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.
Current Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid hero image.Current Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid exterior view 1.Current Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid exterior view 2.
View 8 more Santa Fe Hybrid images
Current Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid exterior view 3.Current Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid exterior view 4.Current Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid exterior view 5.Current Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid interior view 1.Current Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid interior view 2.Current Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid interior view 3.Current Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid interior view 4.Current Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid interior view 5.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Santa Fe Hybrid
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
RX
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Santa Fe Hybrid
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
RX
Santa Fe Hybrid
Model Introduced Year
2023
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Fifth-generation Lexus RX luxury SUV
Current South African Santa Fe Hybrid listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
Current fifth-generation South African range with petrol, hybrid, performance-hybrid and plug-in-hybrid choices
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
Current fifth-generation South African range with petrol, hybrid, performance-hybrid and plug-in-hybrid choices
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Current
Body Style
SUV
Seven-seat SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
published
published
Segment
Luxury SUV
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1895-2005 kg
1980 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Color Note
-
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
Drivetrain Note
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.6T Hybrid Elite AWD 6AT
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Not Available
Alarm System
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front + Rear/ Buzzer + Light
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Standard
AEB
Standard
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
ELR,Pretensioner,Force Limiter,Tension Reducer -
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Front + Rear/ Buzzer + Light
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
TCS
Standard,,
Standard
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
-
Brake Override System
-
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Not Available
Spec
RX
Santa Fe Hybrid
Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor,Washer
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor,Washer
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Auto,Rainsensing,Time adjustable
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Standard
Reverse Camera
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor,Washer
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor,Washer
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert,Safe Exit Assist
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Not Available
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Spec
RX
Santa Fe Hybrid
Seat Material
F SPORT
Cloth
Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
-
Heated Seats
Standard Front and Rear
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Standard Front and Rear
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Not Applicable
Folding Rear Seats
40:20:40 - Power
-
Rear Armrest
Standard
-
Cup Holders
Standard 4
-
Steering Wheel Material
3 Spoke/ F SPORT,Heated
Not Applicable
Instrument Cluster Type
Standard TFT Colour
Digital instrument cluster
Driver Lumbar Support
Driver 2-way/ Passenger 2-way
-
60 40 Split Seat
40:20:40 - Power
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power// Driver Memory
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
F SPORT
Cloth
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
3
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
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.
Interior Colours
-
3
Spec
RX
Santa Fe Hybrid
Infotainment System
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
SYNC
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Standard 21
Not Available
Navigation System
Standard/ EMV
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard TFT Colour
Digital instrument cluster
USB Ports
Standard 5PCs
Not Available
Infotainment Screen Size
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
SYNC
Audio Speakers
Standard 21
Not Available
Audio System
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Standard 5PCs
-
Infotainment Screen
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
SYNC
Connected Services
Standard
SYNC
Touchscreen
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
-
Standard
Android Auto
-
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
-
Standard
Multi Information Display
-
Digital display
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Bluetooth
Spec
RX
Santa Fe Hybrid
LED Headlamps
Standard
Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard LED
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Standard LED
Not Available
Roof Rails
Standard
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
White Nova, Graphite Black GF, Opulent Blue, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Iridium, Sonic Copper
3
Headlights
Standard
Halogen
Panoramic Sunroof
Tilt & Slide,Panoramic
Not Available
Body Type
-
SUV
Led Headlights
Standard
Halogen
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Headlamps
Standard
Halogen
Headlight Type
Standard
Halogen
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
RX
Santa Fe Hybrid
Approach Angle
15.0 deg
Not Available
Departure Angle
24.0 deg
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Permanent all-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Approach Angle Deg
15.0 deg
-
Departure Angle Deg
24.0 deg
-
Ground Clearance Max
185 mm
177 mm
Ground Clearance Min
185 mm
177 mm
Wading Depth
-
Not Available
Terrain Modes
-
Not Available
Breakover Angle
-
Not Available
Spec
RX
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tyre Size
F:235-50R21 Alloy / R:235-50R21 Alloy
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Space Saver
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
21
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Electric
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
RX
Santa Fe Hybrid
Service Interval
12 months / 15,000km
15000 km / 12 months
Battery Warranty
-
4
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
-
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan Distance
-
3 Years / 45000 km
Alternator
-
120A
Service Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
RX
Santa Fe Hybrid
CO2 Emissions
197 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Hybrid
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Hybrid
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Spec
RX
Santa Fe Hybrid
Ownership Role
Private luxury, family and business
Flagship
Price Zar
1642900 ZAR
1249900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Flagship
Current listed price
Starting Price
1642900
1249900
Starting Price Zar
1642900
1249900
Spec
RX
Santa Fe Hybrid
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
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
In depth: how these cars differ
This RX and Santa Fe Hybrid 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: RX 85 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 72.
Efficiency index: RX 46 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 59.
Safety-equipment index: RX 93 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 89.
Practicality index: RX 75 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 73.
Ownership-cover index: RX not separately scored 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.
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
RX leads by 4 points
RX and Santa Fe Hybrid are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
RX +13
Efficiency
Santa Fe Hybrid +13
Safety
RX +4
Practicality
RX +2
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
RX
Performance
85/100
Efficiency
46/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
75/100
Santa Fe Hybrid
Performance
72/100
Efficiency
59/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
73/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLexus RX
leads the specification evidence index with 77 pts
vs 73 pts for Santa Fe Hybrid
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, RX leads. However, Santa Fe Hybrid 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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