A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Grand Vitara
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published warranty or service cover
Santa Fe Hybrid
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
Spec
Grand Vitara
Santa Fe Hybrid
Model Introduced Year
2022
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Third generation YHB-series Grand Vitara; shared platform with Toyota Urban Cruiser (a partnership-specific platform development); mild-hybrid system uses belt-integrated starter generator technology; all-new design and powertrain versus the previous generation
Current South African Santa Fe Hybrid listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
Third-generation Grand Vitara launched in SA in 2022; previous second-generation model discontinued in SA in 2015; current generation is a complete redesign on a new platform shared with the Toyota Urban Cruiser
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
2022
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Seven-seat SUV
Color Note
Pearl Arctic White, Metallic Grandeur Grey, Metallic Midnight Blue, Premium Silver, Pearl Burning Red
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip AT
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.6T Hybrid Elite AWD 6AT
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
SUV
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1225 kg
1980 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
Grand Vitara
Santa Fe Hybrid
Length
4345 mm
4830 mm
Width
1795 mm
1900 mm
Height
1645 mm
1770 mm
Wheelbase
2600 mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
210 mm
177 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
67 l
Boot/Cargo Space
310 l
413 l
Kerb Weight
1225 kg
1980 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1680 kg
2675 kg
Payload Capacity
530 kg
695 kg
Towing Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
3 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Headroom
1010 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
970 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1060 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
935 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Grand Vitara
Santa Fe Hybrid
Front Track Width
1565 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
1565 mm
Not Applicable
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link Independent with Coil Spring
Not Available
Chassis Type
Monocoque
-
Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
-
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
-
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
-
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
-
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
-
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
-
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic Gas Dampers
-
Chassis Material
Monocoque
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Not Available
Rear Axle Type
Multi-Link Independent with Coil Spring
-
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link Independent with Coil Spring
Not Available
Shock Absorbers
Telescopic Gas Dampers
-
Suspension
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
-
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
Grand Vitara
Santa Fe Hybrid
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Not Available
Power Windows
All Four Windows
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard 15W Wireless Charger
Wireless
Sunroof
Panoramic Glass Roof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
Not Available
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
708 l
2253 l
Boot Space Seats Folded
708 l
2253 l
Rear Window Defroster
Standard
-
Electric Mirror Folding
Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors
-
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Standard — Driver Height Adjustable
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Not Available
-
12V Accessory Socket
1 x 12V Socket
-
Speed Limiter
Standard
-
AC Type
Automatic Climate Control
Not Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Not Available
-
Climate Zones
Automatic Climate Control
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
All Four Windows
-
Engine Start Button Illumination
Not Available
-
Engine Start Stop
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Warranty
4 Years
4
Front Armrest
Standard Centre Armrest
-
Front Power Outlet
1 x 12V Socket
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
5.6
7.5
Glovebox Cooling
All Four Door Pockets
-
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Roof
Panoramic Glass Roof
Not Available
Power Mirrors
All Four Windows
-
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Defogger
Standard
-
Rear Seat Split
60:40 Split Fold
-
Rear Wing
Not Available
-
Seat Type
Leatherette Seat Trim
-
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
All Seats
-
Spare Wheel
Space Saver Spare
Not Available
Speed Alert System
Standard
-
Stabilizer Bar
Standard
-
Steering Mounted Controls
Standard
-
Telescopic Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Tilt Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Voice Command
Via Smartphone
-
Voice Command Support
Via Smartphone Mirroring
-
Accelerator 0 100
13.5 sec
9.5 sec
Air Conditioning
Automatic Climate Control
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
Not Available
Bottle Holders
4
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
Not Available
Centre Console
Standard Centre Armrest
-
Common Rail Injection
Multi-Point Fuel Injection with 12V ISG
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Digital Speedometer
Analogue with Digital Trip Display
-
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors
Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors
-
Front Wiper
Standard
-
Front Wipers Type
Standard
-
Glove Box
All Four Door Pockets
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Not Available
-
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 Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Manual Aircon
Automatic Climate Control
-
Mirror
Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Passive Entry Start
Not Available
-
Power Socket 12v
1 x 12V Socket
-
Powered Tailgate
Not Available
-
Rear Air Conditioning
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Rearview Mirror Inside
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Remote Central Locking
Remote Central Locking
-
Remote Side Mirror
Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors
-
Rim Size
17 Inches
Not Available
Roof Rack Compatibility
Standard Roof Rails
-
Side Impact Bars
Standard
-
Sonar
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
-
Sound System
6
Not Available
Source Model Column
grand-vitara
santa-fe-hybrid
Sports Bar
Not Available
Not Available
Stabilizer Bar Front
Standard
-
Stabilizer Bar Rear
Standard
-
Steering Column Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Sub Frame
Monocoque
-
Surround View Monitor
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
Not Available
TPMS
Standard
Not Available
Trim Level
flagship
flagship
Unlocking
Not Available
Not Available
Variant Role
Performance-focused derivative
Flagship / premium derivative
Vdc
Standard
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Not Available
-
Walk Away Lock
Not Available
-
Wireless Charger
Standard 15W Wireless Charger
Wireless
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Spec
Grand Vitara
Santa Fe Hybrid
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Mild Hybrid
