Hyundai Santa Fe vs Nissan X-Trail
A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance, fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
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.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Discontinued model
Share
Hyundai Santa Fe
2.2D 4WD Executive
Diesel
8-Speed Automatic
Discontinued model
ZAR 899,900
last listed
Discontinued model
Verified historical specifications remain visible for owner and used-car comparisons.
⚡ 147 kW
🔧 440 Nm
⛽ 13.8 km/l
VS
Nissan X-Trail
2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD CVT 7-seat
Petrol
CVT
Current
ZAR 812,900
ex-showroom
⚡ 135 kW
🔧 244 Nm
⛽ 12.8 km/l
＋
Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Hyundai Santa Fe vs Nissan X-Trail: the short answer
Santa Fe has a modest catalogue-index lead, while X-Trail remains close.
Recorded price context
Santa Fe:
last listed from
ZAR 899,900
·
X-Trail:
current from
ZAR 687,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivativesSwipe sideways to compare every column
| Specification | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Power | Santa Fe147 kW @ 3800 rpm | X-Trail135 kW @ 6000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | Santa Fe440 Nm @ 1750 rpm | X-Trail244 Nm @ 3600 rpm |
| Engine Size | Santa Fe2199 cc | X-Trail2488 cc |
| Combined Fuel Economy | Santa Fe13.8 km/l | X-Trail12.8 km/l |
| Ground Clearance | Santa Fe188 mm | X-Trail211 mm |
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Nissan X-Trail
2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD CVT 7-seat
Hagalu editorial rating
Not yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
How Hagalu rates cars →Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
Santa Fe
Strengths
- More powerful engine output
- Better fuel efficiency
- Stronger listed safety equipment
- Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
- No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:
Published Performance
Published Efficiency
Published Practicality
X-Trail
Strengths
- Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
- Less powerful engine setup
- Lower fuel efficiency
- Fewer listed safety features
- Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:
General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Santa Fe
- Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
- Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
- Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
- Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
X-Trail
- Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
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 | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Model Introduced Year | 2001 | 2001 |
| Generation | Fifth generation Santa Fe on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; 'Sensuous Sportiness' design with distinctive parametric LED lighting signature | T33 fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail for South Africa |
| Facelift History | Fifth generation launched in SA in 2022; significant styling and interior quality upgrade; distinctive boxy design language with vertical lighting | Current South African T33 X-Trail specification from Nissan official page and September 2025 brochure |
| Facelift Launched Since | 2022 | 2023 |
| Body Style | SUV | SUV |
| Production Status | discontinued | published |
| Segment | SUV | Family SUV |
| Tare Mass Kg | 1980 kg | 1666 kg |
| Vehicle Type | SUV | SUV |
| Facelift Version Ending | Not confirmed | Current |
| Color Note | Not confirmed | White, Silver, Black, Grey, Blue |
| Dealer Stock Note | Not confirmed | Top grade in the South Africa lineup |
| Drivetrain Note | Not confirmed | Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD CVT 7-seat |
| Model Year | Not confirmed | 2026 |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4830 mm | 4680 mm |
| Width | 1900 mm | 1840 mm |
| Height | 1750 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2815 mm | 2705 mm |
| Ground Clearance (Default) | 188 mm | 211 mm |
| Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load) | Not Officially Disclosed | - |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 l | 55 l |
| Boot/Cargo Space | 703 l | 485 l |
| Kerb Weight | 1980 kg | 1666 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) | Not Officially Disclosed | 2295 kg |
| Payload Capacity | Not Officially Disclosed | - |
| Towing Capacity | Not Officially Disclosed | 2000 kg |
| Seating Capacity | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Rows | 3 rows | - |
| Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Minimum Turning Radius | Not Officially Disclosed | 11.1 m |
| Front Headroom | Not Officially Disclosed | 1050 mm |
| Rear Headroom | Not Officially Disclosed | 1000 mm |
| Front Legroom | Not Officially Disclosed | 1095 mm |
| Rear Legroom | Not Officially Disclosed | 892 mm |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Load Bed Length | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Load Bed Width | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Climate Control | Tri-Zone Auto Climate | Dual-zone automatic temperature control |
| Power Windows | All | Front and rear power windows |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Smart keyless entry with hands-free walk-away lock and approach unlock |
