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.
Tiggo 9 starts ZAR 560,000 cheaperSanta Fe Hybrid from ZAR 1,249,900 · Tiggo 9 from ZAR 689,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
Maximum Power
175.2 kW
187 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
367 Nm
390 Nm
Engine Size
1598 cc
2000 cc
Claimed Mileage
13.3 km/l
12.0 km/l
Ground Clearance
177 mm
147 mm
Boot / Load Bay
413 l
448 l
Airbags
Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
Multiple airbags
Kerb Weight
1980 kg
-
Seating Capacity
-
-
Warranty
5
7 Year / 200 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Tiggo 9 holds a noticeable edge over Santa Fe Hybrid, especially in key ownership areas.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Tiggo 9
+8 pts
Efficiency
Santa Fe Hybrid
+12 pts
Safety
Tiggo 9
+66 pts
Practicality
Equal
Ownership
Tiggo 9
+4 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Santa Fe Hybrid
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
Tiggo 9
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Highway Driving
Which One's Right for You?
Santa Fe Hybrid
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Tiggo 9
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
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 South Africa Tiggo 9 range
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.
Current South Africa version listed by official source
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
2026
Production Status
published
active
Segment
SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1980 kg
Not Available
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
Drivetrain Layout
4WD / AWD
AWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Standard
Gearbox
Automatic
7 DCT
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
7
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Automatic clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Standard
Drivetrain
4WD / AWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Available
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Standard
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
7 DCT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Active on-demand all-wheel drive
AWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
7
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Electric
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
Claimed Mileage
13.3 km/l
12.0 km/l
City Mileage
10.9 km/l
Not Available
Highway Mileage
15.4 km/l
Not Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
65 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro VIb
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Standard
Average Fuel Consumption
7.5 l/100km
8.3 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
7.5 l/100km
8.3 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
7.5 l/100km
8.3 l/100km
Real-world Mileage
13.3 km/l
12.0 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
7.5 l/100km
8.3 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
7.5 l/100km
8.3 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
7.5 l/100km
8.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
67
65
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
Airbags
Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
Multiple airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
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
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Standard
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Standard
Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
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
Not Available
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
Tiggo 9
Seat Material
Cloth
Leatherette / leather
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Standard
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Standard
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Standard
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital instrument cluster
-
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Power
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Power
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
Leatherette / leather
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Available
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
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
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
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 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
-
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
2253 l
2065 l
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
Length
4830 mm
4810 mm
Width
1900 mm
1925 mm
Height
1770 mm
1741 mm
Wheelbase
2815 mm
2800 mm
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Payload Capacity
695 kg
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
65 l
Kerb Weight
1980 kg
-
Ground Clearance (Default)
177 mm
147 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
413 l
448 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2675 kg
-
Seating Capacity
7 seats
7 seats
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
Engine
1.6-litre Turbocharged Petrol Hybrid
2-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Petrol injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
AWD
AWD
Top Speed
190 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Eco, Normal, Sport
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Displacement
1598 cc
2000 cc
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
7-Speed DCT
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Petrol
Maximum Power
175.2 kW
187 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
367 Nm
390 Nm
Motor Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Hybrid System
Self Charging Hybrid
Not Applicable
Combined Power
175.2 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
88.5 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Not Available
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument cluster
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Infotainment System
SYNC
Touchscreen infotainment
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Multi Information Display
Digital display
-
Connected Services
SYNC
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Bluetooth
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
USB Ports
Not Available
Front and rear USB where listed
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
LED Headlamps
Halogen
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
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
-
Exterior Colour Options
3
White, black, grey, silver, blue, green and other official Chery market colours by model.
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Standard
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
AWD / 4WD as listed
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
177 mm
147 mm
Ground Clearance Min
177 mm
147 mm
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
Tyre Size
Not Available
20-inch alloy
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
20-inch alloy
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electronic parking brake
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
Front Suspension
Not Available
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Multi-link
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Available
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
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 Year / 75 000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
5 Year / 75 000 km
Alternator
120A
-
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
5 Year / 75 000 km
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
Warranty Years
5
7 Year / 200 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5
7 Year / 200 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
7 Year / 200 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
7 Year / 200 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
197 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Hybrid
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Hybrid
Petrol
Particulate Filter
Not Available
-
Spec
Santa Fe Hybrid
Tiggo 9
Ownership Role
Flagship
flagship or capability-focused
Price Source
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Official model page price card
Price Zar
1249900 ZAR
779900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
flagship or capability-focused
Starting Price
1249900
689900
Starting Price Zar
1249900
689900
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Tiggo 9 leads by 15 points
Tiggo 9 holds a noticeable edge over Santa Fe Hybrid, especially in key ownership areas.
Performance
Tiggo 9 +8
Efficiency
Santa Fe Hybrid +12
Safety
Tiggo 9 +66
Practicality
Level
Ownership
Tiggo 9 +4
Moderate difference between the models.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Tiggo 9
Performance
80/100
Efficiency
47/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
73/100
Ownership
69/100
Santa Fe Hybrid
Performance
72/100
Efficiency
59/100
Safety
28/100
Practicality
73/100
Ownership
65/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Chery Tiggo 9
wins with 74 pts
vs 59 pts for Santa Fe Hybrid
In structured scoring, Tiggo 9 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 Tiggo 9 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 59 vs Tiggo 9 47. 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, Tiggo 9 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, Tiggo 9 69. 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 73, Tiggo 9 73. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Santa Fe Hybrid 72, Tiggo 9 80. 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 Tiggo 9 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Tiggo 9 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 Tiggo 9 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Santa Fe Hybrid scores 72 vs 80.
Efficiency: Santa Fe Hybrid scores 59 vs 47.
Safety: Santa Fe Hybrid scores 28 vs 94.
Practicality: Santa Fe Hybrid scores 73 vs 73.
Ownership: Santa Fe Hybrid scores 65 vs 69.
Final structured scoring gives Tiggo 9
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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