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 an archived model
Current and archived cars are compared side by side. Archived models keep their verified historical specs, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Sportage starts ZAR 899900 cheaperSanta Fe from ZAR 899,900 · Sportage from ZAR 662,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Engine Power
147 kW
132 kW
Torque
440 Nm
265 Nm
Engine Size
2199 cc
1591 cc
Claimed Mileage
13.8 km/l
13.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
188 mm
181 mm
Boot / Load Bay
703 l
466 l
Airbags
7
7
Kerb Weight
1980 kg
1570 kg
Seating Capacity
7
5
Warranty
5
7 Years / 150,000 km
= leads in this spec
Archived models stay fully comparable. Verified specs remain visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
Both Santa Fe and Sportage are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Santa Fe
+17 pts
Efficiency
Sportage
+4 pts
Safety
Sportage
+1 pts
Practicality
Santa Fe
+24 pts
Ownership
Sportage
+6 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Santa Fe
Strengths
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Sportage
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Santa Fe
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Sportage
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Model Introduced Year
2001
2022
Generation
Fifth generation Santa Fe on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; 'Sensuous Sportiness' design with distinctive parametric LED lighting signature
Fifth generation (NQ5); global launch 2021, SA 2022
Facelift History
Fifth generation launched in SA in 2022; significant styling and interior quality upgrade; distinctive boxy design language with vertical lighting
Fifth generation (NQ5) launched SA 2022; no facelift yet
Facelift Launched Since
2022
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Current
Body Style
Not confirmed
SUV
Model Year
Not confirmed
2026
Production Status
Not confirmed
published
Segment
Not confirmed
SUV
Vehicle Type
Not confirmed
SUV
Drivetrain Note
Not confirmed
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2WD 1.6T-GDI GT-Line S DCT
Dealer Stock Note
Not confirmed
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Color Note
Not confirmed
Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Blue, Steel Grey, Intense Red, Glacial White Pearl, Interstellar Grey
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Ground Clearance
188 mm
181 mm
Wheelbase
2815 mm
2680 mm
Length
4830 mm
4515 mm
Width
1900 mm
1865 mm
Height
1750 mm
1660 mm
Kerb Weight
1980 kg
1570 kg
Seating Capacity
7
5
Boot Space
703 l
466 l
Load Bed Length
703 l
466 l
Load Bed Width
Not confirmed
-
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Volume
703 l
466 l
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
54 l
Ground Clearance Max
188 mm
181 mm
Ground Clearance Min
188 mm
181 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
188 mm
181 mm
Height Mm
1750 mm
1660 mm
Length Mm
4830 mm
4515 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
703 l
466 l
Loadbox Width Mm
Not confirmed
-
Cargo Volume
703 l
466 l
Tare Mass Kg
1980 kg
1570 kg
Width Mm
1900 mm
1865 mm
Front Track Width
Not confirmed
1601 mm
Rear Track Width
Not confirmed
1608 mm
Turning Circle
Not confirmed
10.8 m
Turning Radius
Not confirmed
10.8 m
Front Overhang
Not confirmed
880 mm
Gross Vehicle Weight
Not confirmed
2080 kg
Towing Capacity
Not confirmed
1500 kg
Front Headroom
Not confirmed
1010 mm
Rear Headroom
Not confirmed
955 mm
Front Legroom
Not confirmed
1040 mm
Rear Legroom
Not confirmed
855 mm
Front Shoulder Room
Not confirmed
1405 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
Not confirmed
1350 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not confirmed
1455 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
Not confirmed
2080 kg
Turning Circle M
Not confirmed
10.8 m
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not confirmed
1455 l
Max Payload
Not confirmed
-
Payload Kg
Not confirmed
-
Rear Overhang
Not confirmed
760 mm
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Engine
2.2 R-Series CRDi Diesel
1.6 T-GDI G4FJ Inline-4 Petrol Turbo
Engine Type
Diesel
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbopetrol
Displacement
2199 cc
1591 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Power
147 kW
132 kW
Power @ RPM
3800
5,500 rpm
Torque
440 Nm
265 Nm
Torque @ RPM
1750
1,500 rpm
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Gasoline Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Yes
Yes
Top Speed
205 km/h
198 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.5 sec
8.5 sec
Engine Position
Front
Front Transverse
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
95 Octane
