A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vs BYD SEAL: the short answer
SEAL has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Santa Fe Hybrid remains close.
SEAL starts ZAR 242,000 cheaperSanta Fe Hybrid from ZAR 1,249,900 · SEAL from ZAR 1,007,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Maximum Power
Santa Fe Hybrid175.2 kW
SEAL390 kW
Maximum Torque
Santa Fe Hybrid367 Nm
SEAL670 Nm
Engine Size
Santa Fe Hybrid1598 cc
SEALNot Applicable
Combined Fuel Economy
Santa Fe Hybrid13.3 km/l
SEALNot Applicable
Ground Clearance
Santa Fe Hybrid177 mm
SEAL145 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
1.6T Hybrid Elite AWD 6AT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Santa Fe Hybrid
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Specification evidence leader
SEAL
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Santa Fe Hybrid
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
SEAL
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2024
Generation
Current South African Santa Fe Hybrid listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
First South African SEAL generation
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Seven-seat SUV
Sedan
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
-
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Active
Segment
SUV
Medium Sedan
Tare Mass Kg
1980 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Passenger vehicle
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Length
4830 mm
4800 mm
Width
1900 mm
1875 mm
Height
1770 mm
1460 mm
Wheelbase
2815 mm
2920 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
177 mm
145 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
120 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
0 l
Boot/Cargo Space
413 l
400 l
Kerb Weight
1980 kg
2185 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2675 kg
2631 kg
Payload Capacity
695 kg
446 kg
Towing Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
1500 kg
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
3 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
Not Officially Disclosed
5.7 m
Front Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
1000 mm
Rear Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
920 mm
Front Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
1110 mm
Rear Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
810 mm
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Front Suspension
Not Available
Double wishbone
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Multi-link
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Not Available
Automatic
Power Windows
Not Available
Standard
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Standard
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Wireless
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
2253 l
-
AC Type
Not Available
Automatic
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Engine Warranty
4
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
7.5
-
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Accelerator 0 100
9.5 sec
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Source Model Column
santa-fe-hybrid
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
Trim Level
flagship
-
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
-
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Engine
1.6-litre Turbocharged Petrol Hybrid
Dual-motor battery-electric powertrain
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Electric
Hybrid System
Self Charging Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1598 cc
Not Applicable
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
175.2 kW
390 kW
Maximum Torque
367 Nm
670 Nm
Combined Power
175.2 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Induction; Rear Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Number of Motors
Not Officially Disclosed
2
Motor Location
Not Officially Disclosed
Front + Rear
Drive Type
AWD
AWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
190 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
3.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
88.5 kW/tonne
178.5 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
306.6 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
82.56 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Officially Disclosed
LFP
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
550.4 V
Electric Range
Not Applicable
520 km (WLTP)
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
11 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
150 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
8 h 36 min (0-100%)
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
37 min (10-80%)
Regenerative Braking
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Gearbox
Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Drivetrain Layout
4WD / AWD
Front and rear electric drive units
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Available
Number of Gears
6
1
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Crystal gear shifter
Drivetrain
4WD / AWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Automatic electric all-wheel drive
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Single-speed reduction gear
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Active on-demand all-wheel drive
4x4
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Transmission Speeds
6
1
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Claimed Mileage
13.3 km/l
Not Applicable
City Mileage
10.7 km/l
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
15.5 km/l
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
13.3 km/l
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Type 2 AC; CCS2 DC
Charging Type
Not Applicable
AC and DC
Fuel Tank Litres
67
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
520 km (WLTP)
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
18.2 kWh/100 km (WLTP)
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
425 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
510 km
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Airbags
Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
9
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Applicable
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Standard
BA
Not Available
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Not Applicable
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Standard
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Park Assist
Not Available
Standard
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Standard
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Seat Material
Cloth
Synthetic leather
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Standard
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Standard
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Standard
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Synthetic leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital instrument cluster
-
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Electric adjustment
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Electric adjustment
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
-
Seat Trim
Cloth
Synthetic leather
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Infotainment System
SYNC
15.6-inch rotating touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Not Available
12
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument cluster
Full LCD instrument display
USB Ports
Not Available
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
15.6
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
15.6
Multi Information Display
Digital display
-
Connected Services
SYNC
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Bluetooth
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
15.6
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
LED Headlamps
Halogen
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
LED
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Rear fog lamp
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Applicable
Exterior Colour Options
3
Sky Black, Atlantis Gray, Aurora White, North Ice Blue, Rosemary Gray, Wind Grass Green
Body Type
SUV
-
Led Headlights
Halogen
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
3
-
Headlamps
Halogen
Standard
Headlight Type
Halogen
Standard
Headlights
Halogen
Standard
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Approach Angle
Not Available
13 deg
Departure Angle
Not Available
14 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Available
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Electric all-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
177 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
177 mm
-
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Tyre Size
Not Available
235/45 R19
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
19
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electronic parking brake
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Service Interval
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
5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Alternator
120A
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Warranty Years
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Warranty Kilometers
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
0 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Hybrid
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Hybrid
-
Particulate Filter
Not Available
-
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
SEAL
Ownership Role
Flagship
flagship all-wheel-drive derivative
Price Zar
1249900 ZAR
1211900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
flagship all-wheel-drive derivative
Starting Price
1249900
1211900
Starting Price Zar
1249900
1211900
In depth: how these cars differ
This Santa Fe Hybrid and SEAL comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Santa Fe Hybrid 72 vs SEAL 100.
Efficiency index: Santa Fe Hybrid 59 vs SEAL 90.
Safety-equipment index: Santa Fe Hybrid 89 vs SEAL 98.
Practicality index: Santa Fe Hybrid 73 vs SEAL 57.
Ownership-cover index: Santa Fe Hybrid 65 vs SEAL not separately scored.
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.
Model imagery
Santa Fe Hybrid and SEAL image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
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
SEAL leads by 13 points
SEAL has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Santa Fe Hybrid remains close.
Performance
SEAL +28
Efficiency
SEAL +31
Safety
SEAL +9
Practicality
Santa Fe Hybrid +16
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
SEAL
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
57/100
Santa Fe Hybrid
Performance
72/100
Efficiency
59/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
73/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBYD SEAL
leads the specification evidence index with 86 pts
vs 73 pts for Santa Fe Hybrid
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, SEAL 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 Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa 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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