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.
T1 i-DM starts ZAR 1249900 cheaperSanta Fe Hybrid from ZAR 1,249,900 · T1 i-DM from ZAR 689,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Engine Power
Not Applicable
100
Torque
367
220
Engine Size
1598
1499
Claimed Mileage
7.5
1.1
Ground Clearance
177 mm
190
Boot Space
Not Applicable
574
Airbags
Not Available
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
Kerb Weight
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Seating Capacity
7
Not Applicable
Warranty
5
-
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Both Santa Fe Hybrid and T1 i-DM are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Santa Fe Hybrid
+20 pts
Efficiency
Santa Fe Hybrid
+12 pts
Safety
T1 i-DM
+66 pts
Practicality
Santa Fe Hybrid
+11 pts
Ownership
T1 i-DM
+12 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Santa Fe Hybrid
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less comprehensive safety features
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
🏆 Overall Winner
T1 i-DM
Strengths
Stronger safety package
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Santa Fe Hybrid
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
T1 i-DM
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2026
Generation
Current South African Santa Fe Hybrid listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Current local listing
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.
Not listed by current South African source page.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Seven-seat 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
-
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
published
Active
Segment
SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Ground Clearance
177 mm
190 mm
Wheelbase
2815 mm
2800 mm
Length
4830 mm
4705 mm
Width
1900 mm
1967 mm
Height
1770 mm
1843 mm
Kerb Weight
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gross Vehicle Weight
Not Applicable
2348 kg
Seating Capacity
7
Not Applicable
Boot Space
Not Applicable
574 l
Towing Capacity
Not Applicable
1600 kg
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
1690 mm
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
1700 mm
Turning Radius
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Legroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Legroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Headroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Headroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
1455 l
Number of Doors
5
Not Applicable
Max Payload
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Volume
Not Applicable
574 l
Doors
5
Not Applicable
Seats
7
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
70 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
Not Applicable
2348 kg
Ground Clearance Max
177 mm
190 mm
Ground Clearance Min
177 mm
190 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
177 mm
190 mm
Height Mm
1770 mm
1843 mm
Length Mm
4830 mm
4705 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Payload Kg
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Cargo Volume
Not Applicable
574 l
Tare Mass Kg
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Turning Circle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Turning Circle M
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Width Mm
1900 mm
1967 mm
Gross Combined Mass Kg
-
3948 kg
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Engine
1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid
1.5TD hybrid-dedicated engine
Engine Type
1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid
1.5TD hybrid-dedicated engine
Displacement
1598 cc
1499 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
4
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
4
Power
Not Applicable
100 kW
Power @ RPM
Not Applicable
5200
Torque
367 Nm
220 Nm
Torque @ RPM
Not Applicable
2500
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Turbocharger
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Top Speed
190 km/h
>180 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
12:1
Cylinder Bore
Not Applicable
72 mm
Piston Stroke
Not Applicable
92 mm
Engine Code
Not Applicable
SQRH4J15
Power
Not Applicable
134 bhp
Fuel Grade Required
Hybrid
Hybrid
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Aspiration
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Type Config
1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid
Not Applicable
0–100 km/h
9.5 sec
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1598 cc
1499 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
1.6 l
1.5 l
Acceleration 0 100
9.5 sec
Not Applicable
Engine Config
1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Cylinders
Not Applicable
4
Engine Displacement Cc
1598 cc
1499 cc
Engine Power kW
Not Applicable
100 kW
Engine Torque Nm
367 Nm
220 Nm
Engine Valves
Not Applicable
4
Induction
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Max Power kW
Not Applicable
100 kW
Max Torque Nm
367 Nm
220 Nm
Maximum Power
Not Applicable
100 kW
Maximum Torque
367 Nm
220 Nm
Power kW Rpm
Not Applicable
5200
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
System Output
175.2
-
Torque Nm Rpm
Not Applicable
2500
Turbo Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Capacity
-
18.4
AC Charging Time
-
6.6kW AC 30-100% in 180 minutes
EV Range
-
100 km
Combined System Power
-
250
Combined System Torque
-
530
Motor Power
-
150
Motor Torque
-
310
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
4WD / AWD
2WD
Drivetrain Layout
4WD / AWD
2WD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6 km/h
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
4WD / AWD
2WD
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
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 Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4WD / AWD
2WD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6 km/h
Not Applicable
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Claimed Mileage
7.5 km/l
1.1 km/l
City Mileage
6.1 km/l
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
8.7 km/l
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
70 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
VI B
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Average Fuel Consumption
13.3 l/100km
1.1 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
13.3 l/100km
1.1 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
13.3 l/100km
1.1 l/100km
Real-world Mileage
7.5 km/l
1.1 km/l
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Time AC Full
Not Applicable
6.6kW AC 30-100% in 180 minutes
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
Not Applicable
50kW DC 30-80% in 27 minutes
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
13.3 l/100km
1.1 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
13.3 l/100km
1.1 l/100km
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Economy Combined
13.3 l/100km
1.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
67 l
70 l
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Hybrid
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
1200
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
21
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Wltp
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Airbags
Not Available
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Yes
Brake Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and rear
AEB
Not Available
Yes
BA
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
-
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Not Available
Side Airbags
Not Available