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
CVVT
Engine Type Config
Inline
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbopetrol
Engine Displacement
2199 cc
1591 cc
Engine Cylinders
4
4
Engine Displacement Cc
2199 cc
1591 cc
Engine Power kW
147 kW
132 kW
Engine Torque Nm
440 Nm
265 Nm
Max Power kW
147 kW
132 kW
Max Torque Nm
440 Nm
265 Nm
Torque Nm Rpm
1750
1,500 rpm
Engine Code
Not confirmed
G4FJ
Cylinder Layout
Not confirmed
Inline 4 (I4)
Induction
Not confirmed
Turbocharged
Cylinder Bore
Not confirmed
77.0 mm
Piston Stroke
Not confirmed
85.4 mm
Compression Ratio
Not confirmed
9.5:1
Engine Oil Capacity
Not confirmed
4.5 l
Power
Not confirmed
177 bhp
Maximum Engine RPM
Not confirmed
6,500 rpm
0–100 km/h
8.5 sec
8.5 sec
Maximum Power
147 kW
132 kW
Maximum Torque
440 Nm
265 Nm
Engine Config
Not confirmed
1.6 T-GDI G4FJ Inline-4 Petrol Turbo
Engine Valves
Not confirmed
16
Power kW Rpm
3800
5,500 rpm
Acceleration 0 100
8.5 sec
8.5 sec
Turbo Type
Not confirmed
Turbocharged
Power Assisted Steering
Not confirmed
Electric Power Assisted
Battery Capacity
Not confirmed
-
Charging Port
Not confirmed
-
AC Charging Time
Not confirmed
-
EV Range
Not confirmed
-
Motor Position
Not confirmed
-
Motor Power
Not confirmed
-
Motor Torque
Not confirmed
-
Motor Type
Not confirmed
-
System Output
Not confirmed
-
Combined System Power
Not confirmed
-
Combined System Torque
Not confirmed
-
Engine Displacement Litres
2199 cc
1591 cc
Valves per Cylinder
Not confirmed
16
Engine Aspiration
Not confirmed
Turbocharged
Power Sliding Doors
Not confirmed
No
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
HTRAC AWD
FWD
LSD Available
Yes
No
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
Not confirmed
7 km/h
Clutch Type
Not confirmed
Dry Dual Clutch
Final Drive Ratio
Not confirmed
3.63
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
FWD
Differential Lock
Not confirmed
No
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Not confirmed
15.2:1
Transmission Speeds
Not confirmed
7 km/h
Axle Layout
All-Wheel Drive
FWD
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not confirmed
Yes
4WD Engagement
Not confirmed
-
4WD Hi Range
Not confirmed
-
4WD Lo Range
Not confirmed
-
Transfer Case
Not confirmed
-
Transfer Case Guard
Not confirmed
-
Low Range
Not confirmed
-
Front Differential Lock
Not confirmed
-
Rear Differential Lock
Not confirmed
-
4WD Selector
Not confirmed
-
Differential Type Front
Not confirmed
-
Differential Type Rear
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Claimed Mileage
13.8 km/l
13.9 km/l
City Mileage
11.0 km/l
11.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
17.5 km/l
16.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
54 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
7.2 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Yes
7.2 l/100km
Distance To Empty
Yes
-
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Yes
7.2 l/100km
Combined Consumption
Yes
7.2 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
Yes
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
Yes
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
67 l
54 l
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not confirmed
No
Fuel Consumption Urban
Not confirmed
9.1 l/100km
Real-world Mileage
13.8 km/l
13.9 km/l
Auto Start Stop
Not confirmed
Yes
Fuel Type
Not confirmed
Petrol
Low Range Ratio
Not confirmed
-
Charging Port Type
Not confirmed
-
Charging Time AC Full
Not confirmed
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
Not confirmed
-
DC Charging Power
Not confirmed
-
Electric Consumption
Not confirmed
-
Charging Type
Not confirmed
-
Combined Driving Range
Not confirmed
-
Range Real World Highway
Not confirmed
-
Range Real World Mixed
Not confirmed
-
Range Wltp
Not confirmed
-
Fuel Consumption Extra Urban
Not confirmed
6.0 l/100km
AC Charging Power
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Airbags
7
7
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
5
BA
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Not confirmed
Yes
Side Airbags
Not confirmed
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Not confirmed
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not confirmed
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Not confirmed
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Not confirmed
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
AEB
Yes
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Not confirmed
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Not confirmed
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Yes
Alarm System
Not confirmed
Yes
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
ESC With Traction Control
Not confirmed
Yes
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
Not confirmed
7
