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.
Territory starts ZAR 899900 cheaperSanta Fe from ZAR 899,900 · Territory from ZAR 593,500
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
Engine Power
147 kW
-
Torque
440 Nm
-
Engine Size
2199 cc
-
Claimed Mileage
13.8 km/l
-
Ground Clearance
188 mm
190 mm
Boot / Load Bay
703 l
-
Airbags
7
-
Kerb Weight
1980 kg
-
Seating Capacity
7
5
Warranty
5
-
= 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
Santa Fe dominates this comparison with clear advantages across multiple categories.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Santa Fe
+24 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Santa Fe
+99 pts
Practicality
Santa Fe
+21 pts
Ownership
Santa Fe
+15 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Santa Fe
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Territory
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Santa Fe
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Territory
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
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
Territory
Model Introduced Year
2001
2023
Generation
Fifth generation Santa Fe on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; 'Sensuous Sportiness' design with distinctive parametric LED lighting signature
First generation Territory in South Africa
Facelift History
Fifth generation launched in SA in 2022; significant styling and interior quality upgrade; distinctive boxy design language with vertical lighting
Recently introduced with modern design and technology
Facelift Launched Since
2022
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
Ground Clearance
188 mm
190 mm
Wheelbase
2815 mm
2726 mm
Length
4830 mm
4630 mm
Width
1900 mm
1935 mm
Height
1750 mm
1706 mm
Kerb Weight
1980 kg
-
Seating Capacity
7
5
Boot Space
703 l
-
Load Bed Length
703 l
-
Load Bed Width
Not confirmed
-
Number of Doors
5
-
Boot Volume
703 l
-
Doors
5
-
Seats
7
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
60 l
Ground Clearance Max
188 mm
190 mm
Ground Clearance Min
188 mm
190 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
188 mm
190 mm
Height Mm
1750 mm
1706 mm
Length Mm
4830 mm
4630 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
703 l
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not confirmed
-
Cargo Volume
703 l
-
Tare Mass Kg
1980 kg
-
Width Mm
1900 mm
1935 mm
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
Engine
2.2 R-Series CRDi Diesel
-
Engine Type
Diesel
-
Displacement
2199 cc
-
Cylinders
4
-
Power
147 kW
-
Power @ RPM
3800
-
Torque
440 Nm
-
Torque @ RPM
1750
-
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
-
Turbocharger
Yes
-
Top Speed
205 km/h
-
0-100 km/h
8.5 sec
-
Engine Position
Front
-
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
-
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
-
Engine Type Config
Inline
-
Engine Displacement
2199 cc
-
Engine Cylinders
4
-
Engine Displacement Cc
2199 cc
-
Engine Power kW
147 kW
-
Engine Torque Nm
440 Nm
-
Max Power kW
147 kW
-
Max Torque Nm
440 Nm
-
Torque Nm Rpm
1750
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
Transmission
Automatic
-
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
-
Drivetrain Layout
HTRAC AWD
-
LSD Available
Yes
-
Paddle Shifters
Yes
-
Transmission Type
Automatic
-
Transmission
Automatic
-
Gearbox Type
Automatic
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
Claimed Mileage
13.8 km/l
-
City Mileage
11.0 km/l
-
Highway Mileage
17.5 km/l
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
60 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
-
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
-
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Yes
-
Distance To Empty
Yes
-
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
-
Fuel Efficiency
Yes
-
Combined Consumption
Yes
-
Combined Consumption L 100km
Yes
-
Fuel Economy Combined
Yes
-
Fuel Tank Litres
67 l
60 l
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
Airbags
7
-
ABS
Yes
-
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
-
Traction Control
Yes
-
Hill Descent Control
No
-
Hill Start Assist
Yes
-
Child Safety Lock
Yes
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
-
Brake Assist
Yes
-
Tyre Pressure Monitor
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
-
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
-
Passenger Airbag
Yes
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
-
TCS
Yes
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
Cruise Control
Yes
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
-
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
-
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
-
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
-
Rear View Camera
Yes
-
360 Degree Camera
Yes
-
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
-
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
-
Auto Lights
Yes
-
Auto Wipers
No
-
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
-
Eco Mode
Yes
-
EV Mode
No
-
Sport Mode
No
-
Around View Monitor
Yes
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
Seat Material
Leather
-
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
-
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
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
Climate Control
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
-
