Hyundai Santa Fe: TM Facelift vs MX5
Verdict
The Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 is the newer, larger and better-specified choice on paper, but it asks a sizeable RM39,112 more: RM225,000 against RM185,888. Both use a 1,598 cc petrol hybrid set-up with 177 hp, 265 Nm, front-wheel drive and a conventional automatic, so the premium is not buying extra output. It buys a longer 4,830 mm body, 2,815 mm wheelbase, 10 airbags and an 8-year warranty, while the TM Facelift keeps a marginally bigger 634-litre boot.
Pick the Hyundai Santa Fe TM Facelift if you want the lower price, the same 177 hp and 265 Nm, and a slightly larger boot.
Pick the Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 if you want the newer generation with a longer wheelbase, 10 airbags and an 8-year warranty.
Key differences
- Price: TM Facelift RM185,888; MX5 RM225,000
- Assembly: TM Facelift CKD; MX5 CBU
- Size: TM Facelift 4,785 mm long; MX5 4,830 mm long
- Wheelbase: TM Facelift 2,765 mm; MX5 2,815 mm
- Boot space: TM Facelift 634 litres; MX5 628 litres
- Airbags: TM Facelift 6; MX5 10
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 185,888✓ | RM 225,000 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Engine | 1,598 cc | 1,598 cc |
| Power | 177 hp | 177 hp |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 8.9 s | — |
| Top speed | 180 km/h | — |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | — | 1.5 kWh |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,785 mm | 4,830 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,685 mm | 1,720 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,765 mm | 2,815 mm |
| Boot space | 634 L✓ | 628 L |
| Fuel tank | — | 67 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 10✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | — | 8 |
| 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.
TM Facelift
- RM39,112 cheaper
- Same 177 hp and 265 Nm output
- Slightly larger 634-litre boot
- Shorter 2,765 mm wheelbase
- Six airbags versus 10 in the MX5
- No warranty figure stated
MX5
- Longer 2,815 mm wheelbase
- 10 airbags
- 8-year warranty listed
- RM225,000 price is much higher
- Boot is slightly smaller at 628 litres
- No 0-100 km/h or top speed figure stated
TM Facelift vs MX5 FAQ
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe TM Facelift or Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 better?
The Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 is better on paper if safety count, size and warranty matter: it has 10 airbags, a 2,815 mm wheelbase and an 8-year warranty. The TM Facelift makes more sense if price is the priority.
What is the price difference?
The Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 costs RM225,000, while the Hyundai Santa Fe TM Facelift costs RM185,888. That is a RM39,112 gap.
Do they have the same engine and performance?
Both use a 1,598 cc petrol hybrid set-up with 177 hp, 265 Nm, front-wheel drive and a conventional automatic. The TM Facelift has listed 0-100 km/h and top speed figures of 8.9 seconds and 180 km/h; the MX5 does not.