Driver Passenger Airbags
Not confirmed
7
Anti Theft Alarm
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
No
Yes
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
Yes
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
No
No
Sport Mode
No
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not confirmed
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not confirmed
Yes
Reversing Camera
Not confirmed
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Yes
Park Assist
Not confirmed
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Emergency Braking
Not confirmed
Yes
Pre-Collision System
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear View Camera
Not confirmed
Yes
Reverse Camera Type
Not confirmed
Yes
Surround View Camera
Yes
Yes
Parking Distance Sensors
Not confirmed
Yes
Parking Sensor
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Camera
Not confirmed
Yes
Automatic High Beam
Not confirmed
Yes
Rain Sensor Wipers
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power 8-way
8-Way Power
Heated Seats
Front & 2nd Row
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Front
Yes
Steering Type
Electric
Yes
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
64-Colour Ambient
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
3rd Row Fold Flat
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Armrest
Rear Armrest
No
Yes
Cup Holders
4
4
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
Digital
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
8-Way Power
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
4-Way Power
Cooled Seats
No
Yes
Fabric Seats
Yes
No
Front Headrest
Yes
Adjustable
Leather Seats
No
Yes
Memory Seats
No
Yes
Rear Headrest
Yes
Adjustable
Rear USB Ports
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear AC Vents
Not confirmed
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
8-Way Power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
4-Way Power
Driver Lumbar Support
Not confirmed
Yes
Interior Colour Options
Not confirmed
Black
Cargo Space
Not confirmed
466
Boot Space Seats Up
Not confirmed
466
Boot Space Seats Down
Not confirmed
1455
Seat Count
Not confirmed
5
Seat Capacity
Not confirmed
5
Seat Belt Warning
Not confirmed
Yes
Seat Trim
Not confirmed
Leather
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Not confirmed
Leather
Driver Seat
Not confirmed
8-Way Power
Seat Fold Type
Not confirmed
Yes
Armrest Front
Not confirmed
Centre Armrest
Armrest Rear
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
Not confirmed
Yes
Interior Colours
Not confirmed
Black
Interior Trim Colour
Not confirmed
Black
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
Not confirmed
Yes
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Not confirmed
12.3+12.3-inch panoramic curved display, 64-colour ambient lighting, Meridian audio (GT-Line), ventilated/heated front seats (GT-Line), head-up display, panoramic sunroof (GT-Line+), 6 airbags standard
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Climate Control
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Yes
Power Windows
All
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
15W Wireless
Yes
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
12V
Yes
AC Type
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Yes
Boot Opener
Inside
Remote
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Armrest
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
Remote
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
Yes
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Service Plan
4
3 Years / 45,000 km
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Spare Wheel
Steel
Temporary Spare
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Telescopic Steering
No
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Steering
Yes
Tilt and Telescopic
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Air Conditioning
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Yes
Rim Size
20-inch Alloy
235/45 R19
Sound System
8 Meridian Premium
10
Unlocking
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charger
15W Wireless
Yes
Valves Per Cylinder
Not confirmed
4
Intercooler
Not confirmed
Yes
Launch Control
Not confirmed
No
Rev Matching
Not confirmed
Yes
Performance Data Logger
Not confirmed
No
Fuel Consumption Combined
Not confirmed
7.2
Engine Start Button Illumination
Not confirmed
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Not confirmed
Automatic
Ground Clearance Unladen
Not confirmed
181
Drag Coefficient
Not confirmed
0.33
Roof Load
Not confirmed
75 kg
Stabilizer Bar
Not confirmed
Yes
Skid Plates
Not confirmed
No
Side Steps
Not confirmed
No
Tyre Repair Kit
Not confirmed
No
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Not confirmed
