What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Which SUV for light off-road use in South Africa?

We need to buy a new car when we emigrate to South Africa. We will need a tough car as there will be a certain amount of light off-road use. Most South Africans drive the Toyota Fortuner, which is not available in the UK. The other options are a Hyundai Santa Fe or a KIA Sorento. Which would be the best choice?

Asked on 3 October 2012 by AF, Rowlands Castle

Answered by Honest John
The Fortuner is a bruiser of an SUV based on a Toyota HiLux pick-up and with its solid rear axle it rides like one. The current model Hyundai Santa Fe and KIA Sorento are not only many years more up to date, they are much more comfortable and much more fuel-efficient.
Similar questions
I am moving to Thailand and would value your advice on selecting a vehicle. I wish to tour around the country and I like the look of the Toyota Camry, but I am not sure which model. My Thai friends think...
I'm selling my 2009 Land Rover Defender 90. I want more comfort and rear seats. It'll mainly be used on rural roads and mild, non-damaging offroading - as well as for my property business. I like the idea...
Could you please advise my daughter who is moving to live in the city of Accra, Ghana? She will need to take journeys into desert terrain. She hopes to buy a high clearance vehicle, preferably one that...
Related models
Relaxed motorway cruising. Comfortable ride. Excellent on very rough tracks. Available with seven seats. Good value. Much improved from 2010 with new 2.2-litre diesel.
Strong diesels including impressive 2.2-litre. Comes with seven seats. New six-speed automatic. More premium feel than previous Sorento. Great value for money.