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.
Tucson starts ZAR 899900 cheaperSanta Fe from ZAR 899,900 · Tucson from ZAR 568,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
Engine Power
147 kW
137 kW
Torque
440 Nm
416 Nm
Engine Size
2199 cc
1995 cc
Claimed Mileage
13.8 km/l
13.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
188 mm
181 mm
Boot / Load Bay
703 l
540 l
Airbags
7
6
Kerb Weight
1980 kg
1720 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
Both Santa Fe and Tucson are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Santa Fe
+5 pts
Efficiency
Tucson
+6 pts
Safety
Santa Fe
+7 pts
Practicality
Santa Fe
+16 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
Tucson
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
Tucson
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
Tucson
Model Introduced Year
2001
2004
Generation
Fifth generation Santa Fe on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; 'Sensuous Sportiness' design with distinctive parametric LED lighting signature
Fourth generation Tucson on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; distinctive parametric design language makes it one of the more striking mid-size SUVs in SA
Facelift History
Fifth generation launched in SA in 2022; significant styling and interior quality upgrade; distinctive boxy design language with vertical lighting
Fourth generation launched in SA in 2021; major step change in styling, interior quality, and technology over the third-gen car
Facelift Launched Since
2022
2021
Facelift Version Ending
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Current
Body Style
Not confirmed
SUV
Dealer Stock Note
Not confirmed
Executive grade in the South Africa lineup
Model Year
Not confirmed
2026
Production Status
Not confirmed
published
Segment
Not confirmed
SUV
Vehicle Type
Not confirmed
SUV
Color Note
Not confirmed
White, Black, Silver, Blue, Grey, Green
Drivetrain Note
Not confirmed
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2.0D AT Executive AWD
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
Ground Clearance
188 mm
181 mm
Wheelbase
2815 mm
2755 mm
Length
4830 mm
4630 mm
Width
1900 mm
1865 mm
Height
1750 mm
1665 mm
Kerb Weight
1980 kg
1720 kg
Seating Capacity
7
5
Boot Space
703 l
540 l
Load Bed Length
703 l
540 l
Load Bed Width
Not confirmed
-
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Volume
703 l
540 l
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
54 l
Ground Clearance Max
188 mm
181 mm
Ground Clearance Min
188 mm
181 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
188 mm
181 mm
Height Mm
1750 mm
1665 mm
Length Mm
4830 mm
4630 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
703 l
540 l
Loadbox Width Mm
Not confirmed
-
Cargo Volume
703 l
540 l
Tare Mass Kg
1980 kg
1720 kg
Width Mm
1900 mm
1865 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not confirmed
1799 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
Not confirmed
2110 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
Not confirmed
2110 kg
Turning Circle
Not confirmed
5.4 m
Turning Circle M
Not confirmed
5.4 m
Turning Radius
Not confirmed
5.4 m
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not confirmed
1799 l
Rear Track Width
Not confirmed
-
Towing Capacity
Not confirmed
-
Front Legroom
Not confirmed
-
Front Headroom
Not confirmed
-
Rear Headroom
Not confirmed
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not confirmed
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not confirmed
-
Payload Kg
Not confirmed
-
Max Payload
Not confirmed
-
Rear Legroom
Not confirmed
-
Front Track Width
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
Engine
2.2 R-Series CRDi Diesel
2.0 R2 CRDi Diesel
Engine Type
Diesel
Diesel
Displacement
2199 cc
1995 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Power
147 kW
137 kW
Power @ RPM
3800
3800
Torque
440 Nm
416 Nm
Torque @ RPM
1750
2000
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Yes
Yes
Top Speed
205 km/h
195 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.5 sec
9.5 sec
Engine Position
Front
Front
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
Diesel
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
Yes
Engine Type Config
Inline
Inline
Engine Displacement
2199 cc
1995 cc
Engine Cylinders
4
4
Engine Displacement Cc
2199 cc
1995 cc
Engine Power kW
147 kW
137 kW
Engine Torque Nm
440 Nm
416 Nm
Max Power kW
147 kW
137 kW
Max Torque Nm
440 Nm
416 Nm
Torque Nm Rpm
1750
2000
0–100 km/h
8.5 sec
9.5 sec
Acceleration 0 100
8.5 sec
9.5 sec
Active Exhaust
Not confirmed
-
Engine Aspiration
Not confirmed
Turbocharged
Charging Port
Not confirmed
-
AC Charging Time
Not confirmed
-
Combined System Power
Not confirmed
-
Combined System Torque
Not confirmed
-
Engine Config
Not confirmed
2.0 R2 CRDi Diesel
Engine Displacement Litres
2199 cc
1995 cc
Engine Valves
Not confirmed
16
EV Range
Not confirmed
-
Induction
Not confirmed
Turbocharged
Maximum Power
147 kW
137 kW
Maximum Torque
440 Nm
416 Nm
Motor Position
Not confirmed
-
Motor Power
Not confirmed
-
Motor Torque
Not confirmed
-
Power Assisted Steering
Not confirmed
MDPS Electric
Power
Not confirmed
184 bhp
Power kW Rpm
3800
3800
System Output
Not confirmed
-
Turbo Type
Not confirmed
Turbocharged
Valves per Cylinder
Not confirmed
16
Engine Code
Not confirmed
-
Cylinder Layout
Not confirmed
-
Compression Ratio
