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.
Elevate starts ZAR 1249900 cheaperElevate from ZAR 369,900 · Santa Fe Hybrid from ZAR 1,249,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Engine Power
119
Not Applicable
Torque
145
367
Engine Size
1498
1598
Claimed Mileage
16.0
7.5
Ground Clearance
220
177 mm
Boot Space
458
Not Applicable
Airbags
6
Not Available
Kerb Weight
1240
Not Applicable
Seating Capacity
5
7
Warranty
3
5
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Both Elevate and Santa Fe Hybrid are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Santa Fe Hybrid
+26 pts
Efficiency
Elevate
+21 pts
Safety
Elevate
+54 pts
Practicality
Santa Fe Hybrid
+14 pts
Ownership
Santa Fe Hybrid
+14 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Elevate
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
Santa Fe Hybrid
Strengths
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Elevate
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Santa Fe Hybrid
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Model Introduced Year
2023
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Built on Honda’s latest compact SUV platform with improved safety and structural strength
Current South African Santa Fe Hybrid listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
Recently introduced model with latest design language and modern features
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Seven-seat SUV
Color Note
White, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red, Black
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
published
published
Segment
SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Drivetrain Note
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.6T Hybrid Elite AWD 6AT
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Ground Clearance
220 mm
177 mm
Wheelbase
2650 mm
2815 mm
Length
4312 mm
4830 mm
Width
1790 mm
1900 mm
Height
1650 mm
1770 mm
Kerb Weight
1240 kg
Not Applicable
Gross Vehicle Weight
1680 kg
Not Applicable
Seating Capacity
5
7
Boot Space
458 l
Not Applicable
Towing Capacity
1200 kg
Not Applicable
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Turning Radius
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Legroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Legroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Headroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Headroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
458 l
Not Applicable
Number of Doors
5
5
Max Payload
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Volume
458 l
Not Applicable
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
67 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
1680 kg
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
220 mm
177 mm
Ground Clearance Min
220 mm
177 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
220 mm
177 mm
Height Mm
1650 mm
1770 mm
Length Mm
4312 mm
4830 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Payload Kg
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Cargo Volume
458 l
Not Applicable
Tare Mass Kg
1240 kg
Not Applicable
Turning Circle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Turning Circle M
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Width Mm
1790 mm
1900 mm
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Engine
1.5L i-VTEC Petrol
1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid
Displacement
1498 cc
1598 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Applicable
Power
119 kW
Not Applicable
Power @ RPM
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Torque
145 Nm
367 Nm
Torque @ RPM
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Not Applicable
Turbocharger
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Top Speed
180 km/h
190 km/h
0-100 km/h
12.5 sec
9.5 sec
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Cylinder Bore
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Piston Stroke
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Code
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Power
16 bhp
Not Applicable
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Hybrid
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Aspiration
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Type Config
1.5L i-VTEC Petrol
1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid
0–100 km/h
12.5 sec
9.5 sec
Battery Capacity
Not Available
-
Charging Port
Not Available
-
AC Charging Time
Not Available
-
Engine Displacement
1498 cc
1598 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
1.5 l
1.6 l
EV Range
Not Available
-
Acceleration 0 100
12.5 sec
9.5 sec
Combined System Power
Not Available
-
Combined System Torque
Not Available
-
Engine Config
1.5L i-VTEC Petrol
1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid
Engine Cylinders
4
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement Cc
1498 cc
1598 cc
Engine Power kW
119 kW
Not Applicable
Engine Torque Nm
145 Nm
367 Nm
Engine Valves
4
Not Applicable
Induction
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Max Power kW
119 kW
Not Applicable
Max Torque Nm
145 Nm
367 Nm
Maximum Power
119 kW
Not Applicable
Maximum Torque
145 Nm
367 Nm
Motor Position
Not Available
-
Motor Power
Not Available
-
Motor Torque
Not Available
-
Motor Type
Not Available
-
Power Assisted Steering
Electric Power Steering
-
Power kW Rpm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Active Exhaust
Not Available
Not Available
System Output
Not Available
175.2
Torque Nm Rpm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Turbo Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
4x2
4WD / AWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
4WD / AWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6 km/h
6 km/h
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
4x2
4WD / AWD
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Standard
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
4WD / AWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
6 km/h
6 km/h
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Claimed Mileage
16.0 km/l
7.5 km/l
City Mileage
13 km/l
6.1 km/l
Highway Mileage
17 km/l
8.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
67 l
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Average Fuel Consumption
6.2 l/100km
13.3 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.2 l/100km
13.3 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
