Hyundai Santa Fe vs BMW X7
What's the difference?

Hyundai Santa Fe

$45,950 - $88,777

2025 price

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BMW X7

$96,888 - $129,990

2023 price

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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

2023 BMW X7

By Emily Agar

By Tim Nicholson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Diesel Turbo 8, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Diesel/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

9.3L/100km (combined)

8.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Bold design
Spacious, plush interior
Beefy diesel engine

Dislikes

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

Pricey options
Some functions hard to find in screen
A challenge to manoeuvre in tight spaces

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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2023 BMW X7 Summary

Large family-friendly luxury SUVs tend to be handsome in design but somewhat restrained. Until now. BMW has introduced a major facelift for its flagship SUV, the six- or seven-seat X7. Emphasis on face.

The new X7 adopts the striking but controversial front-end from the new 7 Series sedan, but the big, bold SUV is hiding some rather significant changes under the skin. Aside from a beefier diesel that now comes with mild hybrid tech, there’s also a redesigned cabin, massively upgraded tech, more standard features, oh, and a price increase.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 2023 BMW X7

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

When lined up against its direct rivals, the expensive X7 xDrive40d represents reasonable value for money.

It has a unique and bold look and a sumptuous, visually striking and well-appointed interior that has acres of space for family, friends, or for ferrying frequent flyers to the airport.

That wallop of performance from the big beefy diesel is the cherry on the top. This is how you do a mid-life update.

Hyundai Santa Fe vs BMW X7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Santa Fe vs BMW X7
What's the difference?