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.
Archive comparison
These models are no longer sold new in South Africa. Verified final local specs and last-listed prices remain available for owners and used-car shoppers.
No longer sold newSpecs stay visible for owner and used-car comparisons.
⚡ 88 kW🔧 172 Nm⛽ 16.4 km/l
＋Add a 3rd car
At a Glance — Who Wins What
⚡PerformanceSanta Fe
⛽Fuel EconomyVenue
🛡SafetySanta Fe
📦PracticalitySanta Fe
🔑OwnershipTie
Venue starts ZAR 899900 cheaperSanta Fe from ZAR 899,900 · Venue from ZAR 343,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
Engine Power
147 kW
88 kW
Torque
440 Nm
172 Nm
Engine Size
2199 cc
998 cc
Claimed Mileage
13.8 km/l
16.4 km/l
Ground Clearance
188 mm
188 mm
Boot / Load Bay
703 l
355 l
Airbags
7
6
Kerb Weight
1980 kg
1180 kg
Seating Capacity
7
5
Warranty
5
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 has a slight advantage, but Venue remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Santa Fe
+35 pts
Efficiency
Venue
+13 pts
Safety
Santa Fe
+7 pts
Practicality
Santa Fe
+25 pts
Ownership
Equal
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Santa Fe
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Venue
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
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
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Venue
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
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
Venue
Model Introduced Year
2001
2019
Generation
Fifth generation Santa Fe on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; 'Sensuous Sportiness' design with distinctive parametric LED lighting signature
First generation Venue — the global model adapted for SA with minor market-specific changes; no second-gen yet in SA
Facelift History
Fifth generation launched in SA in 2022; significant styling and interior quality upgrade; distinctive boxy design language with vertical lighting
Launched in SA in 2019; subtle updates to safety and infotainment tech followed in subsequent years
Facelift Launched Since
2022
2019
Facelift Version Ending
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
Ground Clearance
188 mm
188 mm
Wheelbase
2815 mm
2520 mm
Length
4830 mm
4040 mm
Width
1900 mm
1770 mm
Height
1750 mm
1619 mm
Kerb Weight
1980 kg
1180 kg
Seating Capacity
7
5
Boot Space
703 l
355 l
Load Bed Length
703 l
355 l
Load Bed Width
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Volume
703 l
355 l
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
45 l
Ground Clearance Max
188 mm
188 mm
Ground Clearance Min
188 mm
188 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
188 mm
188 mm
Height Mm
1750 mm
1619 mm
Length Mm
4830 mm
4040 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
703 l
355 l
Loadbox Width Mm
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Cargo Volume
703 l
355 l
Tare Mass Kg
1980 kg
1180 kg
Width Mm
1900 mm
1770 mm
Gross Vehicle Weight
Not confirmed
1670 kg
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not confirmed
1106 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
Not confirmed
1670 kg
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not confirmed
1106 l
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
Engine
2.2 R-Series CRDi Diesel
1.0 T-GDI Turbo
Engine Type
Diesel
Petrol
Displacement
2199 cc
998 cc
Cylinders
4
3
Power
147 kW
88 kW
Power @ RPM
3800
5500
Torque
440 Nm
172 Nm
Torque @ RPM
1750
1500
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Yes
Yes
Top Speed
205 km/h
178 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.5 sec
10.8 sec
Engine Position
Front
Front
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
Petrol
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
Yes
Engine Type Config
Inline
Inline
Engine Displacement
2199 cc
998 cc
Engine Cylinders
4
3
Engine Displacement Cc
2199 cc
998 cc
Engine Power kW
147 kW
88 kW
Engine Torque Nm
440 Nm
172 Nm
Max Power kW
147 kW
88 kW
Max Torque Nm
440 Nm
172 Nm
Torque Nm Rpm
1750
1500
Valves per Cylinder
Not confirmed
16
Engine Aspiration
Not confirmed
Naturally Aspirated
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout
HTRAC AWD
FWD
LSD Available
Yes
No
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
Claimed Mileage
13.8 km/l
16.4 km/l
City Mileage
11.0 km/l
13.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
17.5 km/l
19.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
45 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
Yes
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Yes
Yes
Distance To Empty
Yes
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Yes
Yes
Combined Consumption
Yes
Yes
Combined Consumption L 100km
Yes
Yes
Fuel Economy Combined
Yes
Yes
Fuel Tank Litres
67 l
45 l
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
Airbags
7
6
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)
Not Rated (SA)
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
Curtain Airbags
Not confirmed
Yes
Side Airbags
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
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
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not confirmed
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
No
No
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
Eco / Normal
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
No
No
Sport Mode
No
No
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power 8-way
Power Driver
Heated Seats
Front & 2nd Row
Front
Ventilated Seats
Front
Front
Steering Type
Electric
Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
64-Colour Ambient
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