| Push Button Start | Yes | Standard |
| Wireless Charging | 15W Wireless | Standard |
| Sunroof | Electric Panoramic Sunroof | Not Available |
| Electric Tailgate | Yes | Not Available |
| Rain Sensing Wipers | No | Standard |
| Auto Dimming Mirror | No | Auto dimming mirror |
| Rear Window Defroster | Yes | Standard |
| Follow Me Home Headlamps | Yes | Standard |
| 12V Accessory Socket | 12V | 12V outlet in instrument panel and cargo area |
| AC Type | Tri-Zone Auto Climate | Dual-zone automatic temperature control |
| Boot Opener | Inside | - |
| Door Ajar Warning | Yes | - |
| Electric Folding Mirrors | Yes | Power adjustable, folding and heated mirrors |
| Engine Check Warning | Yes | - |
| Engine Start Stop | Yes | Standard |
| Engine Start Stop Button | Yes | Standard |
| Front Armrest | Yes | Butterfly opening centre console |
| Front Power Outlet | Yes | 12V instrument panel outlet |
| Fuel Lid Opener | Inside | Capless fuel filler door |
| Headlamp Height Adjust | Manual | - |
| Headlamp Washer | No | - |
| Power Mirrors | Yes | Power adjustable, folding and heated mirrors |
| Push Button Start | Yes | Standard |
| Rear Reading Lamps | Yes | - |
| Service Reminder | Yes | - |
| Spare Wheel | Steel | Temporary spare wheel |
| Tachometer | Yes | Standard |
| Telescopic Steering | No | Standard |
| Tilt Steering | Yes | Standard |
| Trip Computer | Yes | Full TFT meter with gauges |
| Vanity Mirror | Yes | Illuminated vanity mirrors |
| Air Conditioning | Tri-Zone Auto Climate | Dual-zone automatic temperature control |
| Loadbox Length Mm | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Loadbox Width Mm | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Rim Size | 20-inch Alloy | 19 |
| Sound System | 8 Meridian Premium | 6 |
| Unlocking | Yes | Smart keyless entry with hands-free walk-away lock and approach unlock |
| Wireless Charger | 15W Wireless | Standard |
| Automatic Headlamps | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Boot Space Seats Folded | Not confirmed | 1298 l |
| Boot Space Seats Folded | Not confirmed | 1298 l |
| Electric Mirror Folding | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Speed Limiter | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Adaptive Dampers | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Aero Kit | Not confirmed | - |
| Auto Dimming Irvm | Not confirmed | Auto dimming mirror |
| Chrome Exterior Highlights | Not confirmed | - |
| Chrome Grille | Not confirmed | - |
| Climate Zones | Not confirmed | 2 |
| Drag Coefficient | Not confirmed | 0.33 |
| Driver Display | Not confirmed | Full TFT meter with speed, tachometer and gauges |
| Engine Start Button Illumination | Not confirmed | - |
| Engine Warranty | Not confirmed | 6 years / 150,000 km |
| Fuel Consumption Combined | Not confirmed | 7.8 |
| Glovebox Cooling | Not confirmed | - |
| Headrest Adjustable | Not confirmed | - |
| Heads Up Display | Not confirmed | 10.8-inch head-up display |
| Hill Start Assist | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Impact Sensing Door Unlock | Not confirmed | - |
| Intercooler | Not confirmed | Not Applicable |
| Multi Function Steering | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Performance Data Logger | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Rear Defogger | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Rear Seat Split | Not confirmed | 40/20/40 second row and 50/50 third row |
| Rear Wing | Not confirmed | - |
| Remote Engine Start | Not confirmed | - |
| Rev Matching | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Ride Mode Selection | Not confirmed | Eco / Normal / Sport |
| Roof Antenna | Not confirmed | - |
| Seat Type | Not confirmed | Quilted premium leather |
| Seatbelt Pre Tensioner | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Side Steps | Not confirmed | - |
| Skid Plates | Not confirmed | Confirmed 4WD derivative |
| Speed Alert System | Not confirmed | Speed limiter |
| Stabilizer Bar | Not confirmed | Front and rear stabiliser bars |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | Meter, audio, telephone, voice, cruise and limiter controls |
| Steering Response | Not confirmed | - |
| Tail Lamps | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Tyre Repair Kit | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Voice Command | Not confirmed | Voice recognition |
| Voice Command Support | Not confirmed | Voice recognition |
| Accelerator 0 100 | Not confirmed | 10.4 sec |
| Automatic High Beam | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Battery Preconditioning | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Bed Extender | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Bottle Holders | Not confirmed | Front 2 / second row 2 / third row 2 cupholders |
| Canopy Fitment | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Centre Console | Not confirmed | Butterfly opening centre console |
| Common Rail Injection | Not confirmed | Direct injection |
| Diff Lock | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Difflock | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Digital Speedometer | Not confirmed | 12.3-inch |
| Driver Alertness | Not confirmed | Intelligent Driver Alert |
| Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors | Not confirmed | Power adjustable, folding and heated exterior mirrors |
| Front Diff Lock | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Front Wiper | Not confirmed | Variable intermittent, speed-sensitive wipers |
| Front Wipers Type | Not confirmed | Washer nozzle with variable intermittent, speed-sensitive wipers |
| Glove Box | Not confirmed | - |
| Heated Mirrors | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Intelligent Battery System | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Intelligent Keyless Entry | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Lift Gate | Not confirmed | - |
| Load Bed Cover | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Load Bed Light | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Load Bed Steps | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Loadbox Depth Mm | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Loadbox Rope Hooks | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Loadbox Tiedown Brackets | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Manual Aircon | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Mirror | Not confirmed | Electric folding heated mirrors |
| One Pedal Driving | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Passive Entry Start | Not confirmed | Smart keyless entry with push-button start |
| Power Sliding Doors | Not confirmed | Not Applicable |
| Power Socket 12v | Not confirmed | Instrument panel and cargo area 12V outlets |
| Powered Tailgate | Not confirmed | - |
| Propilot | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Reading Lights Rear | Not confirmed | - |
| Rear Air Conditioning | Not confirmed | Second-row air vents |
| Rear Diff Lock | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Rear Electric Motor | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Rear LED Combination Taillights | Not confirmed | LED tail lights |
| Rear Privacy Windows | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Rearview Mirror Inside | Not confirmed | Auto dimming mirror |
| Regenerative Braking Levels | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Remote Central Locking | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Remote Side Mirror | Not confirmed | Power adjustable, folding and heated exterior mirrors |
| Remote Start | Not confirmed | - |
| Roof Load | Not confirmed | 100 kg |
| Roof Rack Compatibility | Not confirmed | Silver roof rails / 100 kg maximum roof load |
| Side Impact Bars | Not confirmed | - |
| Sonar | Not confirmed | Parking distance sensors |
| Source Model Column | Not confirmed | x-trail |
| Sport Plus Mode | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Sports Bar | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Stabilizer Bar Front | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Stabilizer Bar Rear | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Steering Column Adjustment | Not confirmed | Tilt and telescopic |
| Sub Frame | Not confirmed | - |
| Surround View Monitor | Yes | Standard |
| Tailgate Damper | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Tailgate Lock | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Tie Down Hooks | Not confirmed | 4 cargo tie-down hooks |
| Tow Bar Type | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| TPMS | Yes | Standard |
| Trailer Stability Assist | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Trailer Sway Control | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Trim Level | Not confirmed | top |
| Vanity Mirror Illuminated | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Variant Role | Not confirmed | Off-road or adventure derivative |
| Vdc | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Vehicle To Grid | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Vehicle To Load | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Walk Away Auto Door Lock | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Walk Away Lock | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2-litre Turbocharged Diesel | 2.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol |
| Engine Code | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Petrol |
| Hybrid System | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Engine Displacement | 2199 cc | 2488 cc |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Cylinder Layout | Inline | Inline |
| Valves | Not Officially Disclosed | 16 |
| Valves per Cylinder | Not Officially Disclosed | 4 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Naturally Aspirated |
| Fuel System | Common Rail Direct Injection | Direct Injection |
| Compression Ratio | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Bore | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Stroke | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Maximum Power | 147 kW @ 3800 rpm | 135 kW @ 6000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 440 Nm @ 1750 rpm | 244 Nm @ 3600 rpm |
| Combined Power | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Combined Torque | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Motor Type | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Number of Motors | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Motor Location | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Drive Type | AWD | 4WD |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | CVT |
