VS
At a Glance
Power
200kW@4780
145kW@3800
Torque
400Nm@2150
436Nm@1800
Fuel
9L/100km
8.3L/100km
Towing
2400kg
2000kg
0-100 km/h
6s
12.9s
Engine
2995cc
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 200kW@4780 while the Hyundai Santa FE produces 145kW@3800. On fuel, the Q5 returns 9L/100km while the Santa FE uses 8.3L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R639 000 for the Q5 and R434 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 TFSI SE Quattro S-Tronic 2013 - From R639 000
Hyundai Santa FE2.2 CRDI 4x4 7-Seater AT 2010 - From R434 900
Performance
Power Output
200kW@4780
145kW@3800
Torque
400Nm@2150
436Nm@1800
0-100 kph
6s
12.9s
Top Speed
234km/h
190km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2995cc
2199cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
DIESEL
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9L/100km
8.3L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
11L/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
7L/100km
6.4L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
75L
70L
CO2 Emissions
199g/km
220g/km
Dimensions
Length
4629mm
4660mm
Width
-1898mm
1890mm
Height
1655mm
1760mm
Wheelbase
2807mm
2700mm
Ground Clearance
200mm
200mm
Kerb Weight
1840kg
1972kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2400kg
2000kg
Load Capacity
1560kg
2247kg
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
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Q5
Fuel Economy
Santa FE
Value
Santa FE
Practicality
Q5
Pros & Cons
Audi Q5
Higher towing capacity (2400kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9L/100km)
Higher starting price
Hyundai Santa FE
Better fuel economy (8.3L/100km)
Lower starting price (R434 900)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q5 or Santa FE?
The Q5 uses 9L/100km and the Santa FE uses 8.3L/100km on the combined cycle. The Santa FE 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 200kW@4780 and 400Nm@2150 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 R639 000 and the Santa FE from R434 900. The Santa FE is cheaper by R204 100 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.