Hyundai Santa Fe vs CUPRA Formentor
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Hyundai Santa Fe
From $53,400
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
206kW
9.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
642L
CUPRA Formentor
From $49,990
SUV
Petrol
4-cyl Turbo Petrol
110kW
5.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
420L
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Santa Fe starts from $53,400 before on-road costs, while the CUPRA Formentor opens at $49,990. That makes the CUPRA Formentor the more affordable entry point by $3,410.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $58,740 and $54,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the CUPRA Formentor by roughly $5,130 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and CUPRA Formentor hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Hyundai Santa Fe and 93% for the CUPRA Formentor.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The CUPRA Formentor packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Santa Fe and 7 in the CUPRA Formentor.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Santa Fe features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the CUPRA Formentor gets a 12-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with Apple CarPlay and BOSE audio that you will not find on the CUPRA Formentor. The CUPRA Formentor counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Santa Fe uses a Petrol producing 206kW and 422Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The CUPRA Formentor responds with a 4-cyl Turbo Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the clear power advantage at 206kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the CUPRA Formentor is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Santa Fe measures 4,830mm long on a 2,815mm wheelbase, 380mm longer than the CUPRA Formentor at 4,450mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Santa Fe generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 642L in the Hyundai Santa Fe and 420L in the CUPRA Formentor, giving the Hyundai Santa Fe a 222L advantage. The Hyundai Santa Fe seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Hyundai Santa Fe leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.7m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,594/year for the Hyundai Santa Fe and $1,568/year for the CUPRA Formentor. That is a $1,026 annual difference in favour of the CUPRA Formentor.
Estimated annual total: $2,594 (Hyundai Santa Fe) vs $1,568 (CUPRA Formentor). The CUPRA Formentor saves you roughly $1,026 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Santa Fe) vs 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Formentor). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Santa Fe if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the CUPRA Formentor if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Hyundai Santa Fe and CUPRA Formentor trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The CUPRA Formentor will save you roughly $1,026 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Santa Fe has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Santa Fe and CUPRA Formentor?
The CUPRA Formentor is the cheapest at $49,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Santa Fe by $3,410.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The CUPRA Formentor uses the least fuel at 5.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Santa Fe and CUPRA Formentor all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the largest boot at 642L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Santa Fe makes the most power at 206kW. The CUPRA Formentor is quickest to 100km/h in 7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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