| Top Speed | 205 km/h | 195 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 sec | 10.4 sec |
| Quarter Mile | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Drive Modes | Eco, Normal | Eco, Normal, Sport plus terrain modes |
| Launch Control | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Rev Limiter | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 74.2 kW/tonne | 81 kW/tonne |
| Torque-to-Weight Ratio | 222.2 Nm/tonne | 146.5 Nm/tonne |
| Battery Capacity | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Usable Battery Capacity | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Battery Type | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Battery Voltage | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Electric Range | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| AC Charging Power | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| DC Charging Power | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| AC Charging Time | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| DC Charging Time | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Regenerative Braking | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Position | Front | - |
| Gearbox | 8-speed Automatic | Xtronic CVT |
| Drivetrain Layout | HTRAC AWD | Intelligent 4x4 |
| LSD Available | Yes | Standard |
| Transfer Case | Not Officially Disclosed | Intelligent 4x4 direct-coupling system |
| Differential Lock | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Applicable |
| Paddle Shifters | Yes | Standard |
| Final Drive Ratio | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Applicable |
| Number of Gears | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Applicable |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Clutch Type | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Applicable |
| Gear Shift Indicator | Yes | Not Applicable |
| Gear Shift Type | Not Officially Disclosed | CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | Intelligent 4x4 |
| 4WD Engagement | Not Officially Disclosed | Automatic Intelligent 4x4 |
| 4WD Hi Range | Not Officially Disclosed | Standard |
| 4WD Lo Range | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Applicable |
| 4WD Selector | Not Officially Disclosed | Drive and terrain mode selector |
| Automatic Shift Paddles | Not Officially Disclosed | Standard |
| Front Differential Lock | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Applicable |
| Gearbox Type | Automatic | Xtronic CVT |
| Low Range Ratio | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Applicable |
| Low Range | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Applicable |
| Axle Layout | AWD | 4WD |
| Rear Differential Lock | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Applicable |
| Transmission Speeds | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Applicable |
| Steering Turns Lock to Lock | Not confirmed | - |
| Differential Type Front | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Differential Type Rear | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Drive Mode Selector | Not confirmed | 4WD/off-road drive mode support |
| Transfer Case Guard | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Claimed Mileage | 13.8 km/l | 12.8 km/l |
| City Mileage | 11.0 km/l | 11.1 km/l |
| Highway Mileage | 17.5 km/l | 15.7 km/l |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 l | 55 l |
| Emission Standard | Euro 6 | - |
| AdBlue Tank Capacity | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Applicable |
| Auto Start Stop | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Applicable |
| Distance To Empty | Yes | - |
| Low Fuel Warning | Yes | - |
| Real-world Mileage | 13.8 km/l | 12.8 km/l |
| Charging Port Type | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Charging Type | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Fuel Tank Litres | 67 | 55 |
| Combined Driving Range | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Electric Consumption | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Range Real World Highway | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Range Real World Mixed | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 7 | Driver, passenger, curtain, front side and front far-side airbags |
| ABS | Yes | Standard |
| Electronic Stability Control | Yes | Standard |
| Traction Control | Yes | Standard |
| Hill Descent Control | Not Available | Standard |
| Hill Start Assist | Yes | Standard |
| Child Safety Lock | Yes | Standard |
| ISOFIX Mounts | Yes | Standard |
| Brake Assist | Yes | Standard |
| Tyre Pressure Monitor | Yes | Standard |
| Engine Immobiliser | Yes | Standard |
| Central Locking | Yes | Standard |
| Seatbelt Warning All Seats | Yes | Driver, passenger and rear seat belt reminder |
| Speed Alert System | Yes | Speed limiter |
| Front Parking Sensors | Not Officially Disclosed | Standard |
| Safety Rating | Not Rated (SA) | - |
| AEB | Yes | Standard |
| BA | Yes | Standard |
| Brake Override System | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Available |
| Curtain Airbags | Not Officially Disclosed | Standard |
| Driver Airbag | Yes | Standard |
| EBD | Yes | Standard |
| Engine Immobiliser | Yes | Standard |
| Hill Hold | Yes | Standard |
