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 a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Historical Hyundai Santa Fe hero image.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe exterior view 1.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe exterior view 2.
View 8 more Santa Fe images
Historical Hyundai Santa Fe exterior view 3.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe exterior view 4.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe exterior view 5.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe interior view 1.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe interior view 2.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe interior view 3.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe interior view 4.Historical Hyundai Santa Fe interior view 5.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
T2 i-DM
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?
Santa Fe
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
T2 i-DM
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
Model Introduced Year
2001
2026
Generation
Fifth generation Santa Fe on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; 'Sensuous Sportiness' design with distinctive parametric LED lighting signature
Current South African launch specification
Facelift History
Fifth generation launched in SA in 2022; significant styling and interior quality upgrade; distinctive boxy design language with vertical lighting
Not listed by current South African source page.
Facelift Launched Since
2022
2026
Tare Mass Kg
1980 kg
2138 kg
Facelift Version Ending
Not confirmed
Current
Body Style
Not confirmed
SUV
Gross Combined Mass Kg
Not confirmed
4038 kg
Model Year
Not confirmed
Current
Production Status
Not confirmed
Active
Segment
Not confirmed
SUV
Vehicle Type
Not confirmed
SUV
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
Length
4830 mm
4785 mm
Width
1900 mm
2006 mm
Height
1750 mm
1875 mm
Wheelbase
2815 mm
2800 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
188 mm
190 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
70 l
Boot/Cargo Space
703 l
580 l
Kerb Weight
1980 kg
2138 kg
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not confirmed
Not Officially Disclosed
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
Not confirmed
2438 kg
Payload Capacity
Not confirmed
300 kg
Towing Capacity
Not confirmed
1600 kg
Number of Rows
Not confirmed
2 rows
Minimum Turning Radius
Not confirmed
5.7 m
Front Headroom
Not confirmed
1000 mm
Rear Headroom
Not confirmed
970 mm
Front Legroom
Not confirmed
980 mm
Rear Legroom
Not confirmed
810 mm
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
All
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Yes
Not Available
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Available
Wireless Charging
15W Wireless
50W
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
Not Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
-
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
-
12V Accessory Socket
12V
-
AC Type
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Dual-zone climate control
Boot Opener
Inside
-
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
-
Engine Check Warning
Yes
-
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Not Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Not Available
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Front Power Outlet
Yes
-
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
-
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
-
Headlamp Washer
No
-
Power Mirrors
Yes
-
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
-
Service Reminder
Yes
-
Spare Wheel
Steel
255/55 R20 full size
Tachometer
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
No
-
Tilt Steering
Yes
-
Trip Computer
Yes
-
Vanity Mirror
Yes
-
Air Conditioning
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Dual-zone climate control
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rim Size
20-inch Alloy
20
Sound System
8 Meridian Premium
12 Sony speakers including subwoofer
Unlocking
Yes
Not Available
Wireless Charger
15W Wireless
50W
Automatic Headlamps
Not confirmed
Yes
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not confirmed
1494 l
Engine Warranty
Not confirmed
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
Fuel Consumption Combined
Not confirmed
1.3
Rear Seat Split
Not confirmed
60/40
Roof Load
Not confirmed
300kg static / 100kg dynamic
Towbar
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
Engine
2.2-litre Turbocharged Diesel
1.5TD hybrid-dedicated engine
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
SQRH4J15
Fuel Type
Diesel
Plug-in Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Plug-in Hybrid
Engine Displacement
2199 cc
1499 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
12.0:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
72 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
92 mm
Maximum Power
147 kW @ 3800 rpm
100 kW @ 5200 rpm
Maximum Torque
440 Nm @ 1750 rpm
220 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
265 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
610 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
2
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Front
Drive Type
AWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
3-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
205 km/h
200 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.5 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
74.2 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
222.2 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
18.4 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
LFP
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
90 km
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
6.6 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
50 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
3 h 0 min (30-100%)
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
27 min (30-80%)
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
Engine Position
Front
-
Gearbox
8-speed Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
HTRAC AWD
2WD
LSD Available
Yes
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transfer Case
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
Not confirmed
2WD
4WD Engagement
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Low Range Ratio
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Not confirmed
2WD
Rear Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
Claimed Mileage
13.8 km/l
76.9 km/l
City Mileage
11.0 km/l
62.1 km/l
Highway Mileage
17.5 km/l
89.4 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
70 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
VI B
Distance To Empty
Yes
-
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
-
Fuel Tank Litres
67
70
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
13.8 km/l
76.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not confirmed
Type 2 and CCS2
Charging Type
Not confirmed
AC and DC charging
Combined Driving Range
Not confirmed
1200
Electric Consumption
Not confirmed
22
Range Real World Highway
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
Airbags
7
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Not Available
Central Locking
Yes
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Not Available
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
-
BA
Yes
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
Not Available
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Not Available
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Front and rear
AEB
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Not confirmed
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not confirmed
