Hyundai Santa Fe vs Audi SQ8
What's the difference?

Hyundai Santa Fe

$45,950 - $88,777

2025 price

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Audi SQ8

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2025 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

2025 Audi SQ8

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

9.3L/100km (combined)

11.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Superb storage in cabin
Forgiving to drive for most driver types
Passenger comfort in all three rows

Understated but elegant looks
Gusty engine that delivers serious power
Comfortably fits a large family

Dislikes

Not as efficient as hybrid siblings
Exterior design won't land with everyone
Basic warranty terms on offer

Never hits any thrilling notes
Technology is harder than it needs to be
Internal storage could be better

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Summary

A big welcome to one of the first turbo-petrol four-cylinder versions of the new-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, a model that launched locally with only its hybrid variants available to our market.

While it might not satisfy the fans of the previous-gen's V6 petrol engine, it might be enough for those who have been on the fence about going the hybrid route.

This is my third time in the new Santa Fe, and each tested variant has managed to offer something different and the base petrol grade, in FWD, is no different – but does it offer enough?

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2025 Audi SQ8 Summary

The Audi SQ8 has had a mid-life refresh but this upper large SUV still offers luxury with its powerful V8 engine that fans know and love, as well as the features you would expect in a top model.

It competes against the Mercedes-AMG GLE and Porsche Cayenne but we’re family testing the SQ8 to see how it handles domestic life.

Keep reading to see what we’ve discovered.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 2025 Audi SQ8

Verdict

So I asked at the beginning if the Hyundai Santa Fe FWD petrol offered enough for families looking for a large seven-seat SUV and the answer is: YES!

It's practical, has people-mover space and storage and is downright comfortable to drive. There's so much to like here.

Verdict

The Audi SQ8 isn’t your typical performance SUV. It’s more refined and less flashy. The tech can be more complicated than it needs to be and if you’re wanting that V8 soundscape, you won’t find it here.

However, the handling and on road experience are superb plus you can comfortably haul the family around and look good doing it.

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Audi SQ8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Audi SQ8
What's the difference?