Not confirmed
-
Cylinder Bore
Not confirmed
-
Piston Stroke
Not confirmed
-
Battery Capacity
Not confirmed
-
Motor Type
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
4WD / AWD
Drivetrain Layout
HTRAC AWD
AWD
LSD Available
Yes
Yes
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
4WD Engagement
Not confirmed
-
4WD Hi Range
Not confirmed
-
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not confirmed
Yes
Axle Layout
All-Wheel Drive
4WD / AWD
Differential Lock
Not confirmed
No
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
4WD / AWD
Number of Gears
Not confirmed
7 km/h
Transmission Speeds
Not confirmed
7 km/h
Transfer Case
Not confirmed
-
4WD Lo Range
Not confirmed
-
4WD Selector
Not confirmed
-
Low Range
Not confirmed
-
Front Differential Lock
Not confirmed
-
Rear Differential Lock
Not confirmed
-
Clutch Type
Not confirmed
-
Final Drive Ratio
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
Claimed Mileage
13.8 km/l
13.9 km/l
City Mileage
11.0 km/l
11.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
17.5 km/l
18.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
67 l
54 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
7.2 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Yes
7.2 l/100km
Distance To Empty
Yes
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Yes
7.2 l/100km
Combined Consumption
Yes
7.2 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
Yes
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
Yes
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
67 l
54 l
AC Charging Power
Not confirmed
-
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not confirmed
-
Charging Port Type
Not confirmed
-
Charging Time AC Full
Not confirmed
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
Not confirmed
-
Charging Type
Not confirmed
-
Combined Driving Range
Not confirmed
-
DC Charging Power
Not confirmed
-
Electric Consumption
Not confirmed
-
Fuel Type
Not confirmed
Diesel
Low Range Ratio
Not confirmed
-
Range Real World Highway
Not confirmed
-
Range Real World Mixed
Not confirmed
-
Range Wltp
Not confirmed
-
Real-world Mileage
13.8 km/l
13.9 km/l
Auto Start Stop
Not confirmed
No
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
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
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
AEB
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Not confirmed
Yes
Anti Theft Alarm
Not confirmed
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not confirmed
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Not confirmed
Yes
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
Not confirmed
6
Driver Passenger Airbags
Not confirmed
6
ESC With Traction Control
Not confirmed
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Front & Rear
Knee Airbag
Not confirmed
-
Brake Override System
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
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
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
-
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
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Emergency Braking
Not confirmed
Yes
Parking Distance Sensors
Not confirmed
Front & Rear
Parking Sensor
Not confirmed
Front & Rear
Pre-Collision System
Not confirmed
Yes
Rain Sensor Wipers
Not confirmed
No
Rear View Camera
Not confirmed
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera Type
Not confirmed
Yes
Reversing Camera
Not confirmed
Yes
Surround View Camera
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Front & Rear
Auto Highbeam
Not confirmed
-
Park Assist
Not confirmed
-
Forward Collision Warning
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
Seat Material
Leather
Nappa Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power 8-way
Power 8-way
Heated Seats
Front & 2nd Row
Front & Rear
Ventilated Seats
Front
Front
Steering Type
Electric
Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
64-Colour Ambient
64-Colour Ambient
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
Armrest Front
Not confirmed
Yes
Armrest Rear
Not confirmed
No
Boot Space Seats Down
Not confirmed
1799
Boot Space Seats Up
Not confirmed
540
Cargo Space
Not confirmed
540
Driver Seat
Not confirmed
Power 8-way
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Power 8-way
Interior Colour Options
Not confirmed
6
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Not confirmed
Nappa Leather
Rear AC Vents
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
Not confirmed
No
Seat Belt Warning
Not confirmed
Yes
Seat Capacity
Not confirmed
5
Seat Count
Not confirmed
5
Seat Fold Type
Not confirmed
60/40 Split
Seat Trim
Not confirmed
Nappa Leather
Rear USB Ports
Not confirmed
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Manual
Interior Colours
Not confirmed
6
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Not confirmed
10.25-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bose premium sound on Executive, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
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
15W Wireless
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
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
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Spare Wheel
Steel
Full Size
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
18
Sound System
8 Meridian Premium
