VS
At a Glance
Power
180kW@4000
175 kW
Torque
580Nm@1750
367 Nm
Fuel
6L/100km
7.5 l/100km
Towing
2400kg
1650 Kg
0-100 km/h
7s
9.5 s
Engine
2967cc
1598 cc
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 175 kW. On fuel, the Q5 returns 6L/100km while the Santa FE uses 7.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R637 500 for the Q5 and R1 249 900 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 FESante FE 1.6h Elite AWD (hybrid) 2025 - From R1 249 900
Performance
Power Output
180kW@4000
175 kW
Torque
580Nm@1750
367 Nm
0-100 kph
7s
9.5 s
Top Speed
225km/h
190 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2967cc
1598 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6L/100km
7.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
7L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
6L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
75L
67 l
CO2 Emissions
169g/km
166 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4629mm
4830 mm
Width
-1898mm
1900 mm
Height
1655mm
1770 mm
Wheelbase
2807mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance
200mm
177 mm
Kerb Weight
1860kg
1980 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
—
413-1148-2253 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2400kg
1650 Kg
Load Capacity
1560kg
695 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain / 8 year hybrid
Warranty Distance
-
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain / 160km
Service Plan
M
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6yr
Service Plan Distance
—
90000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi Q5
4 / 4 categories
Performance
Q5
Fuel Economy
Q5
Value
Q5
Practicality
Q5
Pros & Cons
Audi Q5
Better fuel economy (6L/100km)
Lower starting price (R637 500)
Higher towing capacity (2400kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7ss)
No factory service plan
Hyundai Santa FE
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (7.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q5 or Santa FE?
The Q5 uses 6L/100km and the Santa FE uses 7.5 l/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 175 kW and 367 Nm of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Q5 and Santa FE?
The Q5 starts from R637 500 and the Santa FE from R1 249 900. The Q5 is cheaper by R612 400 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 1650 Kg. 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.