Ford Mustang 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 Mustang

5.0 GT Premium Convertible Automatic Petrol Automatic

ZAR 1,449,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 338 kW 🔧 515 Nm ⛽ 9.1 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 Mustang

⛽ Fuel Economy Mustang

🛡 Safety Tie

📦 Practicality Santa Fe

🔑 Ownership Santa Fe

Santa Fe starts ZAR 989900 cheaper Mustang from ZAR 989,900 · Santa Fe from ZAR 899,900

Key Specs Side by Side

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

Spec	Mustang	Santa Fe
Engine Power	338	147
Torque	515	440
Engine Size	4951	2199
Claimed Mileage	9.1	13.8
Ground Clearance	134	188
Boot Space	408	703
Airbags	8	7
Kerb Weight	1815	1980
Seating Capacity	Available	7
Warranty	3	5

= leads in this spec

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

🏆 Winner

Santa Fe

/ 100

pts

Mustang

/ 100

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

The Bottom Line

Both Mustang and Santa Fe are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.

Where They Actually Differ

Performance Mustang +5 pts

Efficiency Mustang +5 pts

Safety Equal

Practicality Santa Fe +6 pts

Ownership Santa Fe +8 pts

Score Breakdown by Category

🏆 Overall Winner

Santa Fe

Performance 15/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 20/20

Practicality 16/20

Ownership 20/20

Mustang

Performance 20/20

Efficiency 5/20

Safety 20/20

Practicality 10/20

Ownership 12/20

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

Mustang

Strengths

More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency

Weak Spots

Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage

Best suited to: Highway Driving Fuel Efficiency

🏆 Overall Winner

Santa Fe

Strengths

More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value

Weak Spots

Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency

Best suited to: Family Usage

Which One's Right for You?

Mustang

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency

Santa Fe

Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec	Mustang	Santa Fe
Ground Clearance	134	188
Wheelbase	2720	2815
Length	4788	4830
Width	1916	1900
Height	1381	1750
Kerb Weight	1815	1980
Gross Vehicle Weight	2245	2440 kg
Seating Capacity	4	7
Boot Space	408	703
Towing Capacity	Not Rated	2000 kg (Braked)
Front Track Width	1617	1652 mm
Rear Track Width	1607	1660 mm
Turning Radius	6.1	5.7 m
Number of Doors	5	Available
Boot Space Seats Folded	1500	Available
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	Mustang	Santa Fe
Engine	5.0L Coyote V8 Petrol	2.2 R-Series CRDi Diesel
Engine Type	V8 DOHC Naturally Aspirated	Diesel
Displacement	4951	2199
Cylinders	8	4
Valves per Cylinder	4	16 (4 per cylinder)
Power	338	147
Power @ RPM	7300 rpm	3800
Torque	515	440
Torque @ RPM	4250 rpm	1750
Fuel System	Direct Injection	Common Rail Direct Injection
Turbocharger	Not Available	Yes
Top Speed	250	205
0-100 km/h	4.6	8.5
Compression Ratio	12.0:1	15.9:1
Engine Position	Front Longitudinal	Front
Cylinder Layout	Inline 4 (I4)	Available
Engine Aspiration	Turbocharged	Available
Engine Code	Standard	Available
Cylinder Bore	82.0	Available
Piston Stroke	92.0	Available
Fuel Grade Required	Petrol	Diesel
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	Mustang	Santa Fe
Transmission	10-Speed Automatic	8-speed Automatic
Drive Type	RWD	All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout	Rear Wheel Drive	HTRAC AWD
LSD Available	Electronic LSD	Yes
Paddle Shifters	Standard	Yes
Transfer Case	Not Applicable	HTRAC AWD with 4WD Lock
Differential Lock	Not Applicable	Electronic LSD
Number of Gears	6	8
Transmission	Automatic CVT	Available
Transmission Type	Automatic	Automatic
Final Drive Ratio	Available	Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock	Available	Available
Clutch Type	Available	Available
Drivetrain	Available	Available