6.2 l/100km
13.3 l/100km
Real-world Mileage
16.0 km/l
7.5 km/l
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Time AC Full
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
6.2 l/100km
13.3 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
6.2 l/100km
13.3 l/100km
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Economy Combined
6.2 l/100km
13.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
40 l
67 l
Fuel Type
Petrol
Hybrid
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Wltp
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Airbags
6
Not Available
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Available
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Alarm System
Standard
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Airbag
6
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
6
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Not Available
Side Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
-
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
Standard
-
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
-
ESC With Traction Control
Standard
-
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Lights
LED Projector
-
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Drive Modes
Not Available
Not Available
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Not Available
Emergency Braking
Not Available
-
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Distance Sensors
Front and Rear
-
Parking Sensor
Front and Rear
-
Pre-Collision System
Not Available
-
Rear View Camera
Standard
-
Reverse Camera Type
Standard
-
Reversing Camera
Standard
-
Surround View Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Seat Material
Leather
Cloth
Seat Adjustment
Driver Electric
-
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
6
3
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Adjustable Driver Seat
Driver Electric
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Driver Electric
Not Applicable
Fabric Seats
Leather
Cloth
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Up
458
-
Cargo Space
458
-
Driver Seat
Driver Electric
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Spacious cabin with touchscreen infotainment, wireless connectivity, digital displays, and comfortable seating
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Santa Fe Hybrid grade before assuming a feature is included.
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Leather
-
Interior Colours
6
3
Seat Capacity
5
7
Seat Count
5
7
Seat Trim
Leather
Cloth
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Digital instrument cluster
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Not Available
Power Windows
All Doors Auto
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Not Available
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
Wireless
Sunroof
Electric Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
LED Projector
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
AC Type
Automatic Climate Control
Not Available
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
Not Available
Climate Zones
Automatic Climate Control
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
All Doors Auto
-
Engine Start Button Illumination
Standard
-
TPMS
Standard
Not Available
Engine Start Stop
Standard
Not Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Standard
Not Available
Engine Warranty
24 Months
4
Fuel Consumption Combined
6.2
13.3
Gear Shift Type
CVT Automatic
Automatic
Ground Clearance Unladen
220
-
Launch Control
Not Available
Not Available
Panoramic Roof
Electric Sunroof
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
Not Available
Power Mirrors
All Doors Auto
-
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Rev Matching
Not Available
Not Available
Seat Type
Leather
-
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Not Available
Service Plan
24 Months
3 Years / 45000 km
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Telescopic Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Tilt Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Valves Per Cylinder
4
Not Applicable
Voice Command
Built-in
-
Voice Command Support
Built-in
-
Accelerator 0 100
12.5 sec
9.5 sec
Air Conditioning
Automatic Climate Control
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Battery Voltage
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
Not Available
Common Rail Injection
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Smart Key
-
Lift Gate
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Light
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
Not Available
Manual Aircon
Automatic Climate Control
-
Mirror
All Doors Auto
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Passive Entry Start
Smart Key
-
Powered Tailgate
Not Available
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Remote Central Locking
Smart Key
-
Rim Size
17-inch Alloy
Not Available
Roof Rack Compatibility
Standard
-
Sonar
Front and Rear
-
Sound System
8
Not Available
Source Model Column
elevate
santa-fe-hybrid
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Sports Bar
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Column Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Sub Frame
Monocoque
-
Surround View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
Not Available
Trim Level
top
flagship
Unlocking
Smart Key
Not Available
Variant Role
Core range derivative
Flagship / premium derivative
Vdc
Standard
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Smart Key
-
Walk Away Lock
Smart Key
-
Wireless Charger
Standard
Wireless
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Wireless
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
8
Not Available
Navigation System
Built-in
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Digital instrument cluster
USB Ports
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Voice Recognition
Built-in
-
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25-inch Touchscreen
SYNC
Infotainment Display
10.25-inch Touchscreen
-
Audio Speakers
8
Not Available
Audio System
8
-
Display Audio
10.25-inch Touchscreen
-
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
SYNC
Connected Services
Standard
SYNC
Voice Control
Built-in
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Wireless
Bluetooth
Touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
SYNC
Wireless Android Auto
Wireless
Standard