| Passenger Airbag | Yes | Standard |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Yes | Standard |
| Seatbelt Pretensioners | Yes | Not Available |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Not Officially Disclosed | Driver, passenger and rear seat belt reminder |
| Side Airbags | Not Officially Disclosed | Standard |
| Stability Control | Yes | Standard |
| TCS | Yes | Standard |
| Knee Airbag | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Available |
| ABS EBD | Yes | Standard |
| Alarm System | Not confirmed | Vehicle security system |
| Side Impact Beams | Not confirmed | - |
| Pedestrian Detection AEB | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Whiplash Protection | Not confirmed | - |
| Lane Change Warning | Not confirmed | Blind Spot Warning and Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention |
| Fatigue Detection | Not confirmed | Intelligent Driver Alert |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Anti Theft Alarm | Not confirmed | Vehicle security system |
| Driver Front Passenger Airbags | Not confirmed | Driver, passenger, front side, curtain and front far-side airbags |
| Driver Passenger Airbags | Not confirmed | Driver, passenger, front side, curtain and front far-side airbags |
| ESC With Traction Control | Not confirmed | Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System |
| Far Side Airbag | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise Control | Yes | Intelligent Cruise Control |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes | Intelligent Cruise Control |
| Lane Keep Assist | Yes | Intelligent Lane Intervention |
| Lane Departure Warning | Yes | Intelligent Lane Intervention |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Yes | Standard |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Yes | Standard |
| Parking Sensors | Front & Rear | Front and rear parking sensors |
| Rear View Camera | Yes | Standard |
| 360 Degree Camera | Yes | Standard |
| Autonomous Emergency Braking | Yes | Standard |
| Driver Fatigue Alert | Yes | Standard |
| Traffic Sign Recognition | No | Not Available |
| Auto Highbeam | Not Officially Disclosed | Standard |
| Auto Lights | Yes | Automatic headlights |
| Auto Wipers | No | Standard |
| Eco Mode | Yes | Standard |
| EV Mode | No | Not Available |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Not Officially Disclosed | Standard |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Standard |
| Sport Mode | No | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes | Intelligent Cruise Control |
| Park Assist | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Available |
| Around View Monitor | Yes | Standard |
| Blind Spot Warning | Yes | Standard |
| Forward Collision Warning | Not Officially Disclosed | Standard |
| Blind Spot Intervention | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Emergency Braking | Not confirmed | Intelligent Emergency Braking with junction assist and pedestrian/cyclist detection |
| Front Camera | Not confirmed | Around View Monitor camera system |
| Parking Distance Sensors | Not confirmed | Front and rear parking sensors |
| Parking Sensor | Not confirmed | Front and rear parking sensors |
| Automatic High Beam | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Pre-Collision System | Not confirmed | Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Emergency Braking |
| Rain Sensor Wipers | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Rear View Camera | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Reverse Camera Type | Not confirmed | Rear parking camera |
| Reversing Camera | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Surround View Camera | Yes | Standard |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Material | Leather | Leather-accented |
| Seat Adjustment | Power 8-way | Power driver seat with manual passenger seat |
| Heated Seats | Front & 2nd Row | Standard |
| Ventilated Seats | Front | Not Applicable |
| Steering Type | Electric | Dual pinion electric power steering |
| Steering Adjustment | Tilt & Telescopic | Tilt and telescopic |
| Ambient Lighting | 64-Colour Ambient | Not Applicable |
| Folding Rear Seats | 3rd Row Fold Flat | 40:20:40 sliding/reclining second row and 50:50 third-row dive-down seats |
| Front Armrest | Yes | Centre armrest |
| Rear Armrest | No | Second-row centre armrest |
| Cup Holders | 4 | 6 |
| Steering Wheel Material | Leather | Leather-accented |
| Instrument Cluster Type | Analogue + MID | 12.3-inch full TFT digital meter |
| Door Map Pockets | Yes | Front seat back pockets |
| 60 40 Split Seat | Yes | 40/20/40 split-fold second row |
| Adjustable Driver Seat | Manual | 8-way power driver seat with 2-way power lumbar |
| Adjustable Front Seat | Manual | Manual slide and reclining passenger seat |
| Cooled Seats | No | Not Available |
| Driver Seat Adjustment | Not Officially Disclosed | Power slide, reclining, lifter, tilt and 2-way lumbar |
| Fabric Seats | Yes | Quilted premium leather |
| Front Headrest | Yes | - |
| Leather Seats | No | Leather-accented / synthetic leather |
| Memory Seats | No | - |
| Passenger Seat Adjustment | Not Officially Disclosed | Manual slide and reclining |
| Rear Headrest | Yes | - |
| Seat Trim | Not Officially Disclosed | Leather-accented / synthetic leather |