Spec	Mustang	Santa Fe
Claimed Mileage	9.1	13.8
City Mileage	7	11.0
Highway Mileage	11	17.5
Fuel Tank Capacity	61	67
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity	Not Applicable	13 L
Auto Start Stop	Not 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	Mustang	Santa Fe
Airbags	8	7
ABS	Standard	Yes
Electronic Stability Control	Standard with Track Mode	Yes
Traction Control	Standard	Yes
Hill Descent Control	Not Available	Yes
Hill Start Assist	Standard	Yes
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Yes
ISOFIX Mounts	Standard	Yes
Brake Assist	Standard	Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Standard	Yes
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Yes
Alarm System	Standard	Yes
Central Locking	Standard	Yes
Side Impact Beams	Standard	Yes
Front Parking Sensors	Yes	Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Yes	Available
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	Mustang	Santa Fe
Cruise Control	Standard	Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control	Not Available	Yes
Lane Keep Assist	Not Available	Yes
Lane Departure Warning	Not Available	No
Blind Spot Monitoring	Not Available	Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Not Available	Yes
Parking Sensors	Rear	Front & Rear
Rear View Camera	Standard	Yes
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Not Available	Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert	Not Available	Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition	Not Available	No
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Available
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	Mustang	Santa Fe
Seat Material	Leather	Leather
Seat Adjustment	Electric 6-Way	Power 8-way
Heated Seats	Front	Front & 2nd Row
Ventilated Seats	Front	Front
Steering Type	Electric Power Assisted	MDPS Electric
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt & Telescopic
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	64-Colour Ambient
Folding Rear Seats	Not Available	3rd Row Fold Flat
Front Armrest	Standard	Yes
Rear Armrest	Not Available	No
Cup Holders	4	4
Leather Seats	Yes	No
Interior Colour Options	Black	Available
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	Mustang	Santa Fe
Climate Control	Automatic AC	Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows	All Doors	All
Keyless Entry	Standard	Yes
Push Button Start	Standard	Yes
Wireless Charging	Not Available	15W Wireless
Sunroof	Convertible Soft Top	Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	Yes
Automatic Headlamps	Standard	Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers	Standard	No
Auto Dimming Mirror	Standard	No
Power Mirrors	Power Adjustment	Yes
Payload Capacity	500	Available
Rear Window Defroster	Available	Yes
Electric Mirror Folding	Available	Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	Available	Available
Follow Me Home Headlamps	Available	Yes
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	Mustang	Santa Fe
Infotainment Screen	12-inch SYNC 4 Touchscreen	12.3-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Wireless	Yes
Android Auto	Wireless	Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Yes
Number of Speakers	8	8 Meridian Premium
Navigation System	Standard	Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster	12.4-inch Full Digital	12.3-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports	2	2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Wireless Apple CarPlay	Standard	Yes
FM Radio	Yes	Yes
AUX Input	Yes	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	Mustang	Santa Fe
LED Headlamps	Full LED	Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	LED
Fog Lamps	LED	LED
Roof Rails	Not Available	Yes
Alloy Wheel Design	19-inch GT Alloy	20-inch Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish	Not Available	Chrome Grille & Window Surround
Body Cladding	Not Available	Full Wheel Arch & Lower Cladding
Rear Spoiler	Rear Spoiler	Yes
Door Handle Finish	Chrome Finish	Body Coloured
Exterior Colour Options	Pearl White	Available
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	Mustang	Santa Fe
Tyre Size	255/40 R19	255/45 R20
Wheel Type	Alloy	Alloy
Front Brake Type	Brembo Ventilated Disc	Disc
Rear Brake Type	Brembo Ventilated Disc	Disc
Spare Wheel Type	Space Saver	Full Size
Front Brake Disc Diameter	300	Available
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	Mustang	Santa Fe
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Independent Multi-Link	Multi-Link
Chassis Type	Monocoque	Monocoque
Power Steering	Electric	Electric
Steering Column	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt
Front Spring Type	Coil Spring	Available
Front Anti-Roll Bar	Yes	Available
Rear Spring Type	Available	Available
Rear Anti-Roll Bar	Available	Available
Shock Absorber Type	Available	Available

Spec	Mustang	Santa Fe
Service Interval	10,000 km or 1 Year	15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost	Approx R7,000	R3,000 – R5,000 per service
Battery Warranty	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan	Optional	3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At	5000	15000
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	Mustang	Santa Fe
Warranty Years	3	5
Warranty Kilometers	100000	150000
Roadside Assistance	3 Years	5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty	6 Years	5 Years
Basic Warranty	Available	Available

Spec	Mustang	Santa Fe
CO2 Emissions	261	188
Start Stop System	Not Available	No
Hybrid System Type	Not Applicable	Conventional (ICE)
Noise Level	72	67 dB
Idle CO2 Output	2.0	Available
Fuel Octane Requirement	Unleaded 95 RON	Diesel
Particulate Filter	Available	Available
Euro Emission Standard	Available	Available
Green NCAP Rating	Available	Available
Fuel Evaporation Control	Available	Yes

Spec	Mustang	Santa Fe
Real-world City Mileage Min	6	Available
Real-world City Mileage Max	8	Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Min	9	Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Max	11	Available
Owner Review Count	11	Available

Spec	Mustang	Santa Fe
4WD System Type	Part-time 4WD	Full-Time 4WD
Approach Angle	25	25°
Departure Angle	23	24°
Wading Depth	600	300 mm
Terrain Modes	Available	Normal / Sport / Smart / Snow / Mud / Sand
Locking Differential	Available	No
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

So, Which One Should You Buy?

🏆 Hyundai Santa Fe wins with 71 pts vs 67 pts for Mustang

In structured scoring, Santa Fe emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Mustang 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: Mustang 5 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: Mustang 20, 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: Mustang 12, 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: Mustang 10, Santa Fe 16. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.

Performance scores: Mustang 20, 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 Mustang and Santa Fe in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: Mustang scores 20 vs 15.

Efficiency: Mustang scores 5 vs 0.

Safety: Mustang scores 20 vs 20.

Practicality: Mustang scores 10 vs 16.

Ownership: Mustang scores 12 vs 20.

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

Ford Mustang vs Hyundai Santa Fe

Ford Mustang

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

Mustang

The Bottom Line

Where They Actually Differ

Score Breakdown by Category

Santa Fe

Mustang

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

Mustang

Santa Fe

Which One's Right for You?

Mustang

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