Ford EcoSport vs Hyundai Santa Fe

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.

Ford EcoSport

1.0 EcoBoost Titanium Automatic Petrol Automatic

ZAR 395,000 ex-showroom

⚡ 92 kW 🔧 170 Nm ⛽ 17.2 km/l

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2D 4WD Executive Diesel Automatic

ZAR 899,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 147 kW 🔧 440 Nm ⛽ 13.8 km/l

＋ Add a 3rd car

At a Glance — Who Wins What

⚡ Performance Santa Fe

⛽ Fuel Economy EcoSport

🛡 Safety Santa Fe

📦 Practicality Santa Fe

🔑 Ownership Santa Fe

EcoSport starts ZAR 899900 cheaper EcoSport from ZAR 310,000 · Santa Fe from ZAR 899,900

Key Specs Side by Side

The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
Engine Power	92	147
Torque	170	440
Engine Size	998	2199
Claimed Mileage	17.2	13.8
Ground Clearance	200	188
Boot Space	352	703
Airbags	6	7
Kerb Weight	1290	1980
Seating Capacity	Available	7
Warranty	4	5

= leads in this spec

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

🏆 Winner

Santa Fe

/ 100

pts

EcoSport

/ 100

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

The Bottom Line

Santa Fe has a slight advantage, but EcoSport remains highly competitive.

Where They Actually Differ

Performance Santa Fe +7 pts

Efficiency EcoSport +9 pts

Safety Santa Fe +2 pts

Practicality Santa Fe +4 pts

Ownership Santa Fe +4 pts

Score Breakdown by Category

🏆 Overall Winner

Santa Fe

Performance 15/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 20/20

Practicality 16/20

Ownership 20/20

EcoSport

Performance 8/20

Efficiency 9/20

Safety 18/20

Practicality 12/20

Ownership 16/20

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

EcoSport

Strengths

Better fuel efficiency

Weak Spots

Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage

Best suited to: Fuel Efficiency

🏆 Overall Winner

Santa Fe

Strengths

More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value

Weak Spots

Lower fuel efficiency

Best suited to: Highway Driving Family Usage

Which One's Right for You?

EcoSport

Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency

Santa Fe

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
Ground Clearance	200	188
Wheelbase	2519	2815
Length	4325	4830
Width	1765	1900
Height	1653	1750
Kerb Weight	1290	1980
Gross Vehicle Weight	1740	2440 kg
Seating Capacity	5	7
Boot Space	352	703
Towing Capacity	950	2000 kg (Braked)
Number of Doors	5	Available
Boot Space Seats Folded	1500	Available
Front Track Width	1550	1652 mm
Rear Track Width	1540	1660 mm
Turning Radius	Available	5.7 m
Load Bed Length	Available	Not Applicable
Load Bed Width	Available	Not Applicable
Front Legroom	Available	Available
Rear Legroom	Available	Available
Front Headroom	Available	Available
Rear Headroom	Available	Available
Front Shoulder Room	Available	Available
Rear Shoulder Room	Available	Available
Max Payload	Available	Available
Boot Volume	Available	Available
Doors	Available	5
Seats	Available	7
Front Overhang	Available	Available
Fuel Tank Capacity	Available	Available
Rear Overhang	Available	Available

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
Engine	1.0L EcoBoost Turbo Petrol	2.2 R-Series CRDi Diesel
Engine Type	Inline 3 Turbocharged	Diesel
Displacement	998	2199
Cylinders	3	4
Valves per Cylinder	4	16 (4 per cylinder)
Power	92	147
Torque	170	440
Fuel System	Direct Injection	Common Rail Direct Injection
Top Speed	185	205
0-100 km/h	10.5	8.5
Cylinder Layout	Inline 4 (I4)	Available
Engine Aspiration	Turbocharged	Available
Engine Code	Standard	Available
Compression Ratio	10.5:1	15.9:1
Cylinder Bore	82.0	Available
Piston Stroke	92.0	Available
Fuel Grade Required	Petrol	Diesel
Power @ RPM	150	3800
Torque @ RPM	400	1750
Turbocharger	Available	Yes
Engine Position	Available	Front
Engine Oil Capacity	Available	Available
Power	150	150
Variable Valve Timing	Available	Yes
Maximum Engine RPM	Available	Available
Engine Type Config	Available	Inline
0–100 km/h	Available	Available
Battery Capacity	Available	Available
Charging Port	Available	Available
AC Charging Time	Available	Available
Engine Displacement	Available	Available
EV Range	Available	Available

