KIA Sorento VS Subaru Outback VS Subaru Forester VS Hyundai Santa Fe – which SUV should I buy?

QUESTION – DOUG (12/01/17):

I’m in the market for a diesel SUV. I’m 79 years-old and I’ve got no family and I like some off-road tracks. I love the Subaru Forester diesel, but it doesn’t offer lumbar support or rear cooling. The Subaru Outback Premium is another option but I read on a blog that the diesel needs long frequent runs to clean the particulate filter – I haven’t heard of this since the ’70s. I like the torque and wet weather capabilities of diesel autos.

I’m having trouble choosing between a Hyundai Santa Fe Elite, Kia Sorento or the Subaru Outback, which does offer rear cooling and lumber support – that’s why I’ve got to get out of my 2012 commodore. I would love the Highlander and Platinum variants for their upmarket inclusions, but they’re too dear. Also, the Subaru servicing cost is a joke. I drive 10,000km a year, but now I intend to do more touring which could be up to 15,000kms. I’ve done a lot of research but I’ve confused myself.

BUDGET:

$60,000

ANSWER – TOBY HAGON:

Let’s kick off with the diesel particulate filter issue, which is very real. The particulate filter is self-cleaning and burns off the harmful particulates when it gets hot, which is usually after about 20 minutes of driving above about 50km/h. So if most of your driving is short trips around town, the diesel isn’t for you. That said, you can do some short trips before a warning on the dash will instruct you to drive further.Regarding that being an issue in the Subaru, it’s no more of an issue than it is in other diesel SUVs. The 2.2-litre four cylinder turbo diesel in the Santa Fe and Sorento also has a particulate filter.