Save up to $4,500 on these 3 AWD-equipped crossovers via Unhaggle

Article content

When the Unhaggle deals get hot, Graeme Fletcher looks at the combined discounts, resale value, dependability and overall ratings to find you the best deal for your money in new cars.

Article content

Here, we look at three crossovers with all-wheel-drive. The hot deals are on the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Preferred 2.4L, Kia Sorento EX+ V6 and Nissan Rogue SV.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Save up to $4,500 on these 3 AWD-equipped crossovers via Unhaggle Back to video

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Preferred 2.4

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price: $35,349
Hyundai Canada Incentive*: $3,000
Unhaggle Savings: $250
Total Savings: $3,250
Mandatory Fees (Freight, Govt. Fees): $2,040
Total Before Tax: $34,139

The fourth-generation Santa Fe was introduced last year — the launch moved it up the ladder in terms of quality and amenities. The featured Preferred unit gets everything from dual-zone auto climate control and an eight-way power driver’s seat to a seven-inch infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Article content

The nit is the seven-inch screen is small by today’s standards, and it mandates moving to the range-topping Ultimate to get the eight-incher. The rear seat is comfortable and there’s plenty of cargo space. With the 60-40 split-fold seats up, there’s 1,016 litres; and 2,019 L when folded.

The Santa Fe Preferred includes forward collision assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, drowsy driver alert and auto high-beams.

Article content

A 2.4-litre four-cylinder powers the Santa Fe Preferred. It pushes 185 horsepower and 178 foot-pounds of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission and all four wheels. The all-wheel-drive system changes its operating strategy according to the drive mode selected — Sport is the best, as it gives the Santa Fe a more purposeful drive than the other modes.

The Hyundai Santa Fe brings a run to 100 kilometres an hour of 9.6 seconds, a posted average fuel economy of 10.1 litres per 100 kilometres, and a tow capacity of 907 kilograms.

Santa Fe’s ride quality is good without impinging on the handling characteristics. Large road imperfections are dealt with in stride, yet a fast run through a series of corners limits body roll to a few degrees. This and the all-wheel-drive give the Santa Fe substantial feel.

Article content

The Hyundai Santa Fe Preferred arrives with a combined Unhaggle discount of $3,250 and a pre-tax sticker of $34,139.

2020 Kia Sorento EX+ V6

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price: $43,245
Kia Canada Incentive*: $4,000
Unhaggle Savings: $500
Total Savings: $4,500
Mandatory Fees (Freight, Govt. Fees): $1,925
Total Before Tax: $40,670

The third-generation Kia Sorento was updated entering 2019 and stands pat ahead of a total rework for the next-gen due later this year or early next. The 2020 EX+’s cabin is rich with a 14-way power leather driver seat, panoramic moonroof, and an eight-inch infotainment system that has navigation and works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The featured Sorento EX+ is a seven-seater — the third row is best for left for the kids. The second row has enough space for three adults and there’s decent cargo space. There’s 320 L with the third row up; and 1,077 L with it folded. Dropping the middle row opens up 2,066 L.

Article content

The Sorento EX+ arrives with advanced forward collision-avoidance assist with auto-braking, smart cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning with keep assist, dynamic cruise control and drowsy driver alert.

Article content

The EX+ arrives with a 3.3L V6 that pushes 290 hp and 252 lb.-ft. of torque through an eight-speed automatic and Kia’s Dynamax all-wheel-drive system. The latter is smart, as it automatically adopts a 50/50-split when pulling away, which dispenses with unwanted wheelspin. Once moving, it sends 95 per cent of the power forward to improve fuel economy, but reacts to a change in traction quickly and effectively. It also has a lock mode for those really slippery driving moments.

The Sorento EX+ V6 accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, has a posted average fuel economy of 11.1 L/100 km, and a towing capacity of 2,268 kg.

Through a corner the Sorento’s suspension limits body roll and the steering is sharp without being twitchy — selecting Sport mode firms the steering, which adds to the feel and feedback.

Article content

The Kia Sorento EX+ V6 has a combined Unhaggle discount of $4,500 and a pre-tax sticker of $40,670.

2020 Nissan Rogue SV AWD

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price: $31,698
Nissan Canada Incentive*: $4,000
Unhaggle Savings: $500
Total Savings: $4,500
Mandatory Fees (Freight, Govt. Fees): $1,960
Total Before Tax: $29,158

The second-generation Nissan Rogue arrived in 2014; the 2020 model remains basically unchanged. The featured SV’s cabin is nicely attired and comes with all the desirable features including two of the most comfortable front seats in the business, making it ideal for long-haul drives. As with Santa Fe, the infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but, again, it works with a seven-inch screen. Move rearward and the back seat has generous room and there’s plenty of cargo space — 1,112 L with the seats upright and 1,982 L when folded flat.

Article content

The Rogue is powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder that spins out 170 hp and 175 lb.-ft. of torque. The power is relayed to the road through Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all four wheels. The transmission works more like a regular automatic than most motor-boating CVTs when driven at everyday speeds, although it does tend to drone under hard acceleration. When the all-wheel-drive system is in place, the Rogue gets its power down efficiently with little unwanted wheelspin. There is also a lock mode for those more trying times.

The Rogue has a 9.8-second run to 100 km/h and a posted average fuel economy of 8.7 L/100 km. The towing capacity is capped at 500 kg.

Article content

The Rogue is comfortable, wafting along the highway in a smooth and quiet manner. However, it feels a little ponderous when pushed down a looping on-ramp. Thankfully, the steering is crisp and has decent feedback.

The Nissan Rogue SV with all-wheel-drive arrives with a combined Unhaggle discount of $4,500 and a sticker of $29,158.

The Verdict

Transport Canada does not list any recalls for these 2020 crossovers.

The Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards all three crossovers its Top Safety Pick designation. The Hyundai Santa Fe Preferred has Good ratings in all crash tests including the small front overlap test for both the driver and passenger side, but gets a Marginal for headlight performance. Likewise, the Kia Sorento EX+ has Good ratings in all crash tests, but a Poor score for headlight performance in all models except the top-line SX, which gets a Good rating for its LED units. The Nissan Rogue SV has Good ratings for all crash tests except the small front overlap test on the passenger side, which rates an Acceptable. Again, it gets a Poor for headlight performance on all models except the SL Platinum, which score a Good rating for its LED headlights.

Article content

The projected resale value of these three crossovers in 2023, after being driven an average of 20,000 km/year, is $17,600 for the Hyundai Santa Fe Preferred 2.4L; $20,800 for the Kia Sorento EX+ V6; and $14,300 for the Nissan Rogue SV.

The hot Unhaggle deal boils down to a choice between the Hyundai Santa Fe Preferred and Kia Sorento EX+. If economy is more important than performance take the Santa Fe; if you want better performance and seating for seven, the Kia Sorento is the better choice.

LISTEN: This week on our Plugged In podcast we talk all-electric pickup trucks.

Subscribe to Plugged In on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.