A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Historical Hyundai Santa Fe hero image.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe exterior view 1.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe exterior view 2.
View 8 more Santa Fe images
Historical Hyundai Santa Fe exterior view 3.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe exterior view 4.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe exterior view 5.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe interior view 1.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe interior view 2.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe interior view 3.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe interior view 4.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe interior view 5.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CX-5
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Santa Fe
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
Model Introduced Year
2017
2001
Generation
Second-generation KF-series Mazda CX-5, current outgoing South African range
Fifth generation Santa Fe on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; 'Sensuous Sportiness' design with distinctive parametric LED lighting signature
Facelift History
The second generation arrived in 2017 and received a substantial update from 2021. An all-new replacement is scheduled to reach South Africa on 1 August 2026, while this current range remains on sale.
Fifth generation launched in SA in 2022; significant styling and interior quality upgrade; distinctive boxy design language with vertical lighting
Facelift Launched Since
2017
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Not confirmed
Body Style
SUV
Not confirmed
Model Year
2026
Not confirmed
Production Status
Active
Not confirmed
Segment
Mid-size family SUV
Not confirmed
Tare Mass Kg
1575 kg
1980 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
Not confirmed
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
Length
4575 mm
4830 mm
Width
1845 mm
1900 mm
Height
1680 mm
1750 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
200 mm
188 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
67 l
Boot/Cargo Space
438 l
703 l
Kerb Weight
1575 kg
1980 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2065 kg
Not confirmed
Payload Capacity
490 kg
Not confirmed
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
Not confirmed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.95 m
Not confirmed
Front Legroom
1041 mm
Not confirmed
Rear Legroom
1007 mm
Not confirmed
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
Front & Rear
All
Keyless Entry
Smart
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
15W Wireless
Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
No
Boot Space Seats Folded
1340 l
Not confirmed
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
No
Rear Window Defroster
-
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
-
12V
Boot Opener
-
Inside
Door Ajar Warning
-
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
Yes
Engine Check Warning
-
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Standard
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Standard
Yes
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Front Power Outlet
-
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
-
Inside
Headlamp Height Adjust
-
Manual
Headlamp Washer
-
No
Power Mirrors
-
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
-
Yes
Service Reminder
-
Yes
Spare Wheel
Temporary spare 155/80 R17
Steel
Tachometer
-
Yes
Telescopic Steering
-
No
Tilt Steering
-
Yes
Trip Computer
-
Yes
Vanity Mirror
-
Yes
Air Conditioning
Dual-zone climate control
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Rim Size
19x7J
20-inch Alloy
Sound System
10
8 Meridian Premium
Unlocking
Smart
Yes
Wireless Charger
Standard
15W Wireless
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
2.2-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
2199 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Common Rail Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
83.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
91.2 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
147 kW @ 3800 rpm
Maximum Torque
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
440 Nm @ 1750 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
AWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
182 km/h
205 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.3 sec
8.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
Eco, Normal
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
76.8 kW/tonne
74.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
135.2 Nm/tonne
222.2 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
8-speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
HTRAC AWD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
4.624
Not confirmed
Number of Gears
6
Not confirmed
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Not confirmed
Drivetrain
FWD
Not confirmed
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not confirmed
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Axle Layout
4x2
Not confirmed
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Transmission Speeds
6
Not confirmed
Engine Position
-
Front
LSD Available
-
Yes
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
13.8 km/l
City Mileage
11.7 km/l
11.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
17.1 km/l
17.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
67 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not confirmed
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Fuel Tank Litres
56
67
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Distance To Empty
-
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
-
Yes
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not confirmed
BA
Standard
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not confirmed
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Not confirmed
Side Airbags
Standard
Not confirmed
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not confirmed
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
-
Yes
Child Safety Lock
-
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Yes
Central Locking
-
Yes
Speed Alert System
-
Yes
Safety Rating
-
Not Rated (SA)
TCS
-
Yes
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
No
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not confirmed
Auto Wipers
Standard
