Hyundai Santa Fe vs Isuzu NLR 45-150
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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
Isuzu NLR 45-150
From $52,900
Light Truck
Diesel
Diesel
110kW
10.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Santa Fe starts from $53,400 before on-road costs, while the Isuzu NLR 45-150 opens at $52,900. That makes the Isuzu NLR 45-150 the more affordable entry point by $500.
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 $58,190 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Santa Fe by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Santa Fe features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Isuzu NLR 45-150 gets a 6.2-inch display. 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 Isuzu NLR 45-150. The Isuzu NLR 45-150 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. 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 Isuzu NLR 45-150 responds with a Diesel making 110kW and 375Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the clear power advantage at 206kW vs 110kW. 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, 95mm longer than the Isuzu NLR 45-150 at 4,735mm (2,490mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Santa Fe generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Isuzu NLR 45-150 leads with a 4,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
8.7m 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 8.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars1 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,594/year for the Hyundai Santa Fe and $2,993/year for the Isuzu NLR 45-150. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Estimated annual total: $2,594 (Hyundai Santa Fe) vs $2,993 (Isuzu NLR 45-150). The Hyundai Santa Fe saves you roughly $399 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 6 years / 250,000km (Isuzu NLR 45-150). The Isuzu NLR 45-150 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Santa Fe if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Isuzu NLR 45-150 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Hyundai Santa Fe will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. The Isuzu NLR 45-150 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. 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 Isuzu NLR 45-150?
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 is the cheapest at $52,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Santa Fe by $500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Santa Fe uses the least fuel at 9.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Santa Fe all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 has the highest braked towing capacity at 4,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Santa Fe makes the most power at 206kW.
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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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