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Not confirmed
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Not confirmed
Yes
Speed Limiter
Not confirmed
Yes
Speed Alert System
Not confirmed
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Not confirmed
Yes
Surround View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Dampers
Not confirmed
No
Voice Command
Not confirmed
Yes
Digital Speedometer
Not confirmed
Yes
Driver Display
Not confirmed
Digital Cluster
Heads Up Display
Not confirmed
Yes
Multi Function Steering
Not confirmed
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Yes
Climate Zones
Not confirmed
2
Rear Air Conditioning
Not confirmed
No
Glovebox Cooling
Not confirmed
No
Seat Type
Not confirmed
Leather Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Not confirmed
Yes
Headrest Adjustable
Not confirmed
Yes
Remote Engine Start
Not confirmed
Yes
Remote Start
Not confirmed
Yes
Remote Central Locking
Not confirmed
Yes
Heated Mirrors
Not confirmed
Yes
Remote Side Mirror
Not confirmed
Yes
Auto Dimming Irvm
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Defogger
Not confirmed
Yes
Tail Lamps
Not confirmed
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Not confirmed
Yes
Panoramic Roof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Roof Antenna
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Wing
Not confirmed
Yes
Aero Kit
Not confirmed
Yes
Chrome Grille
Not confirmed
No
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Not confirmed
No
Ride Mode Selection
Not confirmed
Yes
Powered Tailgate
Not confirmed
Yes
Engine Warranty
Not confirmed
7 Years / 150,000 km
Trim Level
Not confirmed
flagship
Variant Role
Not confirmed
Flagship / premium derivative
Accelerator 0 100
Not confirmed
8.5 sec
Common Rail Injection
Not confirmed
Gasoline Direct Injection
Diff Lock
Not confirmed
No
Difflock
Not confirmed
No
Vdc
Not confirmed
Yes
TPMS
Yes
Yes
Sonar
Not confirmed
Yes
Automatic High Beam
Not confirmed
Yes
Steering Column Adjustment
Not confirmed
Tilt and Telescopic
Glove Box
Not confirmed
Yes
Manual Aircon
Not confirmed
Yes
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Not confirmed
Yes
Passive Entry Start
Not confirmed
Yes
Lift Gate
Not confirmed
Yes
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors
Not confirmed
Yes
Power Socket 12v
Not confirmed
Yes
Roof Rack Compatibility
Not confirmed
Yes
Mirror
Not confirmed
Electric
Stabilizer Bar Front
Not confirmed
Yes
Stabilizer Bar Rear
Not confirmed
Yes
Sub Frame
Not confirmed
Unibody
Vehicle To Grid
Not confirmed
-
Vehicle To Load
Not confirmed
-
One Pedal Driving
Not confirmed
-
Regenerative Braking
Not confirmed
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not confirmed
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not confirmed
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not confirmed
-
Load Bed Cover
Not confirmed
-
Tailgate Lock
Not confirmed
-
Sports Bar
Not confirmed
-
Canopy Fitment
Not confirmed
-
Bed Extender
Not confirmed
-
Source Model Column
Not confirmed
sportage
Battery Voltage
Not confirmed
-
Front Diff Lock
Not confirmed
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not confirmed
-
Load Bed Light
Not confirmed
-
Load Bed Steps
Not confirmed
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not confirmed
-
Tailgate Damper
Not confirmed
-
Tow Bar Type
Not confirmed
-
Walk Away Lock
Not confirmed
Yes
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear LED Combination Taillights
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Wiper
Not confirmed
No
Front Wipers Type
Not confirmed
No
Rearview Mirror Inside
Not confirmed
Yes
Vanity Mirror Illuminated
Not confirmed
Yes
Reading Lights Rear
Not confirmed
Yes
Centre Console
Not confirmed
Centre Armrest
Side Impact Bars
Not confirmed
Yes
Steering Response
Not confirmed
Normal
Voice Command Support
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Not confirmed
Yes
Bottle Holders
Not confirmed
4
Intelligent Battery System
Not confirmed
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not confirmed
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not confirmed
-
Electric Mirror Folding
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Infotainment Screen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
8 Meridian Premium
10
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch Digital Cluster
Yes
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
4
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
No
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
12.3
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
Audio Speakers
8 Meridian Premium
10
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Screen
Not confirmed
12.3
Infotainment Screen Size
Not confirmed
12.3
Touchscreen