8 Bose Premium
Unlocking
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charger
15W Wireless
15W Wireless
Adaptive Dampers
Not confirmed
-
Auto Dimming Irvm
Not confirmed
No
Battery Voltage
Not confirmed
-
Bed Extender
Not confirmed
-
Bottle Holders
Not confirmed
4
Canopy Fitment
Not confirmed
-
Centre Console
Not confirmed
Yes
Climate Zones
Not confirmed
2
Common Rail Injection
Not confirmed
Common Rail Direct Injection
Diff Lock
Not confirmed
No
Difflock
Not confirmed
No
Digital Speedometer
Not confirmed
Analogue + MID
Engine Start Button Illumination
Not confirmed
Yes
Engine Warranty
Not confirmed
4
Front Wiper
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Wipers Type
Not confirmed
Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined
Not confirmed
7.2
Glove Box
Not confirmed
Yes
Glovebox Cooling
Not confirmed
Yes
Ground Clearance Unladen
Not confirmed
181
Hill Start Assist
Not confirmed
Yes
Intelligent Battery System
Not confirmed
-
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Not confirmed
Yes
Launch Control
Not confirmed
-
Lift Gate
Not confirmed
Yes
Load Bed Cover
Not confirmed
-
Load Bed Light
Not confirmed
-
Load Bed Steps
Not confirmed
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not confirmed
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not confirmed
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not confirmed
-
Manual Aircon
Not confirmed
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Mirror
Not confirmed
Power Adjustable
Electric Mirror Folding
Not confirmed
Power Adjustable
One Pedal Driving
Not confirmed
-
Panoramic Roof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Passive Entry Start
Not confirmed
Yes
Performance Data Logger
Not confirmed
-
Power Socket 12v
Not confirmed
12V
Powered Tailgate
Not confirmed
Yes
Reading Lights Rear
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Air Conditioning
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Defogger
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Electric Motor
Not confirmed
-
Rear LED Combination Taillights
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Wing
Not confirmed
Yes
Rearview Mirror Inside
Not confirmed
No
Regenerative Braking
Not confirmed
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not confirmed
-
Remote Central Locking
Not confirmed
Yes
Rev Matching
Not confirmed
-
Roof Rack Compatibility
Not confirmed
Yes
Seat Type
Not confirmed
Nappa Leather
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Not confirmed
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Not confirmed
Yes
Sonar
Not confirmed
Front & Rear
Source Model Column
Not confirmed
tucson
Sport Plus Mode
Not confirmed
-
Steering Column Adjustment
Not confirmed
Tilt & Telescopic
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Yes
Sub Frame
Not confirmed
Monocoque
Surround View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Tail Lamps
Not confirmed
Yes
Tailgate Damper
Not confirmed
-
Tailgate Lock
Not confirmed
-
Tow Bar Type
Not confirmed
-
TPMS
Yes
Yes
Trim Level
Not confirmed
executive
Valves Per Cylinder
Not confirmed
16
Vanity Mirror Illuminated
Not confirmed
Yes
Variant Role
Not confirmed
Off-road or adventure derivative
Vdc
Not confirmed
Yes
Vehicle To Grid
Not confirmed
-
Vehicle To Load
Not confirmed
-
Voice Command
Not confirmed
Yes
Voice Command Support
Not confirmed
Yes
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Not confirmed
Yes
Walk Away Lock
Not confirmed
Yes
Accelerator 0 100
Not confirmed
9.5 sec
Automatic Headlamps
Not confirmed
Full LED Parametric
Gear Shift Type
Not confirmed
8-speed Automatic
Rear Seat Split
Not confirmed
60/40 Split
Remote Side Mirror
Not confirmed
Power Adjustable
Sports Bar
Not confirmed
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
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 + 2 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
Audio
Not confirmed
Yes
Audio System
Not confirmed
Yes
Connected Services
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Not confirmed
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Infotainment Screen
Not confirmed
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Radio
Not confirmed
Yes
Infotainment Screen Size
Not confirmed
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Smartphone Connectivity
Not confirmed
Yes
Touchscreen
Not confirmed
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Voice Control
Not confirmed
Yes
Display Audio
Not confirmed
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Multi Information Display
Not confirmed
Analogue + MID
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
LED Headlamps
Full LED Parametric
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
20-inch Alloy
19-inch Dark 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 Parametric
Daytime Running Lights
LED
LED
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Headlamps
Full LED Parametric
Full LED Parametric
Headlight Type
Full LED Parametric
Full LED Parametric
Headlights
Full LED Parametric
Full LED Parametric
Auto Headlights
Not confirmed
Full LED Parametric
Automatic Headlamps
Not confirmed
Full LED Parametric
Electric Blind Sunroof
Not confirmed
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Exterior Colour Options
Not confirmed
6
Exterior Colour Options
Not confirmed
6
Exterior Mirror Folding
