VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
175 kW
Torque
400 Nm
367 Nm
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Towing
2400 Kg
1650 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.1 s
9.5 s
Engine
1968 cc
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 140 kW while the Hyundai Santa FE produces 175 kW. On fuel, the Q5 returns 6.2 l/100km while the Santa FE uses 7.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 273 300 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 Q5Sportback 40 TDI Quattro Black Edition 2024 - From R1 273 300
Hyundai Santa FESante FE 1.6h Elite AWD (hybrid) 2025 - From R1 249 900
Performance
Power Output
140 kW
175 kW
Torque
400 Nm
367 Nm
0-100 kph
8.1 s
9.5 s
Top Speed
220 Km/h
190 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1968 cc
1598 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
7.3 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
5.5 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
67 l
CO2 Emissions
163 g/km
166 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4689 mm
4830 mm
Width
1893-2140 mm
1900 mm
Height
1660 mm
1770 mm
Wheelbase
2819 mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance
—
177 mm
Kerb Weight
1845 Kg
1980 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
510-1480 l
413-1148-2253 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2400 Kg
1650 Kg
Load Capacity
—
695 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain / 8 year hybrid
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain / 160km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6yr
Service Plan Distance
—
90000km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Santa FE
Fuel Economy
Q5
Value
Santa FE
Practicality
Q5
Pros & Cons
Audi Q5
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2400 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.1 ss)
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 175 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Hyundai Santa FE
More powerful engine (175 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 249 900)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (7.5 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q5 or Santa FE?
The Q5 uses 6.2 l/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 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the Santa FE delivers 175 kW and 367 Nm of torque. The Santa FE is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q5 and Santa FE?
The Q5 starts from R1 273 300 and the Santa FE from R1 249 900. The Santa FE is cheaper by R23 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 2400 Kg 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.