◆
VS
At a Glance
Power
145kW@3800
205 kW
Torque
436Nm@1800
430 Nm
Fuel
8
8.1 l/100km
Towing
2000
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.8
7.0 s
Engine
2199
2393 cc
Choosing between the HYUNDAI SANTA FE and the Lexus NX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The HYUNDAI SANTA FE delivers 145kW@3800 while the Lexus NX produces 205 kW. On fuel, the SANTA FE returns 8 while the NX uses 8.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R449 900 for the SANTA FE and R1 263 900 for the NX. 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.
Performance
Power Output
145kW@3800
205 kW
Torque
436Nm@1800
430 Nm
0-100 kph
9.8
7.0 s
Top Speed
190
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2199
2393 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
FRONT
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8
8.1 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
64
55 l
CO2 Emissions
194
185 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4690
4660 mm
Width
-1880
1865 mm
Height
1690
1670 mm
Wheelbase
2700
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
185
195 mm
Kerb Weight
1723
1760-1860 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
520 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
2025
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESP
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
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
Satellite Navigation
✗
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✗
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
7
Warranty Distance
150000
105000 Km
Service Plan
S
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
HYUNDAI SANTA FE
3 / 4 categories
Performance
NX
Fuel Economy
SANTA FE
Value
SANTA FE
Practicality
SANTA FE
Pros & Cons
HYUNDAI SANTA FE
Better fuel economy (8)
Lower starting price (R449 900)
Higher towing capacity (2000)
Few notable weaknesses
Lexus NX
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.0 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the SANTA FE or NX?
The SANTA FE uses 8 and the NX uses 8.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The SANTA FE is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the SANTA FE or NX?
The SANTA FE produces 145kW@3800 and 436Nm@1800 of torque while the NX delivers 205 kW and 430 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the SANTA FE and NX?
The SANTA FE starts from R449 900 and the NX from R1 263 900. The SANTA FE is cheaper by R814 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the SANTA FE or NX?
The SANTA FE has a braked towing capacity of 2000 and the NX can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the SANTA FE or the NX?
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.