| Front Shoulder Room | Not confirmed | 1451 mm |
| Rear Shoulder Room | Not confirmed | 1422 mm |
| Rear AC Vents | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Rear USB Ports | Not confirmed | 2 |
| Interior Colour Options | Not confirmed | 5 |
| Driver Lumbar Support | Not confirmed | 2-way power driver lumbar |
| Armrest Front | Not confirmed | Centre armrest |
| Armrest Rear | Not confirmed | Rear centre armrest |
| Boot Space Seats Down | Not confirmed | 651 |
| Driver Seat | Not confirmed | 8-way power driver seat with 2-way power lumbar |
| Heated Front Seats | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Interior Courtesy Lamps | Not confirmed | Spacious cabin, touchscreen infotainment, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, flexible seating layout |
| Interior Trim Colour | Not confirmed | Black |
| Leather Accented Seat Trim | Not confirmed | Quilted premium leather |
| Massage Seats | Not confirmed | Driver and passenger seat massage functionality |
| Interior Colours | Not confirmed | 5 |
| Rear Seat Centre Armrest | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest | Not confirmed | Power reclining |
| Seat Belt Warning | Not confirmed | Driver, passenger and rear seat belt reminder |
| Seat Fold Type | Not confirmed | 40/20/40 split second row and 50/50 dive-down third row |
| Second Row Seat Configuration | Not confirmed | 40/20/40 split second row with manual slide, manual recline, single folding and armrest through to third row |
| Third Row Seat Configuration | Not confirmed | 50/50 split third row with manual reclining and dive-down folding |
| Third Row Seating Capacity | Not confirmed | 2 |
| Third Row Seats | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment System | 12.3-inch Touchscreen | 12.3-inch NissanConnect display with navigation |
| Apple CarPlay | Yes | Standard |
| Android Auto | Yes | Standard |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Standard |
| Number of Speakers | 8 Meridian Premium | 6 |
| Navigation System | Yes | Satellite navigation |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | 12.3-inch Digital Cluster | 12.3-inch full TFT digital meter |
| USB Ports | 2 USB-A + 2 USB-C | 4 |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | Yes | Standard |
| Wireless Android Auto | Yes | Standard |
| FM Radio | Yes | Standard |
| Steering Wheel Audio Controls | Yes | Meter, audio, telephone, voice, cruise and limiter controls |
| Voice Recognition | Yes | Standard |
| AUX Input | Yes | - |
| Audio Controls On Steering | Yes | Meter, audio, telephone, voice, cruise and limiter controls |
| Infotainment Display | Touchscreen | 12.3-inch |
| Rear Usb | Yes | 2 |
| Audio Speakers | 8 Meridian Premium | 6 |
| Infotainment Screen | Not Officially Disclosed | 12.3-inch touchscreen display |
| Touchscreen | Not Officially Disclosed | 12.3-inch touchscreen display |
| Infotainment Screen Size | Not Officially Disclosed | 12.3-inch touchscreen display |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Not confirmed | - |
| Premium Audio | Not confirmed | Bose sound system with 10 speakers |
| Audio | Not confirmed | AM/FM, DAB+, Bluetooth audio streaming |
| Audio System | Not confirmed | 6 speaker audio system |
| Display Audio | Not confirmed | 12.3-inch |
| Front Rear USB Charge Ports | Not confirmed | Front USB-A/USB-C and second-row USB-A/USB-C |
| Head Up Display | Not confirmed | 10.8 inch Head-Up Display |
| Multi Information Display | Not confirmed | 12.3-inch |
| Connected Services | Not confirmed | NissanConnect smartphone integration |
| Voice Control | Not confirmed | Voice recognition |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Not confirmed | Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Radio | Not confirmed | AM/FM radio and DAB+ digital radio |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| LED Headlamps | Full LED Parametric | Standard |
| Daytime Running Lamps | LED | Standard |
| Fog Lamps | LED | Standard |
| Roof Rails | Yes | Silver roof rails |
| Alloy Wheel Design | 20-inch Alloy | 19-inch alloy wheels |
| Rear Spoiler | Yes | - |
| Exterior Colour Options | Not Officially Disclosed | Two-tone colours available on Acenta Plus, plus monotone palette |
| Wing Mirror Type | Power Adjustable | Electric folding heated mirrors |
| Rear Wiper | Yes | Standard |
| Door Handle Finish | Body Coloured | Body colour |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| DRL | LED | Standard |
| Fog Lights | Yes | Standard |
| Front Fog Lights | Yes | Standard |
| Led Headlights | Full LED Parametric | Standard |
| Daytime Running Lights | LED | Standard |
| Exterior Mirror Electric | Yes | Power adjustable, folding and heated mirrors |
| Front Fog Lamps | LED | Standard |
| Headlamps | Full LED Parametric | Standard |
| Headlight Type | Full LED Parametric | Standard |
| Headlights | Full LED Parametric | Standard |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Available |
| Chrome Exterior Finish | Not confirmed | - |
| Body Cladding | Not confirmed | Black side moulding |
| Roof Type | Not confirmed | Two-tone body colour |
| Led Taillights | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Rear Fog Lights | Not confirmed | - |
| Front Overhang | Not confirmed | 935 mm |
| Rear Overhang | Not confirmed | 1040 mm |