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	8-speed Automatic
Drive Type	Front Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout	FWD	HTRAC AWD
LSD Available	None	Yes
Transfer Case	None	HTRAC AWD with 4WD Lock
Number of Gears	6	8
Transmission	Automatic CVT	Available
Differential Lock	Electronic Lock	Electronic LSD
Transmission Type	Automatic	Automatic
Paddle Shifters	Available	Yes
Final Drive Ratio	Available	Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock	Available	Available
Clutch Type	Available	Available
Drivetrain	Available	Available

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
Claimed Mileage	17.2	13.8
City Mileage	12	11.0
Highway Mileage	17	17.5
Fuel Tank Capacity	52	67
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity	Available	13 L
Auto Start Stop	Available	Yes
Average Fuel Consumption	Available	Yes
Claimed Fuel Consumption	Available	Available
Distance To Empty	Available	Yes
Low Fuel Warning	Available	Yes
Fuel Efficiency	Available	Available
Real-world Mileage	Available	Available

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
Airbags	6	7
ABS	Standard	Yes
Electronic Stability Control	Standard	Yes
Traction Control	Standard	Yes
Hill Descent Control	None	Yes
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Yes
ISOFIX Mounts	Standard	Yes
Brake Assist	Standard	Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Standard	Yes
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Yes
Central Locking	Power with Remote	Yes
Hill Start Assist	Yes	Yes
Front Parking Sensors	Yes	Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Yes	Available
Alarm System	Available	Yes
Side Impact Beams	Available	Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats	Available	Yes
Speed Alert System	Available	Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB	Available	Available
Safety Rating	Available	Not Rated (SA)
Whiplash Protection	Available	Available
Lane Change Warning	Available	Available
AEB	Available	Available
BA	Available	Yes
Brake Override System	Available	Available
Curtain Airbags	Available	Available
Driver Airbag	Available	Yes
EBD	Available	Yes
Engine Immobiliser	Available	Yes
Fatigue Detection	Available	Available
Hill Hold	Available	Available
Passenger Airbag	Available	Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Available	Yes
Side Airbags	Available	Available
TCS	Available	Available
Blind Spot Monitoring	Available	Available
Knee Airbag	Available	Available

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
Cruise Control	Standard	Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control	None	Yes
Lane Keep Assist	None	Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring	None	Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	None	Yes
Parking Sensors	Rear	Front & Rear
Rear View Camera	Standard	Yes
360 Degree Camera	None	Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking	None	Yes
Lane Departure Warning	Yes	No
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Available
Traffic Sign Recognition	Yes	No
Driver Fatigue Alert	Yes	Yes
Auto Highbeam	Available	Available
Auto Lights	Available	Yes
Auto Wipers	Available	Available
Drive Modes	Available	Eco / Normal
Eco Mode	Available	Yes
EV Mode	Available	No
Reverse Camera	Available	Available
Sport Mode	Available	No
Adaptive Cruise Control	Available	Available
Park Assist	Available	Available

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
Seat Material	Premium Leatherette	Leather
Seat Adjustment	Manual Height Adjustable Driver Seat	Power 8-way
Heated Seats	None	Front & 2nd Row
Ventilated Seats	None	Front
Steering Type	Electric Power Steering	MDPS Electric
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt & Telescopic
Ambient Lighting	Ambient Footwell Lighting	64-Colour Ambient
Front Armrest	Yes	Yes
Cup Holders	4	4
Folding Rear Seats	Yes, 60:40 Split	3rd Row Fold Flat
Interior Colour Options	Black	Available
Leather Seats	Available	No
Rear Armrest	Available	No
Rear AC Vents	Available	Available
Rear USB Ports	Available	Available
Steering Wheel Material	Available	Leather
Instrument Cluster Type	Available	Analogue + MID
Driver Lumbar Support	Available	Available
Door Map Pockets	Available	Yes
60 40 Split Seat	Available	Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat	Available	Manual
Adjustable Front Seat	Available	Manual
Cooled Seats	Available	No
Driver Seat Adjustment	Available	Available
Fabric Seats	Available	Yes
Front Headrest	Available	Yes
Memory Seats	Available	No
Passenger Seat Adjustment	Available	Available
Rear Headrest	Available	Yes

