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.
T2 starts ZAR 899900 cheaperSanta Fe from ZAR 899,900 · T2 from ZAR 569,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
Engine Power
147 kW
180 kW
Torque
440 Nm
375 Nm
Engine Size
2199 cc
1998 cc
Claimed Mileage
13.8 km/l
10.8 km/l
Ground Clearance
188 mm
220 mm
Boot / Load Bay
703 l
580 l
Airbags
7
Front, front side, and curtain airbags
Kerb Weight
1980 kg
1700-1934 kg
Seating Capacity
7
5
Warranty
5
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
= 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 T2 are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
T2
+3 pts
Efficiency
Santa Fe
+7 pts
Safety
Santa Fe
+5 pts
Practicality
Santa Fe
+15 pts
Ownership
T2
+12 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Santa Fe
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
T2
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
Which One's Right for You?
Santa Fe
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
T2
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
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
T2
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 local listing
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
Facelift Version Ending
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Current
Body Style
Not confirmed
SUV
Model Year
Not confirmed
Current
Production Status
Not confirmed
Active
Segment
Not confirmed
SUV
Vehicle Type
Not confirmed
SUV
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
Ground Clearance
188 mm
220 mm
Wheelbase
2815 mm
2800 mm
Length
4830 mm
4785 mm
Width
1900 mm
2006 mm
Height
1750 mm
1880 mm
Kerb Weight
1980 kg
1700-1934 kg
Seating Capacity
7
5
Boot Space
703 l
580 l
Load Bed Length
703 l
580 l
Load Bed Width
Not confirmed
-
Number of Doors
5
-
Boot Volume
703 l
580 l
Doors
5
-
Seats
7
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
70 l
Ground Clearance Max
188 mm
220 mm
Ground Clearance Min
188 mm
220 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
188 mm
220 mm
Height Mm
1750 mm
1880 mm
Length Mm
4830 mm
4785 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
703 l
580 l
Loadbox Width Mm
Not confirmed
-
Cargo Volume
703 l
580 l
Tare Mass Kg
1980 kg
1700-1934 kg
Width Mm
1900 mm
2006 mm
Gross Vehicle Weight
Not confirmed
2285 kg
Towing Capacity
Not confirmed
1600 kg
Front Track Width
Not confirmed
1685 mm
Rear Track Width
Not confirmed
1695 mm
Turning Radius
Not confirmed
-
Front Legroom
Not confirmed
-
Rear Legroom
Not confirmed
-
Front Headroom
Not confirmed
-
Rear Headroom
Not confirmed
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not confirmed
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not confirmed
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not confirmed
1494 l
Max Payload
Not confirmed
-
Gross Combined Mass Kg
Not confirmed
3885 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
Not confirmed
2285 kg
Payload Kg
Not confirmed
-
Turning Circle
Not confirmed
-
Turning Circle M
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
Engine
2.2 R-Series CRDi Diesel
Turbocharged petrol
Engine Type
Diesel
Turbo petrol
Displacement
2199 cc
1998 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Power
147 kW
180 kW
Power @ RPM
3800
5500
Torque
440 Nm
375 Nm
Torque @ RPM
1750
1750-4000
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
-
Turbocharger
Yes
-
Top Speed
205 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.5 sec
-
Engine Position
Front
-
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
Petrol
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
-
Engine Type Config
Inline
-
Engine Displacement
2199 cc
1998 cc
Engine Cylinders
4
4
Engine Displacement Cc
2199 cc
1998 cc
Engine Power kW
147 kW
180 kW
Engine Torque Nm
440 Nm
375 Nm
Max Power kW
147 kW
180 kW
Max Torque Nm
440 Nm
375 Nm
Torque Nm Rpm
1750
1750-4000
Valves per Cylinder
Not confirmed
4
Compression Ratio
Not confirmed
10.2:1
Cylinder Bore
Not confirmed
80.5 mm
Piston Stroke
Not confirmed
98.1 mm
Engine Code
Not confirmed
SQRF4J20
Power
Not confirmed
241 bhp
Cylinder Layout
Not confirmed
-
Engine Aspiration
Not confirmed
-
0–100 km/h
8.5 sec
-
Engine Displacement Litres
2199 cc
1998 cc
Acceleration 0 100
8.5 sec
-
Engine Config
Not confirmed
-
Engine Valves
Not confirmed
4
Induction
Not confirmed
-
Maximum Power
147 kW
180 kW
Maximum Torque
440 Nm
375 Nm
Power kW Rpm
3800
5500
Turbo Type
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
4WD
Drivetrain Layout
HTRAC AWD
4WD
LSD Available
Yes
Multi-Plate Clutch Limited-Slip Differential
Paddle Shifters
Yes
-
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transfer Case
Not confirmed
-
Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential
Final Drive Ratio
Not confirmed
-
Number of Gears
