Verdict
This is a clean trim walk-up: RM225,000 for the Prime and RM245,000 for the Prestige, a RM20,000 gap. Both use the same 1,598 cc turbo hybrid set-up with 177 hp, 265 Nm, one 64 hp/264 Nm motor, a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and a six-speed automatic. The money does not buy more performance, seats or safety hardware. It buys LED projector headlamps, 20-inch alloys instead of 18s, and a second front wireless charger. For most family buyers, the Prime is the sharper buy.
Pick the Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prime if you want the same hybrid drivetrain, seven-seat layout and safety kit while spending RM20,000 less.
Pick the Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prestige if you specifically want LED projector headlamps, 20-inch wheels and two front wireless chargers.
Key differences
- Price: Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prime RM225,000; Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prestige RM245,000
- Front wheels: Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prime 18-inch 5-arm alloys; Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prestige 20-inch 5-arm alloys
- Rear wheels: Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prime 18-inch 5-arm alloys; Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prestige 20-inch 5-arm alloys
- Headlamps: Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prime LED reflectors; Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prestige LED projectors
- Wireless chargers: Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prime 1 front wireless charger; Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prestige 2 front wireless chargers
1.6T Hybrid Prime
- Costs RM20,000 less than the Prestige
- Same 1.6 litre turbo hybrid output and six-speed automatic
- Same airbag, blind spot, autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control kit
- LED reflector headlamps, not LED projectors
- One front wireless charger instead of two
- 18-inch alloys instead of 20-inch alloys
1.6T Hybrid Prestige
- Adds LED projector headlamps
- Gets two front wireless chargers
- Gets 20-inch alloys at both ends
- Costs RM20,000 more than the Prime
- No extra horsepower, torque or motor output
- Safety equipment matches the cheaper Prime
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 225,000✓ | RM 245,000 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC Direct Injection with Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with Hybrid Assistance | 16-valve DOHC Direct Injection with Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with Hybrid Assistance |
| Capacity | 1,598 cc | 1,598 cc |
| Horsepower | 177 hp | 177 hp |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 75.6 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5 | 10.5 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 64 hp | 64 hp |
| Motor Torque | 264 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion Polymer | Lithium-ion Polymer |
| Battery Capacity | 1.49 kWh | 1.49 kWh |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed Automatic | 6-speed Automatic |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,830 mm | 4,830 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,720 mm | 1,720 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,815 mm | 2,815 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 67 litres | 67 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 628 litres | 628 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R20 | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/45R20 | 255/45R20 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Kumho Ecsta PS71 | Kumho Ecsta PS71 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Korea (CBU) | Korea (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" 5-arm Alloy Wheels | 20" 5-arm Alloy Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 18" 5-arm Alloy Wheels | 20" 5-arm Alloy Wheels |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags, Front Centre Airbag and Driver's Knee Airbag | Driver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags, Front Centre Airbag and Driver's Knee Airbag |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2nd & 3rd Row Seats | Available for 2nd & 3rd Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflectors | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory | Powered Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding Middle Row with One-touch Tumble, Manual Recline, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row | 60:40 Split-folding Middle Row with One-touch Tumble, Manual Recline, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents & Blower Controls | Rear AC Vents & Blower Controls |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger Front, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Second Row, 2 USB-C Third Row | 1 Front, 2 Wireless Charger Front, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Second Row, 2 USB-C Third Row |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 4 Second Row, 2 Third Row | 2 Front, 4 Second Row, 2 Third Row |
| Sun Shade | Rear Window Shades | Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 12.3" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System | 12.3" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Contactless Opening, Powered Boot | Contactless Opening, Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Monitor | Yes, 360-degree Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 160,000 km | 160,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 8 years | 8 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 120 | RM 120 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
1.6T Hybrid Prime vs 1.6T Hybrid Prestige FAQ
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prime or Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prestige better?
The Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prime is better value because it keeps the same hybrid drivetrain, seven seats and safety kit. The Prestige is better only if its projector headlamps, 20-inch wheels and second wireless charger matter to you.
What is the price difference?
The Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prestige costs RM20,000 more than the Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Prime.
Do both Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid variants have the same performance?
Yes. Both use a 1,598 cc turbo hybrid engine with 177 hp and 265 Nm, one 64 hp/264 Nm motor, a 1.49 kWh battery and a six-speed automatic transmission.