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
Climate Control	Automatic Climate Control	Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows	Front and Rear	All
Keyless Entry	Smart Key	Yes
Push Button Start	Standard	Yes
Wireless Charging	None	15W Wireless
Sunroof	None	Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Tailgate	None	Yes
Automatic Headlamps	Yes	Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps	Yes	Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror	Yes	No
Power Mirrors	Power Adjustment	Yes
Payload Capacity	500	Available
Rain Sensing Wipers	Available	No
Rear Window Defroster	Available	Yes
Electric Mirror Folding	Available	Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	Available	Available
12V Accessory Socket	Available	12V
Speed Limiter	Available	Available
AC Type	Available	Available
Adaptive Dampers	Available	Available
Aero Kit	Available	Available
Auto Dimming Irvm	Available	Available
Boot Opener	Available	Inside
Chrome Exterior Highlights	Available	Available
Chrome Grille	Available	Available
Climate Zones	Available	Available
Door Ajar Warning	Available	Yes
Drag Coefficient	Available	Available
Driver Display	Available	Available
Electric Folding Mirrors	Available	Available
Engine Check Warning	Available	Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination	Available	Available
Engine Start Stop	Available	Available
Engine Start Stop Button	Available	No
Engine Warranty	Available	Available
Exhaust Finish	Available	Available
Exhaust Type	Available	Available
Front Armrest	Available	Yes
Front Power Outlet	150	Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined	Available	Available
Fuel Lid Opener	Available	Inside
Gear Shift Type	Available	Available
Glovebox Cooling	Available	Available
Ground Clearance Unladen	Available	Available
Headlamp Height Adjust	Available	Manual
Headlamp Washer	Available	No
Headrest Adjustable	Available	Available
Heads Up Display	Available	Available
Hill Start Assist	Available	Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock	Available	Available
Intercooler	Available	Available
Launch Control	Available	Available
Multi Function Steering	Available	Available
Panoramic Roof	Available	Available
Performance Data Logger	Available	Available
Push Button Start	Available	Available
Rear Defogger	Available	Available
Rear Reading Lamps	Available	Yes
Rear Seat Split	Available	Available
Rear Wing	Available	Available
Remote Engine Start	Available	Available
Rev Matching	Available	Available
Ride Mode Selection	Available	Available
Roof Antenna	Available	Available
Seat Type	Available	Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner	Available	Available
Seatbelt Reminder	Available	Available
Service Plan	Available	Available
Service Reminder	Available	Yes
Side Steps	Available	Available
Skid Plates	Available	Available
Spare Wheel	Available	Available
Speed Alert System	Available	Available
Stability Control	Available	Available
Stabilizer Bar	Available	Available
Steering Mounted Controls	Available	Available
Steering Response	Available	Available
Tachometer	Available	Yes
Tail Lamps	Available	Available
Telescopic Steering	Available	No
Tilt Steering	Available	Yes
Trip Computer	Available	Yes
Tyre Repair Kit	Available	Available
Valves Per Cylinder	Available	Available
Vanity Mirror	Available	Yes
Voice Command	Available	Available
Voice Command Support	Available	Available

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
Infotainment Screen	8-inch SYNC Touchscreen	12.3-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Wired	Yes
Android Auto	Wired	Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Yes
Number of Speakers	6	8 Meridian Premium
Navigation System	Integrated	Yes
FM Radio	Yes	Yes
AUX Input	Yes	Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster	Yes	12.3-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports	Available	2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Wireless Apple CarPlay	Available	Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls	Available	Yes
Voice Recognition	Available	Yes
Infotainment Screen Size	Available	Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot	Available	Available
Audio Controls On Steering	Available	Yes
Infotainment Display	Available	Touchscreen
Rear Usb	Available	Yes
Premium Audio	Available	Available

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
LED Headlamps	Projector Halogen	Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	LED
Fog Lamps	Front	LED
Roof Rails	Silver	Yes
Alloy Wheel Design	17-inch Alloy	20-inch Alloy
Body Cladding	Plastic Cladding	Full Wheel Arch & Lower Cladding
Chrome Exterior Finish	Yes	Chrome Grille & Window Surround
Door Handle Finish	Chrome Finish	Body Coloured
Exterior Colour Options	Pearl White	Available
Rear Spoiler	Available	Yes
Roof Type	Available	Available
Wing Mirror Type	Available	Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper	Available	Yes
Body Type	Available	SUV
DRL	Available	Yes
Fog Lights	Available	Yes
Front Fog Lights	Available	Yes
Led Headlights	Available	Available
Led Taillights	Available	Available
Rear Fog Lights	Available	Available

