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.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
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 EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
NX
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Santa Fe
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
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
NX
Santa Fe
Model Introduced Year
2023
2001
Generation
Second-generation Lexus NX mid-size luxury SUV
Fifth generation Santa Fe on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; 'Sensuous Sportiness' design with distinctive parametric LED lighting signature
Facelift History
Current South African range includes petrol, self-charging hybrid and plug-in-hybrid derivatives
Fifth generation launched in SA in 2022; significant styling and interior quality upgrade; distinctive boxy design language with vertical lighting
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African range includes petrol, self-charging hybrid and plug-in-hybrid derivatives
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Not confirmed
Body Style
SUV
Not confirmed
Model Year
2026
Not confirmed
Production Status
published
Not confirmed
Segment
Luxury SUV
Not confirmed
Tare Mass Kg
1760-1860 kg
1980 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
Not confirmed
Spec
NX
Santa Fe
Length
4660 mm
4830 mm
Width
1865 mm
1900 mm
Height
1670 mm
1750 mm
Wheelbase
2690 mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
195 mm
188 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
67 l
Boot/Cargo Space
520 l
703 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2370 kg
Not confirmed
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
Not confirmed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.8 m
Not confirmed
Kerb Weight
-
1980 kg
Spec
NX
Santa Fe
Front Track Width
1605 mm
Not confirmed
Rear Track Width
1625 mm
Not confirmed
Front Suspension
MacPherson -
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Double Wishbone -
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson -
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Double Wishbone -
Multi-Link
Spec
NX
Santa Fe
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Auto Dual zone
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
All/ All One Touch
All
Keyless Entry
Standard Smart Entry
Yes
Push Button Start
Push Start
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
15W Wireless
Sunroof
Tilt & Slide,Panoramic
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Standard Power and Handsfree
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
No
AC Type
Auto Dual zone
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Heads Up Display
Standard
Not confirmed
Air Conditioning
Auto Dual zone
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
No
Rear Window Defroster
-
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
-
12V
Boot Opener
-
Inside
Door Ajar Warning
-
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
Yes
Engine Check Warning
-
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Push Start
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Push Start
Yes
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Front Power Outlet
-
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
-
Inside
Headlamp Height Adjust
-
Manual
Headlamp Washer
-
No
Power Mirrors
-
Yes
Push Button Start
Push Start
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
-
Yes
Service Reminder
-
Yes
Spare Wheel
-
Steel
Tachometer
-
Yes
Telescopic Steering
-
No
Tilt Steering
-
Yes
Trip Computer
-
Yes
Vanity Mirror
-
Yes
Rim Size
20
20-inch Alloy
Sound System
Standard 17
8 Meridian Premium
Unlocking
Standard Smart Entry
Yes
Wireless Charger
Standard
15W Wireless
Spec
NX
Santa Fe
Engine
2.4-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
2400 cc
2199 cc
Cylinders
4
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
Petrol SFI + D-4ST
Common Rail Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
87.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
99.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
205 kW @ 6000 rpm
147 kW @ 3800 rpm
Maximum Torque
430 Nm
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
AWD
AWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
200 km/h
205 km/h
0-100 km/h
7.0 sec
8.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Standard Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport S+
Eco, Normal
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
74.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
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
NX
Santa Fe
Gearbox
Automatic 8-speed
8-speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
HTRAC AWD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Yes
Number of Gears
8
Not confirmed
Transmission Type
Automatic 8-speed
Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Not confirmed
Drivetrain
AWD
Not confirmed
4WD Engagement
Permanent all-wheel drive
Not confirmed
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not confirmed
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Gearbox Type
Automatic 8-speed
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Axle Layout
AWD
Not confirmed
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Transmission Speeds
8
Not confirmed
Engine Position
-
Front
LSD Available
-
Yes
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Spec
NX
Santa Fe
Claimed Mileage
12.3 km/l
13.8 km/l
City Mileage
9.9 km/l
11.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
14.5 km/l
17.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
67 l
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not confirmed
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Fuel Tank Litres
55
67
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Emission Standard
-
Euro 6
Distance To Empty
-
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
-
Yes
Spec
NX
Santa Fe
Airbags
Side,Curtain,Driver,Passenger,Driver Knee
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard,,
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard 2
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Yes
Alarm System
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Not confirmed
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front + Rear/ Buzzer + Light
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Not confirmed
AEB
Standard
Yes
BA
Standard
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not confirmed
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
ELR,Pretensioner,Force Limiter,Tension Reducer -
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Front + Rear/ Buzzer + Light
Not confirmed
Side Airbags
Standard
Not confirmed
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard,,
Yes
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not confirmed
