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.
H6 starts ZAR 899900 cheaperH6 from ZAR 589,900 · Santa Fe from ZAR 899,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
Engine Power
115
147
Torque
260
440
Engine Size
1497
2199
Claimed Mileage
5.8
13.8
Ground Clearance
198
188
Boot Space
530
703
Airbags
6
7
Kerb Weight
1680
1980
Seating Capacity
5
7
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Santa Fe
71
/ 100
+8
pts
#2
H6
63
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Santa Fe has a slight advantage, but H6 remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Santa Fe
+4 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Santa Fe
+2 pts
Practicality
Santa Fe
+2 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Santa Fe
Performance
15/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
16/20
Ownership
20/20
H6
Performance
11/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
14/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
H6
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Santa Fe
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
H6
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Santa Fe
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
Body Type
SUV
SUV
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
LED
DRL
Yes
Yes
LED Headlamps
Yes
Full LED Parametric
Led Taillights
Yes
Available
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Fog Lamps
Yes
LED
Led Headlights
Yes
Available
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
Multi-Spoke Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Rear Wiper
Yes
Yes
Chrome Exterior Finish
Yes
Chrome Grille & Window Surround
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Coloured
Roof Type
Metal Roof
Available
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
Electric Adjustable
Power Adjustable
Body Cladding
Yes
Full Wheel Arch & Lower Cladding
Exterior Colour Options
6
Available
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
Available
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
Number of Doors
5
Available
Seats
5
7
Seating Capacity
5
7
Length
4653
4830
Width
1886
1900
Height
1730
1750
Wheelbase
2738
2815
Ground Clearance
198
188
Kerb Weight
1680
1980
Fuel Tank Capacity
58
Available
Boot Space
530
703
Doors
5
5
Front Overhang
880
Available
Rear Overhang
890
Available
Front Track Width
1560
1652 mm
Rear Track Width
1570
1660 mm
Front Headroom
990
Available
Rear Headroom
960
Available
Front Legroom
1050
Available
Rear Legroom
890
Available
Front Shoulder Room
1430
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
1390
Available
Gross Vehicle Weight
2200
2440 kg
Boot Volume
530
Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
730
Available
Turning Radius
11.8
5.7 m
Towing Capacity
1500
2000 kg (Braked)
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Max Payload
-
Available
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
Engine
1.5L GW4B15B Turbocharged Petrol Hybrid
2.2 R-Series CRDi Diesel
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Petrol
Diesel
Engine Type Config
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
Inline
Engine Code
GW4B15B
Available
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Available
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
16
16 (4 per cylinder)
Displacement
1497
2199
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Available
Turbocharger
Yes
Yes
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
15.9:1
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Diesel
Battery Capacity
1.8 kWh
Available
EV Range
130
Available
Torque
260
440
Torque @ RPM
1,500-4,000 rpm
1750
Power
115
147
Power
154
150
Power @ RPM
5,500 rpm
3800
0–100 km/h
9.8
Available
Top Speed
185
205
0-100 km/h
110
8.5
Engine Position
Front Transverse
Front
Engine Displacement
1497
Available
Maximum Engine RPM
6,000
Available
Engine Oil Capacity
5.5
Available
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
Yes
Cylinder Bore
-
Available
Piston Stroke
-
Available
Charging Port
-
Available
AC Charging Time
-
Available
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
Valves Per Cylinder
4
Available
Intercooler
Yes
Available
Fuel Consumption Combined
5.8
Available
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Available
Spare Wheel
Yes
Available
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
Available
Service Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
Available
Multi Function Steering
Yes
Available
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Available
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Rear Defogger
Yes
Available
Power Windows
Yes
All
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Available
Fuel Lid Opener
Yes
Inside
Boot Opener
Yes
Inside
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Climate Control
Yes
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
AC Type
Dual Zone Climate Control
Available
Sunroof
Yes
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Heads Up Display
Yes
Available
Wireless Charging
Yes
15W Wireless
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
No
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Ground Clearance Unladen
195
Available
Drag Coefficient
0.34
Available
Rear Seat Split
60/40
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Yes
Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
No
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
Manual
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Tail Lamps
LED
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
No
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Available
Steering Response
Progressive
Available
Stability Control
Yes
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Available
Driver Display
Digital
Available
Seat Type
High Bolster Sports Seat
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Available
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Glovebox Cooling
No
Available
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Available
Speed Limiter
Yes
Available
Launch Control
No
Available
Voice Command
Yes
Available
Voice Command Support
Yes
Available
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
12V
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Chrome Grille
Yes
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Yes
Available
Roof Antenna
Shark Fin Antenna
Available
Rear Wing
Integrated Spoiler
Available
Electric Mirror Folding
Electric
Available
Aero Kit
No
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
Available
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Performance Data Logger
No
Available
Panoramic Roof
Yes
Available
Climate Zones
2
Available
Adaptive Dampers
Yes
Available
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Remote Engine Start
Yes
Available
Rev Matching
No
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
Available
Side Steps
No
Available
Skid Plates
No
Available
Tilt Steering
-
Yes
Telescopic Steering
-
No
Exhaust Finish
-
Available
Exhaust Type
-
Available
Payload Capacity
-
Available
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
Fuel Octane Requirement
95 Octane Unleaded
Diesel
Hybrid System Type
Full Parallel Hybrid (DHT)
Conventional (ICE)
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Available
Start Stop System
Yes
No
CO2 Emissions
134
188
Idle CO2 Output
134
Available
Particulate Filter
No
Available
Fuel Evaporation Control
EVAP Canister
Yes
Green NCAP Rating
4/5
Available