Not confirmed
7 km/h
Clutch Type
Not confirmed
-
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
4WD
4WD Engagement
Not confirmed
-
4WD Hi Range
Not confirmed
-
4WD Lo Range
Not confirmed
-
4WD Selector
Not confirmed
-
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not confirmed
-
Front Differential Lock
Not confirmed
-
Low Range
Not confirmed
-
Axle Layout
All-Wheel Drive
4WD
Rear Differential Lock
Not confirmed
-
Transmission Speeds
Not confirmed
7 km/h
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
Claimed Mileage
13.8 km/l
10.8 km/l
City Mileage
11.0 km/l
7.6 km/l
Highway Mileage
17.5 km/l
10.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
70 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
VI B
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
9.3 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Yes
9.3 l/100km
Distance To Empty
Yes
-
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
-
Fuel Efficiency
Yes
9.3 l/100km
Combined Consumption
Yes
9.3 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
Yes
9.3 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
Yes
9.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
67 l
70 l
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not confirmed
-
Auto Start Stop
Not confirmed
-
Real-world Mileage
13.8 km/l
10.8 km/l
AC Charging Power
Not confirmed
-
Charging Port Type
Not confirmed
-
Charging Time AC Full
Not confirmed
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
Not confirmed
-
Charging Type
Not confirmed
-
DC Charging Power
Not confirmed
-
Fuel Type
Not confirmed
Petrol
Low Range Ratio
Not confirmed
-
Combined Driving Range
Not confirmed
-
Electric Consumption
Not confirmed
-
Range Real World Highway
Not confirmed
-
Range Real World Mixed
Not confirmed
-
Range Wltp
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
Airbags
7
Front, front side, and curtain airbags
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
-
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
-
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
-
Central Locking
Yes
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
-
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
-
BA
Yes
-
Driver Airbag
Yes
-
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
-
Passenger Airbag
Yes
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
-
TCS
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Yes
AEB
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Not confirmed
-
Curtain Airbags
Not confirmed
Front, front side, and curtain airbags
Hill Hold
Yes
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Not confirmed
Front, front side, and curtain airbags
Knee Airbag
Not confirmed
-
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
Cruise Control
Yes
No
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
-
Rear View Camera
Yes
-
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
-
Auto Lights
Yes
-
Auto Wipers
No
Yes
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
-
Eco Mode
Yes
-
EV Mode
No
-
Sport Mode
No
-
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not confirmed
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Not confirmed
-
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
Seat Material
Leather
Black synthetic leather with red stitching
Seat Adjustment
Power 8-way
-
Heated Seats
Front & 2nd Row
-
Ventilated Seats
Front
-
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
-
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
-
Door Map Pockets
Yes
-
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
-
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
-
Rear AC Vents
Not confirmed
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
-
Seat Trim
Not confirmed
Black synthetic leather with red stitching
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
Climate Control
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
All
-
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
15W Wireless
50W
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
Yes
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
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
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
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
-
Service Plan
4
7-year/75,000 km service plan
Service Reminder
Yes
-
Spare Wheel
Steel
255/60 R19 full size
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
No
-
Tilt Steering
Yes
-
Trip Computer
Yes
-
Vanity Mirror
Yes
-
Air Conditioning
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Dual-zone climate control
Rim Size
20-inch Alloy
19
Sound System
8 Meridian Premium
12 Sony speakers including subwoofer
Unlocking
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charger
15W Wireless
50W
Automatic Headlamps