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Anti Theft Alarm
Siren/ Glass Break Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Not confirmed
Central Locking
-
Yes
Speed Alert System
-
Yes
Safety Rating
-
Not Rated (SA)
Spec
NX
Santa Fe
Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
Yes
Parking Sensors
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not confirmed
Auto Wipers
Auto,Rainsensing
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Not confirmed
Reverse Camera
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Yes
Around View Monitor
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Not confirmed
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
No
Auto Lights
-
Yes
Eco Mode
-
Yes
EV Mode
-
No
Sport Mode
-
No
Spec
NX
Santa Fe
Seat Material
F SPORT
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Power 8-way
Heated Seats
Standard Driver and Passenger only
Front & 2nd Row
Ventilated Seats
Standard Front only
Front
Folding Rear Seats
60:40 -
3rd Row Fold Flat
Rear Armrest
Standard
No
Cup Holders
Standard 4
4
Steering Wheel Material
3 Spoke/ F SPORT
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Standard TFT
Analogue + MID
Driver Lumbar Support
Driver 2-way,Power
Not confirmed
60 40 Split Seat
60:40 -
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Not confirmed
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Not confirmed
Seat Trim
F SPORT
Not confirmed
Steering Type
-
Electric
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt & Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
-
64-Colour Ambient
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Door Map Pockets
-
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
-
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
-
Manual
Cooled Seats
-
No
Fabric Seats
-
Yes
Front Headrest
-
Yes
Leather Seats
-
No
Memory Seats
-
No
Rear Headrest
-
Yes
Spec
NX
Santa Fe
Infotainment System
Mark Levinson/ EMV
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
Standard 17
8 Meridian Premium
Navigation System
Standard/ EMV
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard TFT
12.3-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
Standard 5PCs
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Infotainment Screen Size
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Not confirmed
Audio Speakers
Standard 17
8 Meridian Premium
Audio System
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Not confirmed
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Standard 5PCs
Not confirmed
Infotainment Screen
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Not confirmed
Connected Services
Standard
Not confirmed
Touchscreen
Mark Levinson/ EMV
Not confirmed
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Yes
FM Radio
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Yes
Voice Recognition
-
Yes
AUX Input
-
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
-
Yes
Infotainment Display
-
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
-
Yes
Spec
NX
Santa Fe
LED Headlamps
Standard
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Standard LED
LED
Roof Rails
Standard
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
White Nova, Sonic Titanium, Solar Storm Red, Poseidon Blue, Graphite Black GF, Terrane Khaki, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Copper
Not confirmed
Headlights
Standard
Full LED Parametric
Panoramic Sunroof
Tilt & Slide,Panoramic
Not confirmed
Alloy Wheel Design
-
20-inch Alloy
Rear Spoiler
-
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
-
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
-
Yes
Door Handle Finish
-
Body Coloured
Body Type
-
SUV
DRL
Standard LED
LED
Fog Lights
-
Yes
Front Fog Lights
-
Yes
Led Headlights
Standard
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lights
Standard LED
LED
Exterior Mirror Electric
-
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
Standard LED
LED
Headlamps
Standard
Full LED Parametric
Headlight Type
Standard
Full LED Parametric
Spec
NX
Santa Fe
Approach Angle
15.0 deg
Not confirmed
Departure Angle
25.0 deg
Not confirmed
Terrain Modes
Standard
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
4WD System Type
Permanent all-wheel drive
Not confirmed
Approach Angle Deg
15.0 deg
Not confirmed
Departure Angle Deg
25.0 deg
Not confirmed
Ground Clearance Max
195 mm
188 mm
Ground Clearance Min
195 mm
188 mm
Ramp Breakover Angle
-
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Not Available
Spec
NX
Santa Fe
Tyre Size
F:235-50RF R20 / R:235-50RF R20
255/45 R20
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Wheel Rim Size
20
20-inch Alloy
Handbrake Type
Electric
Not confirmed
Wheel Type
-
20-inch Alloy
Spare Wheel Type
-
Steel
Parking Brake Type
-
Manual
Tyre Load Index
-
91
Tyre Speed Rating
-
H
Brake Type Front
-
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
-
Disc
Spare Tyre
-
Steel
Tyre Type
-
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Diameter
20
20-inch Alloy
Wheels
-
20-inch Alloy
Spec
NX
Santa Fe
Service Interval
12 months / 15,000km
15000 km / 12 months
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
-
4
Service Plan Distance
-
4
Alternator
-
120A
Service Plan
-
4
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
NX
Santa Fe
CO2 Emissions
185 g/km
188 g/km
Start Stop System
-
No
Variable Valve Timing
-
Yes
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Fuel Evaporation Control
-
Yes
Spec
NX
Santa Fe
Ownership Role
Private luxury, family and business
Not confirmed
Price Zar
1276500 ZAR
Not confirmed
Pricing Role
Flagship
Not confirmed
Starting Price
1276500
Not confirmed
Starting Price Zar
1276500
Not confirmed
Spec
NX
Santa Fe
Warranty
7 years / 105,000km
5
Warranty Years
7 years / 105,000km
5
Warranty Kilometers
7 years / 105,000km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 Years
Basic Warranty
7 years / 105,000km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
In depth: how these cars differ
This NX 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: NX 86 vs Santa Fe 74.
Efficiency index: NX 49 vs Santa Fe 55.
Safety-equipment index: NX 93 vs Santa Fe 98.
Practicality index: NX 65 vs Santa Fe 89.
Ownership-cover index: NX not separately scored 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 3 points
NX and Santa Fe are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
NX +12
Efficiency
Santa Fe +6
Safety
Santa Fe +5
Practicality
Santa Fe +24
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
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
NX
Performance
86/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexHyundai Santa Fe
leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts
vs 75 pts for NX
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Santa Fe leads. However, NX 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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