VS
At a Glance
Power
183 kW
145kW@3800
Torque
370 Nm
436Nm@1800
Fuel
8.0 l/100km
8.3L/100km
Towing
2400 Kg
2000kg
0-100 km/h
6.3 s
10s
Engine
1984 cc
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 183 kW while the Hyundai Santa FE produces 145kW@3800. On fuel, the Q5 returns 8.0 l/100km while the Santa FE uses 8.3L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 268 600 for the Q5 and R482 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 Q545 TFSI Quattro Stronic Black ED 2024 - From R1 268 600
Hyundai Santa FE2.2 CRDI 4x4 Executive 7-Seater AT 2013 - From R482 900
Performance
Power Output
183 kW
145kW@3800
Torque
370 Nm
436Nm@1800
0-100 kph
6.3 s
10s
Top Speed
237 Km/h
190km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
2199cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.0 l/100km
8.3L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
9.7 l/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
7.0 l/100km
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
64L
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
194g/km
Dimensions
Length
4682 mm
4690mm
Width
1893-2140 mm
-1880mm
Height
1662 mm
1690mm
Wheelbase
2819 mm
2700mm
Ground Clearance
—
185mm
Kerb Weight
1795 Kg
1822kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
550-1550 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2400 Kg
2000kg
Load Capacity
—
2008kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ 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
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
Optional
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
60
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000km
Service Plan
—
S
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
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 (8.0 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2400 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.3 ss)
Higher starting price
Hyundai Santa FE
Lower starting price (R482 900)
Higher fuel consumption (8.3L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q5 or Santa FE?
The Q5 uses 8.0 l/100km and the Santa FE uses 8.3L/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 183 kW and 370 Nm 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 R1 268 600 and the Santa FE from R482 900. The Santa FE is cheaper by R785 700 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 2400 Kg 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.