florida or any state that actually has dirt or red clay. I don't think either of them are suited for that. But they might be. I'd have to drive one. But java i don't know what your looking to spend. But i can't stress NISSAN enough to you. They have the best quality out there right now for the price. You don't have to get the Pathfinder. You can get the smaller one. Either of which would give you enough room. with plenty of luxery. If you looking for a great off road suv then i'd have Jeep Liberty. Some of them don't have alot but it's a proven platform. Jeep is my opinion is better then a Rover. But I'm gonna get a Nissan Titian. Plenty of room and i can haul cow **** and not worry. Also you have to realize you can break more parts off roading in a day then you make in a year. I don't know how hyundai covers off road stuff. I also don't know if it can handle mild to extream off roading. Take that from some one who has done some extream off roading in a stock truck.

 

I guess a Liberty would be a possibility. I always thought they weren't "really" a Jeep, but I was confusing it with the Escape.

 

You guy make me laugh!

Buy want you want, and that is in your price range.
Stick with Hyundai and get the loyalty discount.

then, (you guys ready for this??)


...





MOD IT FOR OFF ROAD USE!!!
Geez, this IS a tuner site am I correct??? (Shakes head)

 

I would go with the Nissan too..it's your money Java and you can do with it as you please but Nissan trucks are awesome..the full size got Car and Driver's best truck award. There may be aftermarket support for the Tuscan/ Santa Fe...but it pales in comparison what's available for most trucks..off road vehicles