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Cruise Control
Standard
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
-
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
-
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
-
Auto Wipers
Not Available
-
Drive Modes
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Not Available
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Park Assist
Not Available
-
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Seat Material
Cloth
Black synthetic leather with orange stitching
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
-
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Front seats
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Multi
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
-
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital instrument cluster
-
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Driver 6-way electric with ventilation, lumbar support and memory; passenger 4-way electric with ventilation and leg rest
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Driver 6-way electric with ventilation, lumbar support and memory; passenger 4-way electric with ventilation and leg rest
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 Capacity
7
-
Seat Count
7
-
Seat Trim
Cloth
Black synthetic leather with orange stitching
Seat Adjustment
-
Driver 6-way electric with ventilation, lumbar support and memory; passenger 4-way electric with ventilation and leg rest
Rear AC Vents
-
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Climate Control
Not Available
Dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
Not Available
-
Keyless Entry
Not Available
-
Push Button Start
Not Available
-
Wireless Charging
Wireless
50W
Sunroof
Not Available
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
-
AC Type
Not Available
Dual-zone climate control
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Engine Warranty
4
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
Fuel Consumption Combined
13.3
1.1
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Not Applicable
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Launch Control
Not Available
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Not Available
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
7-year/75,000 km service plan
Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
Valves Per Cylinder
Not Applicable
1
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 Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
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
-
Automatic Headlamps
-
Yes
Rear Seat Split
-
60/40
Roof Load
-
300kg static / 100kg dynamic kg
Towbar
-
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
15.6-inch
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
Not Available
9 Sony speakers
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument cluster
10.25-inch
USB Ports
Not Available
-
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
15.6-inch
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
15.6-inch
Multi Information Display
Digital display
-
Connected Services
SYNC
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Bluetooth
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
15.6-inch
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Wireless
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
LED Headlamps
Halogen
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Yes
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Yes
Roof Rails
Not Available
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
3
See OEM source page for colour availability.
Body Type
SUV
-
Led Headlights
Halogen
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
3
-
Headlamps
Halogen
Yes
Headlight Type
Halogen
Yes
Headlights
Halogen
Yes
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Approach Angle
Not Available
-
Departure Angle
Not Available
-
Wading Depth
Not Available
-
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
4WD / AWD
2WD
Breakover Angle
Not Available
-
Underbody Protection
-
Metal guard plate for front compartment
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Tyre Size
Not Available
235/60 R19
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc brake
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Solid disc brake
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
-
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
19
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Wheelbase Mm
2815 mm
2800 mm
Towing Braked Kg
-
1600 kg
Towing Unbraked Kg
-
750 kg
Wheel Material
-
Alloy
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Front Suspension
Not Available
MacPherson strut suspension
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Multi-link independent suspension
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Battery Warranty
4
8-year/160,000 km battery warranty
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
7-year/75,000 km service plan
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
7-year/75,000 km service plan
Alternator
120A
-
Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Warranty Years
5
7-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty
Warranty Kilometers
5
7-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
7-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
7-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
25 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Hybrid
Plug-in Hybrid
Fuel Octane Requirement
Hybrid
Hybrid
Particulate Filter
Not Available
-
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
T1 i-DM
Ownership Role
Flagship
South Africa market model
Price Source
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Performance
Santa Fe Hybrid +20
Efficiency
Santa Fe Hybrid +12
Safety
T1 i-DM +66
Practicality
Santa Fe Hybrid +11
Ownership
T1 i-DM +12
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
T1 i-DM
Performance
45/100
Efficiency
29/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
69/100
Ownership
77/100
Santa Fe Hybrid
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
41/100
Safety
28/100
Practicality
80/100
Ownership
65/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Jetour T1 i-DM
wins with 63 pts
vs 56 pts for Santa Fe Hybrid
In structured scoring, T1 i-DM emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Santa Fe Hybrid may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the T1 i-DM 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: Santa Fe Hybrid 41 vs T1 i-DM 29. 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: Santa Fe Hybrid 28, T1 i-DM 94. 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: Santa Fe Hybrid 65, T1 i-DM 77. 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: Santa Fe Hybrid 80, T1 i-DM 69. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Santa Fe Hybrid 65, T1 i-DM 45. 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 T1 i-DM edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The T1 i-DM 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 Santa Fe Hybrid and T1 i-DM in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Santa Fe Hybrid scores 65 vs 45.
Efficiency: Santa Fe Hybrid scores 41 vs 29.
Safety: Santa Fe Hybrid scores 28 vs 94.
Practicality: Santa Fe Hybrid scores 80 vs 69.
Ownership: Santa Fe Hybrid scores 65 vs 77.
Final structured scoring gives T1 i-DM
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
Get Best Price
We'll Contact You
Fill in your details and a dedicated executive will reach out shortly.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
An executive will contact you shortly. Thank you for your interest.