| Auto Headlights | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Automatic Headlamps | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Electric Blind Sunroof | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Exterior Colour Options | Not confirmed | 5 |
| Exterior Door Handle Colour | Not confirmed | Body colour |
| Exterior Mirror Folding | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Exterior Mirror Heated | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Front Overhang Mm | Not confirmed | 935 mm |
| Headlamp Levelling | Not confirmed | - |
| Load Bed Liner | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Active Exhaust | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Rear Overhang Mm | Not confirmed | 1040 mm |
| Rear Spoiler | Not confirmed | - |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Approach Angle | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Available |
| Departure Angle | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Available |
| Wading Depth | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Available |
| Terrain Modes | Not Available | Mud / Snow / Sand |
| Locking Differential | No | Not Applicable |
| Ramp Breakover Angle | 20 deg | Not Available |
| 4WD System Type | Not Officially Disclosed | Intelligent 4x4 |
| Hill Descent Control | Not Available | Standard |
| Breakover Angle | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Available |
| Ground Clearance Max | 188 mm | 210 mm |
| Ground Clearance Min | 188 mm | 210 mm |
| Underbody Protection | Not confirmed | Confirmed 4WD derivative |
| Recovery Hooks | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Ramp-over Angle | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Approach Angle Deg | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Departure Angle Deg | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Energy Recovery Display | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Front Skid Plate Guard | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Off Road Descent Control | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Off Road Traction Assist | Not confirmed | Confirmed 4WD derivative |
| Crawl Control | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Rear Skid Plate Guard | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Skid Plates Fuel Tank | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Skid Plates Transfer Case | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Terrain Mode Mud | Not confirmed | Mud |
| Terrain Mode Normal | Not confirmed | Eco / Normal / Sport drive modes |
| Terrain Mode Rock | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Terrain Mode Sand | Not confirmed | Sand |
| Terrain Mode Snow | Not confirmed | Snow |
| Terrain Response System | Not confirmed | Mud / Snow / Sand terrain modes |
| Underbody Camera | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Size | 255/45 R20 | 235/55 R19 |
| Wheel Type | 20-inch Alloy | 19-inch alloy wheels |
| Front Brake Type | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Disc | Disc |
| Spare Wheel Type | Steel | Temporary spare wheel |
| Parking Brake Type | Manual | Electric parking brake with auto hold |
| Tyre Load Index | 91 | - |
| Tyre Speed Rating | H | - |
| Wheel Rim Size | 20-inch Alloy | 19 |
| Brake Type Front | Disc (Ventilated) | Disc |
| Brake Type Rear | Disc | Disc |
| Spare Tyre | Steel | Temporary spare wheel |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless Radial | Radial |
| Wheel Diameter | 20-inch Alloy | 19 |
| Handbrake Type | Not Officially Disclosed | Electric parking brake with auto hold |
| Wheels | 20-inch Alloy | 19-inch alloy wheels |
| Front Brake Disc Diameter | Not confirmed | - |
| Rear Brake Drum Diameter | Not confirmed | - |
| Front Tyre Width | Not confirmed | 235 mm |
| Rear Tyre Width | Not confirmed | 235 mm |
| Auto Brake Hold | Not confirmed | Electronic parking brake with auto hold |
| Autonomous Emergency Brake | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Brakes | Not confirmed | Front and rear disc brakes |
| Cornering Brake Control | Not confirmed | - |
| Electric Park Brake | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Fifth Wheel Prep | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Hydraulic Brake Assist | Not confirmed | Brake Assist System |
| Leather Steering Wheel | Not confirmed | Leather-accented |
| Spare Wheel Size Type | Not confirmed | Temporary steel spare wheel |
| Steering Wheel Audio Controls | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Steering Wheel Cruise Controls | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Steering Wheel Phone Controls | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Steering Wheel Trim | Not confirmed | Leather-accented |
| Towing Unbraked Kg | Not confirmed | 750 kg |
| Tyre Pressure Display | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | Yes | Standard |
| Wheel Material | 20-inch Alloy | 19-inch alloy wheels |
| Wheel Size Type | Not confirmed | 235/55 R19 |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Independent front strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Independent multi-link rear suspension |
| Chassis Type | Monocoque | - |
| Power Steering | Electric | Dual pinion electric power steering |