Multi Information Display
-
Digital display
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
LED Headlamps
LED Projector
Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Not Available
Fog Lamps
LED
Not Available
Roof Rails
Standard
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
-
Exterior Colour Options
6
3
Roof Type
Electric Sunroof
-
Body Type
SUV
SUV
DRL
LED
Not Available
Fog Lights
LED
-
Front Fog Lights
LED
-
Led Headlights
LED Projector
Halogen
Auto Headlights
LED Projector
-
Automatic Headlamps
LED Projector
-
Daytime Running Lights
LED
Not Available
Electric Blind Sunroof
Electric Sunroof
-
Exterior Colour Options
6
3
Exterior Mirror Electric
All Doors Auto
-
Front Fog Lamps
LED
Not Available
Headlamp Levelling
LED Projector
-
Headlamps
LED Projector
Halogen
Headlight Type
LED Projector
Halogen
Headlights
LED Projector
Halogen
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Sunroof
Not Available
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Approach Angle
20 deg
Not Available
Departure Angle
22 deg
Not Available
Wading Depth
400 mm
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
4x2
4WD / AWD
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
20 deg
-
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle Deg
22 deg
-
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Wading Depth Mm
400 mm
-
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tyre Size
215/55 R17
Not Available
Wheel Type
17-inch Alloy
-
Front Brake Type
Disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
17-inch Alloy
Not Available
Brake Type Front
Disc
-
Brake Type Rear
Drum
-
Tyre Type
215/55 R17
-
Wheel Diameter
17-inch Alloy
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Not Available
-
Braked Towing Capacity
1200 kg
-
Brakes
Disc
-
Cornering Brake Control
Standard
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Standard
-
Towing Braked Kg
1200 kg
-
Tyre Pressure Display
Standard
-
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Wheel Material
17-inch Alloy
-
Wheelbase Mm
2650 mm
2815 mm
Wheels
17-inch Alloy
-
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Not Available
Chassis Type
Monocoque
-
Power Steering
Electric Power Steering
-
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Front Spring Type
MacPherson Strut
-
Rear Spring Type
Torsion Beam
-
Chassis Material
Monocoque
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
Not Available
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Axle Type
Torsion Beam
-
Rear Suspension Type
Torsion Beam
Not Available
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
-
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Service Interval
10000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
-
Battery Warranty
24 Months
4
Maintenance Plan
24 Months
3 Years / 45000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
10000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Service Plan Duration
24 Months
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan Distance
24 Months
3 Years / 45000 km
Battery Type
Not Available
Lead-acid
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Yes
Service Intervals
10000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
First Service At
-
15000
Alternator
-
120A
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Warranty Years
3
5
Warranty Kilometers
3
5
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
3
5
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
5 Years
Warranty
3
5
Warranty Roadside Assistance
3 Years
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 Years
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
CO2 Emissions
138 g/km
Not Applicable
Start Stop System
Standard
-
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Hybrid
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
Hybrid
Particulate Filter
Not Available
Not Available
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
-
Idle CO2 Output
138
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
138
-
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Real-world City Mileage Min
12 l/100km
-
Real-world City Mileage Max
14 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
15 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
18 l/100km
-
Owner Review Count
18
-
Spec
Elevate
Santa Fe Hybrid
Ownership Role
Top
Flagship
Price Source
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Price Zar
399900 ZAR
1249900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Current listed price
Starting Price
399900
1249900
Starting Price Zar
399900
1249900
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Elevate leads by 4 points
Both Elevate and Santa Fe Hybrid are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Performance
Santa Fe Hybrid +26
Efficiency
Elevate +21
Safety
Elevate +54
Practicality
Santa Fe Hybrid +14
Ownership
Santa Fe Hybrid +14
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Elevate
Performance
39/100
Efficiency
62/100
Safety
82/100
Practicality
66/100
Ownership
51/100
Santa Fe Hybrid
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
41/100
Safety
28/100
Practicality
80/100
Ownership
65/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Honda Elevate
wins with 60 pts
vs 56 pts for Santa Fe Hybrid
In structured scoring, Elevate emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Santa Fe Hybrid may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Elevate 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: Elevate 62 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 41. 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: Elevate 82, Santa Fe Hybrid 28. 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: Elevate 51, Santa Fe Hybrid 65. 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: Elevate 66, Santa Fe Hybrid 80. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Elevate 39, Santa Fe Hybrid 65. 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 Elevate edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Elevate 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 Elevate and Santa Fe Hybrid in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Elevate scores 39 vs 65.
Efficiency: Elevate scores 62 vs 41.
Safety: Elevate scores 82 vs 28.
Practicality: Elevate scores 66 vs 80.
Ownership: Elevate scores 51 vs 65.
Final structured scoring gives Elevate
the advantage in this comparison.
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