Not confirmed
Power Adjustable
Headlamp Levelling
Not confirmed
Full LED Parametric
Led Taillights
Not confirmed
Yes
Load Bed Liner
Not confirmed
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not confirmed
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Rear Spoiler
Not confirmed
Yes
Roof Type
Not confirmed
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Exterior Door Handle Colour
Not confirmed
Body Coloured
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
Terrain Modes
Not confirmed
-
Locking Differential
No
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
No
No
4WD System Type
All-Wheel Drive
4WD / AWD
Energy Recovery Display
Not confirmed
-
Off Road Descent Control
Not confirmed
-
Ramp-over Angle
Not confirmed
20 deg
Breakover Angle
Not confirmed
20 deg
Approach Angle
Not confirmed
-
Departure Angle
Not confirmed
-
Wading Depth
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
Tyre Size
255/45 R20
235/50 R19
Wheel Type
20-inch Alloy
19-inch Dark Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
Full Size
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Manual
Tyre Load Index
91
91
Tyre Speed Rating
H
H
Wheel Rim Size
20-inch Alloy
18
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Disc
Spare Tyre
Steel
Full Size
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Diameter
20-inch Alloy
18
Wheelbase Mm
2815 mm
2755 mm
Wheels
20-inch Alloy
19-inch Dark Alloy
Auto Brake Hold
Not confirmed
Manual
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Not confirmed
Yes
Brakes
Not confirmed
Disc
Cornering Brake Control
Not confirmed
Yes
Electric Park Brake
Not confirmed
Manual
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Not confirmed
Yes
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not confirmed
-
Handbrake Type
Not confirmed
Manual
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Not confirmed
Yes
Leather Steering Wheel
Not confirmed
Leather
Spare Wheel Size Type
Not confirmed
Full Size
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Not confirmed
Yes
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Not confirmed
Yes
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Not confirmed
Yes
Steering Wheel Trim
Not confirmed
Leather
Tyre Pressure Display
Not confirmed
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Wheel Material
20-inch Alloy
19-inch Dark Alloy
Wheel Size Type
Not confirmed
18
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Steering Column
Tilt
Tilt
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Multi-Link
Chassis Material
Not confirmed
Monocoque
Front Spring Type
Not confirmed
MacPherson Strut
MagneRide Damping
Not confirmed
-
Rear Axle Type
Not confirmed
Multi-Link
Rear Spring Type
Not confirmed
Multi-Link
Suspension
Not confirmed
MacPherson Strut
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
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
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan Distance
4
3 Years / 45000 km
Alternator
120A
120A
Battery Type
Lead-acid
Lead-acid
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Battery Warranty
Not confirmed
4
Engine Oil Change Interval
Not confirmed
15000 km / 12 months
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
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
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
CO2 Emissions
188 g/km
162 g/km
Start Stop System
No
No
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Diesel
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
Yes
CO2 Emissions G Km
Not confirmed
162
Euro Emission Standard
Not confirmed
Euro 6
Hybrid System Type
Not confirmed
-
Idle CO2 Output
Not confirmed
162
Particulate Filter
Not confirmed
-
Spec
Santa Fe
Tucson
Ownership Role
Not confirmed
Executive
Price Zar
Not confirmed
764900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Not confirmed
Current listed price
Starting Price
Not confirmed
764900
Starting Price Zar
Not confirmed
764900
Price Source
Not confirmed
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Santa Fe leads by 5 points
Both Santa Fe and Tucson are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Performance
Santa Fe +5
Efficiency
Tucson +6
Safety
Santa Fe +7
Practicality
Santa Fe +16
Ownership
Level
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
Tucson
Performance
69/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
73/100
Ownership
65/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai Santa Fe
wins with 77 pts
vs 72 pts for Tucson
In structured scoring, Santa Fe emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Tucson 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 Tucson 56. 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, Tucson 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, Tucson 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, Tucson 73. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Santa Fe 74, Tucson 69. 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 Tucson in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Santa Fe scores 74 vs 69.
Efficiency: Santa Fe scores 50 vs 56.
Safety: Santa Fe scores 99 vs 92.
Practicality: Santa Fe scores 89 vs 73.
Ownership: Santa Fe scores 65 vs 65.
Final structured scoring gives Santa Fe
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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