| Steering Column | Tilt | Tilt and telescopic |
| Front Suspension Type | MacPherson Strut | Independent front strut |
| Rear Suspension Type | Multi-Link | Independent multi-link rear suspension |
| Front Track Width | Not confirmed | 1585 mm |
| Rear Track Width | Not confirmed | 1590 mm |
| Front Spring Type | Not confirmed | - |
| Rear Spring Type | Not confirmed | - |
| Front Anti-Roll Bar | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Rear Anti-Roll Bar | Not confirmed | Standard |
| Shock Absorber Type | Not confirmed | - |
| Chassis Material | Not confirmed | - |
| MagneRide Damping | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Rear Axle Type | Not confirmed | Multi-link rear suspension |
| Shock Absorbers | Not confirmed | - |
| Suspension | Not confirmed | Independent front strut / multi-link rear |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Service Interval | 15000 km / 12 months | 15 000 km |
| Maintenance Plan | 3 Years / 45000 km | Not Available |
| First Service At | 15000 | - |
| Service Plan Duration | 4 | Not Available |
| Service Plan Distance | 4 | Not Available |
| Alternator | 120A | - |
| Service Plan | 4 | Not Available |
| Service Intervals | 15000 km / 12 months | 15 000 km |
| Accessory Battery Type | Lead-acid | - |
| Approx Service Cost | Not confirmed | - |
| Battery Warranty | Not confirmed | - |
| Engine Oil Capacity | Not confirmed | - |
| Engine Oil Change Interval | Not confirmed | 15 000 km |
| Anti-Rust Treatment | Not confirmed | - |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty Years | 5 | 6 years / 150,000 km |
| Warranty Kilometers | 5 | 6 years / 150,000 km |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 Years | Standard |
| Anti-Corrosion Warranty | 5 Years | - |
| Basic Warranty | 5 | 6 years / 150,000 km |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 Years | Standard |
| Warranty | 5 | 6 years / 150,000 km |
| Warranty Roadside Assistance | 5 Years | Standard |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 Emissions | 188 g/km | 183 g/km |
| Start Stop System | No | - |
| Variable Valve Timing | Yes | - |
| Fuel Octane Requirement | Diesel | Petrol |
| Fuel Evaporation Control | Yes | - |
| Hybrid System Type | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Noise Level | Not confirmed | - |
| Particulate Filter | Not confirmed | Not Available |
| Euro Emission Standard | Not confirmed | - |
| Green NCAP Rating | Not confirmed | - |
| Idle CO2 Output | Not confirmed | - |
| CO2 Emissions G Km | Not confirmed | 183 |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership Role | Private and family | Seven-seat family SUV flagship grade |
| Price Zar | 899900 ZAR | 812900 ZAR |
| Pricing Role | Historical listed price | Top 4WD seven-seat Xtronic CVT grade |
| Starting Price | 899900 | 812900 |
| Starting Price Zar | 899900 | 812900 |
| Spec | Santa Fe | X-Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Real-world City Mileage Min | Not confirmed | - |
| Real-world City Mileage Max | Not confirmed | - |
| Real-world Highway Mileage Min | Not confirmed | - |
| Real-world Highway Mileage Max | Not confirmed | - |
In depth: how these cars differ
This Santa Fe and X-Trail comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. 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 X-Trail 56.
Efficiency index: Santa Fe 55 vs X-Trail 50.
Safety-equipment index: Santa Fe 98 vs X-Trail 94.
Practicality index: Santa Fe 89 vs X-Trail 78.
Ownership-cover index: Santa Fe 65 vs X-Trail 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.
Model imagery
Santa Fe and X-Trail image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
Hyundai Santa Fe
View 8 more Santa Fe images
Nissan X-Trail
View 8 more X-Trail images
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-index readout
Santa Fe leads by 8 points
Santa Fe has a modest catalogue-index lead, while X-Trail remains close.
Evidence leader
78
/100
Lead
8
points
Data
90%
source coverage
78
#1
Evidence leader
Santa Fe
90% source coverage
3 strong categories
Best at
Safety 98
Check
Efficiency 55
Performance
74
Efficiency
55
Safety
98
Practicality
89
Ownership
65
Leads by 8 points
70
#2
X-Trail
70% source coverage
2 strong categories
Best at
Safety 94
Check
Efficiency 50
Performance
56
Efficiency
50
Safety
94
Practicality
78
Performance 24%
Safety 22%
Practicality 22%
Efficiency 17%
Ownership 15%
Category leaders
What moves the verdict
Performance
Santa Fe +18
Efficiency
Santa Fe +5
Safety
Santa Fe +4
Practicality
Santa Fe +11
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this score View full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Santa Fe
Performance
74/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
89/100
Ownership
65/100
X-Trail
Performance
56/100
Efficiency
50/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
78/100
What the evidence means
Evidence index
Hyundai Santa Fe
leads the specification evidence index with 78 pts
vs 70 pts for X-Trail
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Santa Fe leads. However, X-Trail may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
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Santa Fe vs X-Trail questions
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa 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.