Not confirmed
Yes
Engine Warranty
Not confirmed
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
Fuel Consumption Combined
Not confirmed
9.3
Gear Shift Type
Not confirmed
-
Rear Seat Split
Not confirmed
60/40
Remote Engine Start
Not confirmed
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Not confirmed
-
Valves Per Cylinder
Not confirmed
1
Roof Load
Not confirmed
300kg static / 100kg dynamic kg
Towbar
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
Infotainment Screen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
15.6-inch infotainment system
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
Front Type-A/Type-C and rear Type-A/Type-C
Wireless Apple CarPlay
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
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Wireless
Infotainment Screen
Not confirmed
-
Touchscreen
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
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
See OEM source page for colour availability.
Panoramic Sunroof
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
Terrain Modes
Not confirmed
Normal, Sport, Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock, Eco
Locking Differential
No
Rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
-
Hill Descent Control
No
Yes
Approach Angle
Not confirmed
-
Departure Angle
Not confirmed
-
Wading Depth
Not confirmed
-
Underbody Protection
Not confirmed
Metal guard plate for front compartment
4WD System Type
All-Wheel Drive
4WD
Breakover Angle
Not confirmed
-
Crawl Control
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
Tyre Size
255/45 R20
255/60 R19
Wheel Type
20-inch Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated disc brake
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid disc brake
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
255/60 R19 full size
Parking Brake Type
Manual
-
Tyre Load Index
91
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Wheel Rim Size
20-inch Alloy
19
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Ventilated disc brake
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Solid disc brake
Spare Tyre
Steel
255/60 R19 full size
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
-
Wheel Diameter
20-inch Alloy
19
Wheelbase Mm
2815 mm
2800 mm
Wheels
20-inch Alloy
Alloy
Electric Park Brake
Not confirmed
Yes
Handbrake Type
Not confirmed
-
Towing Braked Kg
Not confirmed
1600 kg
Towing Unbraked Kg
Not confirmed
750 kg
Wheel Material
20-inch Alloy
Alloy
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
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
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
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
-
Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
-
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
Warranty Years
5
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
Warranty Kilometers
5
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
CO2 Emissions
188 g/km
210 g/km
Start Stop System
No
Yes
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Petrol
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
-
Spec
Santa Fe
T2
Ownership Role
Not confirmed
South Africa market model
Price Source
Not confirmed
https://jetour.co.za/models-t2/
Price Zar
Not confirmed
679900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Not confirmed
flagship
Starting Price
Not confirmed
569900
Starting Price Zar
Not confirmed
569900
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Santa Fe leads by 3 points
Both Santa Fe and T2 are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Performance
T2 +3
Efficiency
Santa Fe +7
Safety
Santa Fe +5
Practicality
Santa Fe +15
Ownership
T2 +12
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
T2
Performance
77/100
Efficiency
43/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
74/100
Ownership
77/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai Santa Fe
wins with 77 pts
vs 74 pts for T2
In structured scoring, Santa Fe emerges as the stronger overall package. However, T2 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 T2 43. 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, T2 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 65, T2 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 89, T2 74. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Santa Fe 74, T2 77. 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 T2 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Santa Fe scores 74 vs 77.
Efficiency: Santa Fe scores 50 vs 43.
Safety: Santa Fe scores 99 vs 94.
Practicality: Santa Fe scores 89 vs 74.
Ownership: Santa Fe scores 65 vs 77.
Final structured scoring gives Santa Fe
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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