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not confirmed
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
Yes
Auto Lights
-
Yes
Eco Mode
-
Yes
EV Mode
-
No
Sport Mode
-
No
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
Seat Material
Black Leather & Suede Combination
Leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
Front & 2nd Row
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Front
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
64-Colour Ambient
Front Shoulder Room
1451 mm
Not confirmed
Rear Shoulder Room
1391 mm
Not confirmed
Steering Wheel Material
with red stitching
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
(40:20:40)
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power adjustable w. memory (Driver) 6-Way Power adjustment (Passenger)
Not confirmed
Passenger Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power adjustable w. memory (Driver) 6-Way Power adjustment (Passenger)
Not confirmed
Seat Trim
Black Leather & Suede Combination
Not confirmed
Seat Adjustment
-
Power 8-way
Steering Type
-
Electric
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt & Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
-
3rd Row Fold Flat
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Rear Armrest
-
No
Cup Holders
-
4
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Analogue + MID
Door Map Pockets
-
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
-
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
-
Manual
Cooled Seats
-
No
Fabric Seats
-
Yes
Front Headrest
-
Yes
Leather Seats
-
No
Memory Seats
-
No
Rear Headrest
-
Yes
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
Infotainment System
Standard
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
10
8 Meridian Premium
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
12.3-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
2
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch
Not confirmed
Touchscreen
10.25-inch
Not confirmed
Navigation System
-
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Yes
FM Radio
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Yes
Voice Recognition
-
Yes
AUX Input
-
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
-
Yes
Infotainment Display
-
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
-
Yes
Audio Speakers
10
8 Meridian Premium
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
LED Headlamps
Standard
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Alloy Wheel Design
Black Metallic
20-inch Alloy
Exterior Colour Options
Current paint selection depends on edition and remaining dealer allocation as the next-generation CX-5 approaches local launch.
Not confirmed
Headlights
Standard
Full LED Parametric
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not confirmed
Fog Lamps
-
LED
Roof Rails
-
Yes
Rear Spoiler
-
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
-
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
-
Yes
Door Handle Finish
-
Body Coloured
Body Type
-
SUV
DRL
Standard
LED
Fog Lights
-
Yes
Front Fog Lights
-
Yes
Led Headlights
Standard
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lights
Standard
LED
Exterior Mirror Electric
-
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
-
LED
Headlamps
Standard
Full LED Parametric
Headlight Type
Standard
Full LED Parametric
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
Departure Angle
22.5 deg
Not confirmed
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
188 mm
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
188 mm
Ramp Breakover Angle
-
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
Tyre Size
225/55 R19
255/45 R20
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 155/80 R17
Steel
Wheel Rim Size
19x7J
20-inch Alloy
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Not confirmed
Wheel Type
Black Metallic
20-inch Alloy
Parking Brake Type
-
Manual
Tyre Load Index
-
91
Tyre Speed Rating
-
H
Brake Type Front
-
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
-
Disc
Spare Tyre
Temporary spare 155/80 R17
Steel
Tyre Type
-
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Diameter
19x7J
20-inch Alloy
Wheels
Black Metallic
20-inch Alloy
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt
Front Suspension Type
Macpherson strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-link
Multi-Link
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
CO2 Emissions
160 g/km
188 g/km
Start Stop System
-
No
Variable Valve Timing
-
Yes
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Fuel Evaporation Control
-
Yes
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
4
Service Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
5 Years/Unlimited km
4
Service Plan Distance
5 Years/Unlimited km
4
Alternator
-
120A
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
Ownership Role
style-focused upper derivative
Not confirmed
Price Zar
688400 ZAR
Not confirmed
Pricing Role
style-focused upper derivative
Not confirmed
Starting Price
688400
Not confirmed
Starting Price Zar
688400
Not confirmed
Spec
CX-5
Santa Fe
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
Warranty Years
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
In depth: how these cars differ
This CX-5 and Santa Fe comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: CX-5 48 vs Santa Fe 74.
Efficiency index: CX-5 56 vs Santa Fe 55.
Safety-equipment index: CX-5 88 vs Santa Fe 98.
Practicality index: CX-5 61 vs Santa Fe 89.
Ownership-cover index: CX-5 not separately scored vs Santa Fe 65.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Specification Evidence Index
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Santa Fe leads by 15 points
Santa Fe holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over CX-5.
Performance
Santa Fe +26
Efficiency
CX-5 +1
Safety
Santa Fe +10
Practicality
Santa Fe +28
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Santa Fe
Performance
74/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
89/100
Ownership
65/100
CX-5
Performance
48/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
61/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexHyundai Santa Fe
leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts
vs 63 pts for CX-5
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Santa Fe leads. However, CX-5 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South African models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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