Hyundai Santa Fe vs Peugeot 408
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.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Santa Fe starts from $53,000 before on-road costs, while the Peugeot 408 opens at $57,990. That makes the Hyundai Santa Fe the more affordable entry point by $4,990.
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 $58,300 and $63,789 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Peugeot 408 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Hyundai Santa Fe and 79% for the Peugeot 408.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Santa Fe packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Peugeot 408.
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 6 in the Peugeot 408.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Santa Fe features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Peugeot 408 gets a 10-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 Peugeot 408. The Peugeot 408 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof and Focal audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Santa Fe uses a Petrol producing 141kW and 232Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Peugeot 408 responds with a Hybrid making 100kW and 230Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the clear power advantage at 141kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Santa Fe 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, 140mm longer than the Peugeot 408 at 4,690mm (2,790mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Santa Fe generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 625L in the Hyundai Santa Fe and 508L in the Peugeot 408, giving the Hyundai Santa Fe a 117L advantage. The Hyundai Santa Fe seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Hyundai Santa Fe leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m 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 $1,938/year for the Hyundai Santa Fe and $1,739/year for the Peugeot 408. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Peugeot 408.
Estimated annual total: $1,938 (Hyundai Santa Fe) vs $1,739 (Peugeot 408). The Peugeot 408 saves you roughly $199 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 / 200,000km (Peugeot 408). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Santa Fe if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Peugeot 408 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Peugeot's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Santa Fe takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Peugeot 408 will save you roughly $199 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 Peugeot 408?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the cheapest at $53,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Peugeot 408 by $4,990.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Peugeot 408 uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Santa Fe and Peugeot 408 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 625L.
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 141kW. The Hyundai Santa Fe is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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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