Power Windows
All
-
Keyless Entry
Yes
-
Push Button Start
Yes
-
Wireless Charging
15W Wireless
-
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
-
Electric Tailgate
Yes
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
-
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
-
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
-
12V Accessory Socket
12V
-
AC Type
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
-
Boot Opener
Inside
-
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
-
Engine Check Warning
Yes
-
Engine Start Stop
Yes
-
Engine Start Stop Button
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
-
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
-
Service Plan
4
-
Service Reminder
Yes
-
Spare Wheel
Steel
-
Stability Control
Yes
-
Tachometer
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
No
-
Tilt Steering
Yes
-
Trip Computer
Yes
-
Vanity Mirror
Yes
-
Air Conditioning
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
-
Rim Size
20-inch Alloy
-
Sound System
8 Meridian Premium
-
Unlocking
Yes
-
Wireless Charger
15W Wireless
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
Infotainment Screen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
-
Apple CarPlay
Yes
-
Android Auto
Yes
-
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
-
Number of Speakers
8 Meridian Premium
-
Navigation System
Yes
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch Digital Cluster
-
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
-
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
-
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
-
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
LED Headlamps
Full LED Parametric
-
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
-
Fog Lamps
LED
-
Roof Rails
Yes
-
Alloy Wheel Design
20-inch Alloy
-
Rear Spoiler
Yes
-
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
-
Rear Wiper
Yes
-
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
-
Body Type
SUV
-
DRL
LED
-
Fog Lights
Yes
-
Front Fog Lights
Yes
-
Led Headlights
Full LED Parametric
-
Daytime Running Lights
LED
-
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
-
Front Fog Lamps
LED
-
Headlamps
Full LED Parametric
-
Headlight Type
Full LED Parametric
-
Headlights
Full LED Parametric
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
Terrain Modes
Not confirmed
-
Locking Differential
No
-
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
-
Hill Descent Control
No
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
Tyre Size
255/45 R20
-
Wheel Type
20-inch Alloy
-
Front Brake Type
Disc
-
Rear Brake Type
Disc
-
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
-
Parking Brake Type
Manual
-
Tyre Load Index
91
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Wheel Rim Size
20-inch Alloy
-
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
-
Brake Type Rear
Disc
-
Spare Tyre
Steel
-
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
-
Wheel Diameter
20-inch Alloy
-
Wheelbase Mm
2815 mm
2726 mm
Wheels
20-inch Alloy
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
-
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
-
Chassis Type
Monocoque
-
Power Steering
Electric
-
Steering Column
Tilt
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
-
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
4
-
Service Plan Distance
4
-
Alternator
120A
-
Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
-
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
Warranty Years
5
-
Warranty Kilometers
5
-
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
-
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Territory
CO2 Emissions
188 g/km
-
Start Stop System
No
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
-
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
-
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Santa Fe leads by 34 points
Santa Fe dominates this comparison with clear advantages across multiple categories.
Performance
Santa Fe +24
Efficiency
Level
Safety
Santa Fe +99
Practicality
Santa Fe +21
Ownership
Santa Fe +15
High confidence result.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Santa Fe
Performance
74/100
Efficiency
50/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
89/100
Ownership
65/100
Territory
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
50/100
Safety
0/100
Practicality
68/100
Ownership
50/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai Santa Fe
wins with 77 pts
vs 43 pts for Territory
In structured scoring, Santa Fe emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Territory 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 Territory 50. 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, Territory 0. 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, Territory 50. 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, Territory 68. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Santa Fe 74, Territory 50. 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 Territory in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Santa Fe scores 74 vs 50.
Efficiency: Santa Fe scores 50 vs 50.
Safety: Santa Fe scores 99 vs 0.
Practicality: Santa Fe scores 89 vs 68.
Ownership: Santa Fe scores 65 vs 50.
Final structured scoring gives Santa Fe
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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