1.6-litre Turbocharged Petrol Hybrid
Engine Code
K15C
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid
Hybrid System
12V Mild Hybrid
Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1462 cc
1598 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Multi-Point Injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
74 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
85.1 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
76 kW @ 6000 rpm
175.2 kW
Maximum Torque
137 Nm @ 4400 rpm
367 Nm
Combined Power
Not Officially Disclosed
175.2 kW
Combined Torque
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Motors
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
4WD
AWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
175 km/h
190 km/h
0-100 km/h
13.5 sec
9.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
88.5 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
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 Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Grand Vitara
Santa Fe Hybrid
Engine Position
Transverse Front-Mounted
-
Gearbox
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
All Wheel Drive (AWD)
4WD / AWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard Sport Paddle Shifters
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
4.388:1
Not Applicable
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
2.8
-
Number of Gears
6
6
Transmission Type
6-Speed Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Single Dry Plate Diaphragm
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Yes
Gear Shift Type
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Automatic
Drivetrain
4WD / AWD
4WD / AWD
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
Standard Sport Paddle Shifters
Standard
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
AWD — AllGrip Auto
Active on-demand all-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
6
Spec
Grand Vitara
Santa Fe Hybrid
Claimed Mileage
17.9 km/l
13.3 km/l
City Mileage
14.5 km/l
10.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.8 km/l
15.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
67 l
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
17.9 km/l
13.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
45
67
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
Spec
Grand Vitara
Santa Fe Hybrid
Airbags
6
Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
2 Rear ISOFIX Points
Not Available
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Alarm System
Standard
-
Central Locking
Remote Central Locking
-
Side Impact Beams
Standard
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
All Seats
Not Available
Speed Alert System
Standard — Audible Warning at 120 km/h
-
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Not Available
-
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Safety Rating
Not Independently Rated
-
Whiplash Protection
Active Head Restraints on Front Seats
-
Lane Change Warning
Not Available
-
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Driver Airbag
6
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
6
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
All Seats
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
All Seats
Not Available
Side Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
-
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
Grand Vitara
Santa Fe Hybrid
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
360-Degree Surround View
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
360-Degree Surround View Camera
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
Standard
-
Auto Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Standard
Reverse Camera
360-Degree Surround View
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Emergency Braking
Not Available
-
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Front Camera
Not Available
-
Parking Distance Sensors
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
-
Parking Sensor
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
-
Pre-Collision System
Not Available
-
Rain Sensor Wipers
Standard
-
Rear View Camera
360-Degree Surround View
-
Reverse Camera Type
360-Degree Surround View
-
Reversing Camera
360-Degree Surround View
-
Surround View Camera
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Not Available
Spec
Grand Vitara
Santa Fe Hybrid
Seat Material
Leatherette Seat Trim
Cloth
Seat Adjustment
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
-
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Folding Rear Seats
60:40 Split Fold
-
Front Armrest
Standard Centre Armrest
-
Rear Armrest
Integrated in Seat Back
-
Front Shoulder Room
1455 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
1430 mm
Not Applicable
Cup Holders
4
-
Rear AC Vents
Not Available
-
Rear USB Ports
0
-
Steering Wheel Material
Urethane
Not Applicable
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue with Digital Trip Display
Digital instrument cluster
Interior Colour Options
2
3
Driver Lumbar Support
Not Available
-
Door Map Pockets
All Four Door Pockets
-
60 40 Split Seat
60:40 Split Fold
Not Applicable
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
Not Applicable
Fabric Seats
Leatherette Seat Trim
Cloth
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
Not Applicable
Armrest Front
Standard Centre Armrest
-
Armrest Rear
Integrated in Seat Back
-
Boot Space Seats Down
708
-
Driver Seat
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
9-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control (GLX and Hybrid), 360-degree surround view camera (GLX AT and Hybrid), adaptive cruise control (GLX and Hybrid), blind-spot monitoring (GL
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.
This Grand Vitara and Santa Fe Hybrid comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Grand Vitara 34 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 72.
Efficiency index: Grand Vitara 73 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 59.
Safety-equipment index: Grand Vitara 88 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 89.
Practicality index: Grand Vitara 62 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 73.
Ownership-cover index: Grand Vitara 71 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 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.
Model imagery
Grand Vitara and Santa Fe Hybrid image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
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 Hybrid leads by 9 points
Santa Fe Hybrid has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Grand Vitara remains close.
Performance
Santa Fe Hybrid +38
Efficiency
Grand Vitara +14
Safety
Santa Fe Hybrid +1
Practicality
Santa Fe Hybrid +11
Ownership
Grand Vitara +6
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Santa Fe Hybrid
Performance
72/100
Efficiency
59/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
73/100
Ownership
65/100
Grand Vitara
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
73/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
62/100
Ownership
71/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexHyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 64 pts for Grand Vitara
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Santa Fe Hybrid leads. However, Grand Vitara 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 Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa 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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