VS
◆
At a Glance
Power
180kW@4000
145kW@3800
Torque
580Nm@1750
436Nm@1800
Fuel
6L/100km
8L/100km
Towing
2400kg
2000kg
0-100 km/h
7s
9.8s
Engine
2967cc
2199cc
Choosing between the Audi Q5 and the Hyundai Santa FE is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi Q5 delivers 180kW@4000 while the Hyundai Santa FE produces 145kW@3800. On fuel, the Q5 returns 6L/100km while the Santa FE uses 8L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R637 500 for the Q5 and R449 900 for the Santa FE. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi Q53.0 TDI SE Quattro S-Tronic 2013 - From R637 500
Hyundai Santa FE2.2 CRDI 4x2 Premium 5-Seater AT 2013 - From R449 900
Performance
Power Output
180kW@4000
145kW@3800
Torque
580Nm@1750
436Nm@1800
0-100 kph
7s
9.8s
Top Speed
225km/h
190km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2967cc
2199cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
DIESEL
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6L/100km
8L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
7L/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
6L/100km
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
75L
64L
CO2 Emissions
169g/km
194g/km
Dimensions
Length
4629mm
4690mm
Width
-1898mm
-1880mm
Height
1655mm
1690mm
Wheelbase
2807mm
2700mm
Ground Clearance
200mm
185mm
Kerb Weight
1860kg
1723kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2400kg
2000kg
Load Capacity
1560kg
2025kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✗
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
Optional
✗
Heated Seats
Optional
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
60
Warranty Distance
-
150000km
Service Plan
M
S
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi Q5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Q5
Fuel Economy
Q5
Value
Santa FE
Practicality
Q5
Pros & Cons
Audi Q5
Better fuel economy (6L/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2400kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7ss)
Higher starting price
Hyundai Santa FE
Lower starting price (R449 900)
Higher fuel consumption (8L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q5 or Santa FE?
The Q5 uses 6L/100km and the Santa FE uses 8L/100km on the combined cycle. The Q5 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q5 or Santa FE?
The Q5 produces 180kW@4000 and 580Nm@1750 of torque while the Santa FE delivers 145kW@3800 and 436Nm@1800 of torque. The Q5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q5 and Santa FE?
The Q5 starts from R637 500 and the Santa FE from R449 900. The Santa FE is cheaper by R187 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q5 or Santa FE?
The Q5 has a braked towing capacity of 2400kg and the Santa FE can tow 2000kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q5 or the Santa FE?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.