Not confirmed
12.3
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Not confirmed
No
Premium Audio
Not confirmed
Yes
Radio
Not confirmed
Yes
Head Up Display
Not confirmed
Yes
Multi Information Display
Not confirmed
Digital
Display Audio
Not confirmed
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Smartphone Connectivity
Not confirmed
Yes
Connected Services
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Not confirmed
4
Voice Control
Not confirmed
Yes
Audio
Not confirmed
Yes
Audio System
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
LED Headlamps
Full LED Parametric
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
LED
Yes
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
20-inch Alloy
Alloy Alloy
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
Electric
Rear Wiper
Yes
No
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Colour
Body Type
SUV
SUV
DRL
LED
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Led Headlights
Full LED Parametric
Yes
Daytime Running Lights
LED
Yes
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
LED
Yes
Headlamps
Full LED Parametric
Yes
Headlight Type
Full LED Parametric
Yes
Headlights
Full LED Parametric
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Not confirmed
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Not confirmed
No
Body Cladding
Not confirmed
Yes
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not confirmed
No
Exterior Colour Options
Not confirmed
Multiple
Exterior Colour Options
Not confirmed
7
Auto Headlights
Not confirmed
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Not confirmed
Yes
Exterior Mirror Folding
Not confirmed
Yes
Headlamp Levelling
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Spoiler
Not confirmed
Yes
Exterior Door Handle Colour
Not confirmed
Body Colour
Load Bed Liner
Not confirmed
-
Led Taillights
Not confirmed
Yes
Roof Type
Not confirmed
Standard
Electric Blind Sunroof
Not confirmed
Standard
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Terrain Modes
Not confirmed
-
Locking Differential
No
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
17 deg
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Approach Angle
Not confirmed
21 deg
Departure Angle
Not confirmed
24 deg
Ramp-over Angle
Not confirmed
19 deg
Recovery Hooks
Not confirmed
No
Underbody Protection
Not confirmed
No
Off Road Descent Control
Not confirmed
-
4WD System Type
All-Wheel Drive
FWD
Terrain Response System
Not confirmed
-
Crawl Control
Not confirmed
-
Underbody Camera
Not confirmed
-
Energy Recovery Display
Not confirmed
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not confirmed
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not confirmed
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not confirmed
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not confirmed
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not confirmed
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not confirmed
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not confirmed
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not confirmed
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not confirmed
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not confirmed
-
Approach Angle Deg
Not confirmed
21 deg
Departure Angle Deg
Not confirmed
24 deg
Breakover Angle
Not confirmed
17 deg
Wading Depth
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Tyre Size
255/45 R20
235/45 R19
Wheel Type
20-inch Alloy
Alloy Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
Temporary Spare
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Electronic
Tyre Load Index
91
105
Tyre Speed Rating
H
H
Wheel Rim Size
20-inch Alloy
235/45 R19
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Spare Tyre
Steel
Temporary Spare
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Radial
Wheel Diameter
20-inch Alloy
235/45 R19
Wheelbase Mm
2815 mm
2680 mm
Wheels
20-inch Alloy
Alloy Alloy
Front Brake Disc Diameter
Not confirmed
325 mm
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Not confirmed
280 mm
Front Tyre Width
Not confirmed
235 mm
Rear Tyre Width
Not confirmed
235 mm
Braked Towing Capacity
Not confirmed
1500 kg
Towing Braked Kg
Not confirmed
1500 kg
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Display
Not confirmed
Yes
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Not confirmed
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Not confirmed
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Not confirmed
Yes
Wheel Material
20-inch Alloy
Alloy Alloy
Spare Wheel Size Type
Not confirmed
Temporary Spare
Handbrake Type
Not confirmed
Electronic
Wheel Size Type
Not confirmed
235/45 R19
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not confirmed
-
