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.
Historical comparison
Every selected record is historical. Verified South African specifications and last-listed prices remain available for owners and used-car shoppers.
Hyundai Kona
Discontinued model
Hyundai Santa Fe
Discontinued model
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?
Kona
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
Kona
Santa Fe
Model Introduced Year
2018
2001
Generation
Second generation Kona on Hyundai's K2 GEN platform; the design is more conservative than the first gen but better resolved
Fifth generation Santa Fe on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; 'Sensuous Sportiness' design with distinctive parametric LED lighting signature
Facelift History
Second generation launched globally in 2023 and brought to SA; softened styling compared to the sharper first gen, improved interior quality and tech
Fifth generation launched in SA in 2022; significant styling and interior quality upgrade; distinctive boxy design language with vertical lighting
Facelift Launched Since
2023
2022
Tare Mass Kg
1460 kg
1980 kg
Spec
Kona
Santa Fe
Length
4355 mm
4830 mm
Width
1825 mm
1900 mm
Height
1570 mm
1750 mm
Wheelbase
2660 mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
165 mm
188 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
67 l
Boot/Cargo Space
466 l
703 l
Kerb Weight
1460 kg
1980 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Spec
Kona
Santa Fe
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
All
All
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
15W Wireless
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
No
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
12V
12V
AC Type
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Boot Opener
Inside
Inside
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
Inside
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
Manual
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Spare Wheel
Steel
Steel
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Telescopic Steering
No
No
Tilt Steering
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Air Conditioning
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rim Size
18-inch Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Sound System
8 Bose Premium
8 Meridian Premium
Unlocking
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charger
Yes
15W Wireless
Spec
Kona
Santa Fe
Engine
1-litre Turbocharged 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
998 cc
2199 cc
Cylinders
3
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
88 kW @ 5500 rpm
147 kW @ 3800 rpm
Maximum Torque
172 Nm @ 1500 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
7-Speed DCT
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
185 km/h
205 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.5 sec
8.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal
Eco, Normal
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
60.3 kW/tonne
74.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
117.8 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
Kona
Santa Fe
Engine Position
Front
Front
Gearbox
7-speed DCT Dual Clutch
8-speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
HTRAC AWD
LSD Available
No
Yes
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Spec
Kona
Santa Fe
Claimed Mileage
15.5 km/l
13.8 km/l
City Mileage
12.5 km/l
11.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.0 km/l
17.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
67 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
Distance To Empty
Yes
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Tank Litres
50
67
Spec
Kona
Santa Fe
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
Not Rated (SA)
BA
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Spec
Kona
Santa Fe
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
No
No
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
No
No
Sport Mode
No
No
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Kona
Santa Fe
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver
Power 8-way
Heated Seats
Front
Front & 2nd Row
Ventilated Seats
Front
Front
Steering Type
Electric
Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Yes
64-Colour Ambient
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
3rd Row Fold Flat
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
No
No
Cup Holders
4
4
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
Analogue + MID
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
Manual
Cooled Seats
No
No
Fabric Seats
Yes
Yes
Front Headrest
Yes
Yes
Leather Seats
No
No
Memory Seats
No
No
Rear Headrest
Yes
Yes
Spec
Kona
Santa Fe
Infotainment System
10.25-inch Touchscreen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
8 Meridian Premium
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
12.3-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
Audio Speakers
8 Bose Premium
8 Meridian Premium
Spec
Kona
Santa Fe
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
Yes
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Coloured
Body Type
SUV
SUV
DRL
LED
LED
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Led Headlights
Full LED
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lights
LED
LED
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Headlamps
Full LED
Full LED Parametric
Headlight Type
Full LED
Full LED Parametric
Headlights
Full LED
Full LED Parametric
Spec
Kona
Santa Fe
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
No
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
165 mm
188 mm
Ground Clearance Min
165 mm
188 mm
Spec
Kona
Santa Fe
Tyre Size
235/45 R18
255/45 R20
Wheel Type
18-inch Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
Steel
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Manual
Tyre Load Index
91
91
Tyre Speed Rating
H
H
Wheel Rim Size
18-inch Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Disc
Spare Tyre
Steel
Steel
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Diameter
18-inch Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Wheels
18-inch Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Spec
Kona
Santa Fe
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Steering Column
Tilt
Tilt
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Multi-Link
Spec
Kona
Santa Fe
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
15000
15000
Service Plan Duration
4
4
Service Plan Distance
4
4
Alternator
120A
120A
Service Plan
4
4
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
Lead-acid
Spec
Kona
Santa Fe
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
5
5
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5
5
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Warranty
5
5
Spec
Kona
Santa Fe
CO2 Emissions
120 g/km
188 g/km
Start Stop System
No
No
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
Yes
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
Diesel
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
Yes
In depth: how these cars differ
This Kona 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: Kona 40 vs Santa Fe 74.
Efficiency index: Kona 62 vs Santa Fe 55.
Safety-equipment index: Kona 87 vs Santa Fe 98.
Practicality index: Kona 67 vs Santa Fe 89.
Ownership-cover index: Kona 65 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 14 points
Santa Fe has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Kona remains close.
Performance
Santa Fe +34
Efficiency
Kona +7
Safety
Santa Fe +11
Practicality
Santa Fe +22
Ownership
Level
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
Kona
Performance
40/100
Efficiency
62/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
67/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexHyundai Santa Fe
leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts
vs 64 pts for Kona
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Santa Fe leads. However, Kona 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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