3rd Row Fold Flat
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
No
No
Cup Holders
4
4
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
Analogue + MID
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
Manual
Cooled Seats
No
No
Fabric Seats
Yes
Yes
Front Headrest
Yes
Yes
Leather Seats
No
No
Memory Seats
No
No
Rear Headrest
Yes
Yes
Rear AC Vents
Not confirmed
No
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
Climate Control
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
All
All
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
15W Wireless
Yes
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Not confirmed
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
No
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
12V
12V
AC Type
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Boot Opener
Inside
Inside
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
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
Inside
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
Manual
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Service Plan
4
4
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Spare Wheel
Steel
Steel
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Telescopic Steering
No
No
Tilt Steering
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Air Conditioning
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Rim Size
20-inch Alloy
16
Sound System
8 Meridian Premium
8 Bose Premium
Unlocking
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charger
15W Wireless
Yes
Climate Zones
Not confirmed
1
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
Infotainment Screen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
8 Meridian Premium
8 Bose Premium
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch Digital Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
Audio Speakers
8 Meridian Premium
8 Bose Premium
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Screen Size
Not confirmed
8 inch
Infotainment Screen
Not confirmed
8 inch
Touchscreen
Not confirmed
8 inch
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
LED Headlamps
Full LED Parametric
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
20-inch Alloy
17-inch Two-Tone Alloy
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
Yes
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Coloured
Body Type
SUV
SUV
DRL
LED
LED
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Led Headlights
Full LED Parametric
Full LED
Daytime Running Lights
LED
LED
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Headlamps
Full LED Parametric
Full LED
Headlight Type
Full LED Parametric
Full LED
Headlights
Full LED Parametric
Full LED
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
Terrain Modes
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Locking Differential
No
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
Tyre Size
255/45 R20
215/55 R17
Wheel Type
20-inch Alloy
17-inch Two-Tone Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
Steel
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Manual
Tyre Load Index
91
91
Tyre Speed Rating
H
H
Wheel Rim Size
20-inch Alloy
16
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Disc
Spare Tyre
Steel
Steel
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Diameter
20-inch Alloy
16
Wheelbase Mm
2815 mm
2520 mm
Wheels
20-inch Alloy
17-inch Two-Tone Alloy
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Steering Column
Tilt
Tilt
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Torsion Beam
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
15000
15000
Service Plan Duration
4
4
Service Plan Distance
4
4
Alternator
120A
120A
Battery Type
Lead-acid
Lead-acid
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
5
5
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5
5
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Warranty
5
5
Spec
Santa Fe
Venue
CO2 Emissions
188 g/km
125 g/km
Start Stop System
No
No
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Unleaded 95
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
Yes
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Santa Fe leads by 13 points
Santa Fe has a slight advantage, but Venue remains highly competitive.
Performance
Santa Fe +35
Efficiency
Venue +13
Safety
Santa Fe +7
Practicality
Santa Fe +25
Ownership
Level
Moderate difference between the models.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Santa Fe
Performance
74/100
Efficiency
50/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
89/100
Ownership
65/100
Venue
Performance
39/100
Efficiency
63/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
64/100
Ownership
65/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai Santa Fe
wins with 77 pts
vs 64 pts for Venue
In structured scoring, Santa Fe emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Venue 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 Venue 63. 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, Venue 92. 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, Venue 65. 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, Venue 64. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Santa Fe 74, Venue 39. 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 Venue in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Santa Fe scores 74 vs 39.
Efficiency: Santa Fe scores 50 vs 63.
Safety: Santa Fe scores 99 vs 92.
Practicality: Santa Fe scores 89 vs 64.
Ownership: Santa Fe scores 65 vs 65.
Final structured scoring gives Santa Fe
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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