Hyundai Santa Fe vs Smart 1
What's the difference?

Hyundai Santa Fe

$45,950 - $88,777

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Smart 1

—

2024 price

View pricing & specs

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Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

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Summary

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

2024 Smart 1

By Emily Agar

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

9.3L/100km (combined)

Electric range

420 km

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

66.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Feels premium in the cabin
Prodigious power in the Brabus
Surprisingly spacious

Dislikes

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

Complex multimedia tech
Brabus not a truly engaging sports car
Limited warranty

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?

View full pricing & specs

2024 Smart 1 Summary

Another day, another China-backed EV brand launches in Australia. This one, though, should be at least be vaguely familiar, with Smart having previously operated in Australia about 15 years ago, back when it was a Mercedes-Benz sub-brand rocking the tiny and clever Smart ForTwo and ForFour.

Mercedes is still involved, though now as a 50/50 joint venture partner with Chinese giant Geely, though the new Smart family is not being delivered by either company, and are actually being distributed by Mercedes’ biggest global dealer group, LSH Auto.

All of which is a load of information you don’t really need. But you should know, as a result of all that, the brand is promising a fleet of semi-premium EVs designed in Germany and built in China, with the Smart #1 the first to touch down in Australia.

Oh, and they pronounce the “hashtag” part of the model name, but I just can’t see that strategy becoming part of the Australian lexicon.

Anyway, part-Chinese, part-German and all electric. So should the #1 be on your EV shopping list?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 2024 Smart 1

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

It’s easy to get lost in marketing hype, but — based on first impressions — the Smart #1 does what it says on the tin. This is a Chinese-built SUV that feels more premium than most, and one which is priced to tempt you from one of the German big three. The warranty isn’t good enough, though, and the multimedia screen can be infuriating, but it drives very nicely, especially on suburban roads.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Smart 1 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Smart 1
What's the difference?