Hyundai Santa Fe vs Renault Scenic E-Tech
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 $53,400 before on-road costs, while the Renault Scenic E-Tech opens at $55,990. That makes the Hyundai Santa Fe the more affordable entry point by $2,590.
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 $61,589 respectively.
The Renault Scenic E-Tech qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Hyundai Santa Fe, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Renault Scenic E-Tech hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Hyundai Santa Fe and 88% for the Renault Scenic E-Tech.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Renault Scenic E-Tech packs more ADAS features with 7 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 Renault Scenic E-Tech. The Renault Scenic E-Tech adds a 360-degree camera that the Hyundai Santa Fe misses.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Santa Fe features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Renault Scenic E-Tech gets a 12-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate that you will not find on the Renault Scenic E-Tech. The Renault Scenic E-Tech counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Santa Fe gets cloth upholstery while the Renault Scenic E-Tech offers synthetic leather.
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 Renault Scenic E-Tech responds with a Electric making 125kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the clear power advantage at 141kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Santa Fe is 0.2s 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, 360mm longer than the Renault Scenic E-Tech at 4,470mm (2,785mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Santa Fe generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 625L in the Hyundai Santa Fe and 545L in the Renault Scenic E-Tech, giving the Hyundai Santa Fe a 80L advantage. The Hyundai Santa Fe seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Hyundai Santa Fe leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m 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 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Santa Fe) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Scenic E-Tech). 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 Renault Scenic E-Tech if: You or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Santa Fe takes 5 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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 Renault Scenic E-Tech?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the cheapest at $53,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Renault Scenic E-Tech by $2,590.
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 and Renault Scenic E-Tech 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.
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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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