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
Approach Angle	23	25°
Departure Angle	32	24°
Wading Depth	550	300 mm
Terrain Modes	None	Normal / Sport / Smart / Snow / Mud / Sand
Locking Differential	None	No
4WD System Type	Part-time 4WD	Full-Time 4WD
Underbody Protection	Available	Front & Rear Bash Plates
Ramp Breakover Angle	Available	20
Recovery Hooks	Available	Available
Hill Descent Control	Available	No
Ramp-over Angle	Available	Available

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
Tyre Size	205/50 R17	255/45 R20
Wheel Type	Alloy	Alloy
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Disc
Rear Brake Type	Drum	Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter	300	Available
Spare Wheel Type	Available	Full Size
Rear Brake Drum Diameter	Available	Available
Parking Brake Type	Available	Manual
Tyre Load Index	Available	91
Tyre Speed Rating	Available	H
Wheel Rim Size	Available	Available
Brake Type Front	Available	Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear	Available	Disc
Spare Tyre	Available	Steel
Tyre Type	Available	Tubeless Radial
Front Tyre Width	Available	Available
Rear Tyre Width	Available	Available
Wheel Diameter	Available	Available

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Torsion Beam	Multi-Link
Chassis Type	Monocoque	Monocoque
Front Spring Type	Coil Spring	Available
Front Anti-Roll Bar	Yes	Available
Power Steering	Electric	Electric
Steering Column	Available	Tilt
Rear Spring Type	Available	Available
Rear Anti-Roll Bar	Available	Available
Shock Absorber Type	Available	Available

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
Service Interval	15000 km / 12 months	15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost	Moderate	R3,000 – R5,000 per service
Battery Warranty	24 Months	Not Applicable
First Service At	5000	15000
Maintenance Plan	Available	3 Years / 45000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval	Available	Available
Service Plan Duration	Available	4
Service Plan Distance	Available	60000
Anti-Rust Treatment	Available	Available
Alternator	Available	120A
Battery Type	Available	Lead-acid
Gear Shift Indicator	Available	Yes

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
Warranty Years	4	5
Warranty Kilometers	120000	150000
Roadside Assistance	4 Years	5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty	5 Years / Unlimited km	5 Years
Basic Warranty	Available	Available

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
CO2 Emissions	150	188
Start Stop System	Standard	No
Hybrid System Type	None	Conventional (ICE)
Idle CO2 Output	2.0	Available
Fuel Octane Requirement	Unleaded 95 RON	Diesel
Noise Level	Available	67 dB
Particulate Filter	Available	Available
Euro Emission Standard	Available	Available
Green NCAP Rating	Available	Available
Fuel Evaporation Control	Available	Yes

Spec	EcoSport	Santa Fe
Real-world City Mileage Min	10	Available
Real-world City Mileage Max	12	Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Min	13	Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Max	15	Available
Owner Review Count	27	Available

So, Which One Should You Buy?

🏆 Hyundai Santa Fe wins with 71 pts vs 63 pts for EcoSport

In structured scoring, Santa Fe emerges as the stronger overall package. However, EcoSport may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

Buyers Also Looked At These

Other comparisons that people in the same boat tend to check out.

Questions Buyers Usually Ask

On our scoring the Santa Fe edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.

Efficiency scores: EcoSport 9 vs Santa Fe 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.

Safety scores: EcoSport 18, Santa Fe 20. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.

Long-term ownership scores: EcoSport 16, Santa Fe 20. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.

Practicality scores: EcoSport 12, Santa Fe 16. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.

Performance scores: EcoSport 8, Santa Fe 15. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.

Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.

Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.

Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Santa Fe edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.

The Santa Fe scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.

In Depth — Breaking It All Down

The comparison between EcoSport and Santa Fe in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: EcoSport scores 8 vs 15.

Efficiency: EcoSport scores 9 vs 0.

Safety: EcoSport scores 18 vs 20.

Practicality: EcoSport scores 12 vs 16.

Ownership: EcoSport scores 16 vs 20.

Final structured scoring gives Santa Fe the advantage in this comparison.

Ford EcoSport vs Hyundai Santa Fe

Ford EcoSport

Hyundai Santa Fe

At a Glance — Who Wins What

Key Specs Side by Side

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

Santa Fe

EcoSport

The Bottom Line

Where They Actually Differ

Score Breakdown by Category

Santa Fe

EcoSport

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

EcoSport

Santa Fe

Which One's Right for You?

EcoSport

Santa Fe

Full Specs, Side by Side

So, Which One Should You Buy?

Other Comparisons Worth Checking

Buyers Also Looked At These

Questions Buyers Usually Ask

In Depth — Breaking It All Down