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Not confirmed
Yes
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Not confirmed
Yes
Leather Steering Wheel
Not confirmed
Leather
Steering Wheel Trim
Not confirmed
Leather
Brakes
Not confirmed
Ventilated Disc
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Not confirmed
Yes
Cornering Brake Control
Not confirmed
Yes
Auto Brake Hold
Not confirmed
Electronic
Electric Park Brake
Not confirmed
Electronic
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Unibody
Power Steering
Electric
Yes
Steering Column
Tilt
Adjustable
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Multi-Link
Front Spring Type
Not confirmed
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Not confirmed
Coil Spring
Shock Absorber Type
Not confirmed
Telescopic
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Not confirmed
Yes
Suspension
Not confirmed
MacPherson Strut
Rear Axle Type
Not confirmed
Multi-Link
Shock Absorbers
Not confirmed
Telescopic
Chassis Material
Not confirmed
Unibody
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15000
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
First Service At
15000
15000
Service Plan Duration
4
3 Years / 45,000 km
Service Plan Distance
4
3 Years / 45,000 km
Alternator
120A
Yes
Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
No
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
15000
Engine Oil Change Interval
Not confirmed
15000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Not confirmed
Yes
Approx Service Cost
Not confirmed
R3,800 per service
Battery Warranty
Not confirmed
7 Years / 150,000 km
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Warranty Years
5
7 Years / 150,000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5
7 Years / 150,000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5
7 Years / 150,000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Warranty
5
7 Years / 150,000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
CO2 Emissions
188 g/km
167 g/km
Start Stop System
No
Yes
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
95 Octane
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
Yes
Particulate Filter
Not confirmed
No
Idle CO2 Output
Not confirmed
175
Green NCAP Rating
Not confirmed
5
Euro Emission Standard
Not confirmed
Euro 6
Noise Level
Not confirmed
68 dB
CO2 Emissions G Km
Not confirmed
167
Hybrid System Type
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Real-world City Mileage Min
Not confirmed
9.3 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Max
Not confirmed
12.1 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
Not confirmed
15.0 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
Not confirmed
17.5 l/100km
Spec
Santa Fe
Sportage
Price Source
Not confirmed
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Price Zar
Not confirmed
823995 ZAR
Pricing Role
Not confirmed
Current listed price
Starting Price Zar
Not confirmed
823995
Ownership Role
Not confirmed
Flagship
Starting Price
Not confirmed
823995
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Santa Fe leads by 7 points
Both Santa Fe and Sportage are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Performance
Santa Fe +17
Efficiency
Sportage +4
Safety
Sportage +1
Practicality
Santa Fe +24
Ownership
Sportage +6
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Santa Fe
Performance
74/100
Efficiency
50/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
89/100
Ownership
65/100
Sportage
Performance
57/100
Efficiency
54/100
Safety
100/100
Practicality
65/100
Ownership
71/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai Santa Fe
wins with 77 pts
vs 70 pts for Sportage
In structured scoring, Santa Fe emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Sportage 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 Santa Fe 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 50 vs Sportage 54. 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 99, Sportage 100. 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 65, Sportage 71. 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 89, Sportage 65. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Santa Fe 74, Sportage 57. 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 Santa Fe edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Santa Fe 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 and Sportage in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Santa Fe scores 74 vs 57.
Efficiency: Santa Fe scores 50 vs 54.
Safety: Santa Fe scores 99 vs 100.
Practicality: Santa Fe scores 89 vs 65.
Ownership: Santa Fe scores 65 vs 71.
Final structured scoring gives Santa Fe
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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