Noise Level
Low
67 dB
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
Fuel Tank Capacity
58
67
Claimed Mileage
5.8
13.8
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
City Mileage
8.0
11.0
Highway Mileage
6.8
17.5
Average Fuel Consumption
7.5
Yes
Real-world Mileage
7.5
Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption
8.5
Available
Fuel Efficiency
Good
Available
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Distance To Empty
Yes
Yes
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
13 L
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
Battery Type
Lithium-Ion
Lead-acid
Battery Warranty
8 Years / 160,000 km
Not Applicable
Service Plan Distance
75000
60000
Service Plan Duration
5
4
Maintenance Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
5000
15000
Service Interval
10000
15000 km / 12 months
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km
Available
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Available
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Alternator
110A
120A
Approx Service Cost
Included in Service Plan
R3,000 – R5,000 per service
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
EV Mode
Yes
No
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Available
Park Assist
Yes
Available
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Available
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
Sport Mode
Yes
No
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front & Rear
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Available
Drive Modes
Yes
Eco / Normal
Cruise Control
-
Yes
Reverse Camera
-
Available
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
Transmission
Automatic
Available
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
DHT Hybrid Transmission
8-speed Automatic
Number of Gears
2
8
Drive Type
FWD
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive
Available
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine Front Wheel Drive
HTRAC AWD
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
14.7:1
Available
Final Drive Ratio
3.73
Available
LSD Available
No
Yes
Differential Lock
No
Electronic LSD
Clutch Type
Wet Multi-Disc
Available
Transfer Case
No
HTRAC AWD with 4WD Lock
Paddle Shifters
-
Yes
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link Independent
Multi-Link
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Available
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Available
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Available
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Available
Power Steering
Yes
Electric
Steering Column
Adjustable
Tilt
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic
Available
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Disc
Front Tyre Width
235
Available
Rear Tyre Width
235
Available
Tyre Size
235/50R19
255/45 R20
Wheel Diameter
19
Available
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
Full Size
Spare Tyre
Yes
Steel
Wheel Rim Size
19
Available
Tyre Type
Radial
Tubeless Radial
Tyre Load Index
94
91
Tyre Speed Rating
V
H
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Manual
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter
308
Available
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
292
Available
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Available
BA
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Available
AEB
Yes
Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Available
Airbags
6
7
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
5
Not Rated (SA)
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Available
Knee Airbag
No
Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Yes
Available
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Available
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Available
Hill Hold
Yes
Available
Hill Descent Control
-
Yes
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
Available
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
100000
150000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
5 Years
Roadside Assistance
Yes
5 Years
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Screen
Yes
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display
14.6-inch Touchscreen
Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size
14
Available
Number of Speakers
12
8 Meridian Premium
Premium Audio
Yes
Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
12.3-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
3
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Yes
Available
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
-
Yes
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
MDPS Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Cup Holders
Yes
4
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
Yes
No
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Available
Heated Seats
Yes
Front & 2nd Row
Leather Seats
Yes
No
Fabric Seats
No
Yes
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Electric
Available
Ambient Lighting
Yes
64-Colour Ambient
Memory Seats
Yes
No
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Front
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
3rd Row Fold Flat
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather Wrapped
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital Instrument Cluster
Analogue + MID
Seat Adjustment
Yes
Power 8-way
Adjustable Driver Seat
Yes
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
Yes
Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
Available
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
Available
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Available
Interior Colour Options
2
Available
Cooled Seats
Yes
No
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Yes
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
Real-world City Mileage Min
7.0
Available
Real-world City Mileage Max
9.5
Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
6.0
Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
8.0
Available
Owner Review Count
-
Available
Spec
H6
Santa Fe
Recovery Hooks
No
Available
Underbody Protection
No
Front & Rear Bash Plates
Ramp-over Angle
18
Available
Approach Angle
20
25°
Departure Angle
26
24°
Ramp Breakover Angle
16
20
Locking Differential
No
No
Terrain Modes
No
Normal / Sport / Smart / Snow / Mud / Sand
4WD System Type
Front-wheel drive
Full-Time 4WD
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Wading Depth
-
300 mm
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai Santa Fe
wins with 71 pts
vs 63 pts for H6
In structured scoring, Santa Fe emerges as the stronger overall package. However, H6 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 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: H6 0 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: H6 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: H6 20, 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: H6 14, Santa Fe 16. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: H6 11, 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 H6 and Santa Fe in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: H6 scores 11 vs 15.
Efficiency: H6 scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: H6 scores 18 vs 20.
Practicality: H6 scores 14 vs 16.
Ownership: H6 scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Santa Fe
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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