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
Hill Hold
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Not confirmed
Not Available
Side Airbags
Not confirmed
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
Knee Airbag
Not confirmed
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Not Available
Auto Lights
Yes
-
Auto Wipers
No
Not Available
Eco Mode
Yes
-
EV Mode
No
-
Sport Mode
No
-
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not confirmed
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Not confirmed
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
Seat Material
Leather
Black synthetic leather with red stitching
Seat Adjustment
Power 8-way
Driver 6-way electric with ventilation, lumbar support and memory; passenger 4-way electric with ventilation and memory
Heated Seats
Front & 2nd Row
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Front
Not Applicable
Steering Type
Electric
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
-
Ambient Lighting
64-Colour Ambient
Multi
Folding Rear Seats
3rd Row Fold Flat
-
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Rear Armrest
No
-
Cup Holders
4
-
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Not Applicable
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
-
Door Map Pockets
Yes
-
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Not Applicable
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
-
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
-
Cooled Seats
No
-
Fabric Seats
Yes
-
Front Headrest
Yes
-
Leather Seats
No
-
Memory Seats
No
-
Rear Headrest
Yes
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Driver 6-way electric with ventilation, lumbar support and memory; passenger 4-way electric with ventilation and memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Driver 6-way electric with ventilation, lumbar support and memory; passenger 4-way electric with ventilation and memory
Seat Trim
Not confirmed
Black synthetic leather with red stitching
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
Infotainment System
12.3-inch Touchscreen
15.6-inch
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wireless
Android Auto
Yes
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
8 Meridian Premium
12 Sony speakers including subwoofer
Navigation System
Yes
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch Digital Cluster
10.25-inch
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wireless
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Wireless
FM Radio
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Voice Recognition
Yes
-
AUX Input
Yes
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
-
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
-
Rear Usb
Yes
-
Audio Speakers
8 Meridian Premium
12 Sony speakers including subwoofer
Infotainment Screen
Not confirmed
15.6-inch
Touchscreen
Not confirmed
15.6-inch
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
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
Rear Spoiler
Yes
-
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
-
Rear Wiper
Yes
-
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
-
Body Type
SUV
-
DRL
LED
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes
-
Front Fog Lights
Yes
-
Led Headlights
Full LED Parametric
Yes
Daytime Running Lights
LED
Yes
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
-
Front Fog Lamps
LED
Yes
Headlamps
Full LED Parametric
Yes
Headlight Type
Full LED Parametric
Yes
Headlights
Full LED Parametric
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Not confirmed
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
-
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
188 mm
190 mm
Ground Clearance Min
188 mm
190 mm
Approach Angle
Not confirmed
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not confirmed
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not confirmed
Not Available
Underbody Protection
Not confirmed
Metal guard plate for front compartment
4WD System Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not confirmed
Not Available
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
Tyre Size
255/45 R20
255/55 R20
Wheel Type
20-inch Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated disc brake
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid disc brake
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
255/55 R20 full size
Parking Brake Type
Manual
-
Tyre Load Index
91
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Wheel Rim Size
20-inch Alloy
20
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Ventilated disc brake
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Solid disc brake
Spare Tyre
Steel
255/55 R20 full size
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
-
Wheel Diameter
20-inch Alloy
20
Wheels
20-inch Alloy
Alloy
Handbrake Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Towing Unbraked Kg
Not confirmed
750 kg
Wheel Material
20-inch Alloy
Alloy
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson strut suspension
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-link independent suspension
Chassis Type
Monocoque
-
Power Steering
Electric
-
Steering Column
Tilt
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson strut suspension
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Multi-link independent suspension
Front Track Width
Not confirmed
1685 mm
Rear Track Width
Not confirmed
1695 mm
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
4
7-year/75,000 km service plan
Service Plan Distance
4
7-year/75,000 km service plan
Alternator
120A
-
Service Plan
4
7-year/75,000 km service plan
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Battery Warranty
Not confirmed
8-year/160,000 km battery warranty
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
Warranty Years
5
7-year/200,000 km warranty
Warranty Kilometers
5
7-year/200,000 km warranty
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
7-year/200,000 km warranty
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
7-year/200,000 km warranty
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
CO2 Emissions
188 g/km
30 g/km
Start Stop System
No
-
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Hybrid
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
-
Hybrid System Type
Not confirmed
Plug-in Hybrid
Spec
Santa Fe
T2 i-DM
Ownership Role
Not confirmed
South Africa market model
Price Zar
Not confirmed
779900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Not confirmed
flagship
Starting Price
Not confirmed
779900
Starting Price Zar
Not confirmed
779900
In depth: how these cars differ
This Santa Fe and T2 i-DM 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: Santa Fe 74 vs T2 i-DM 45.
Efficiency index: Santa Fe 55 vs T2 i-DM 98.
Safety-equipment index: Santa Fe 98 vs T2 i-DM 92.
Practicality index: Santa Fe 89 vs T2 i-DM 66.
Ownership-cover index: Santa Fe 65 vs T2 i-DM 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.
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
Santa Fe leads by 5 points
Santa Fe and T2 i-DM are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Santa Fe +29
Efficiency
T2 i-DM +43
Safety
Santa Fe +6
Practicality
Santa Fe +23
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Santa Fe
Performance
74/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
89/100
Ownership
65/100
T2 i-DM
Performance
45/100
Efficiency
98/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
66/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexHyundai Santa Fe
leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts
vs 73 pts for T2 i-DM
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Santa Fe leads. However, T2 i-DM 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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