Hyundai Santa Fe vs Subaru Outback
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 65% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Santa Fe | Outback | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 249 900 | R 839 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 21 846/m | R 14 664/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 65% | 63% |
| Value after 3 years | R 808 462 | R 530 023 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 441 438 | R 308 977 |
| Value after 5 years | R 630 963 | R 408 248 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Mainstream |
Hyundai Santa Fe →
Hyundai's large SUV has been in South Africa since the early 2000s and has moved steadily upmarket. The current boxy generation is sold here as a 1.6 turbo hybrid seven-seater at a price deep in premium territory. Older diesel versions remain popular used family buys.
Known for: upmarket seven-seater that moved with the brand
Subaru Outback →
Effectively a raised Legacy wagon, the Outback has been Subaru SA's alternative to mid-size SUVs since the late 1990s. The current generation sells from R839k with a five-year maintenance plan included. Buyers rate its touring comfort and safety scores, though resale trails the Toyota crowd.
Known for: go-anywhere wagon with awd
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Subaru Outback?
They are close to inseparable: 65% vs 63% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Hyundai Santa Fe loses about R 441 438 over three years and the Subaru Outback loses about R 308 977. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Hyundai Santa Fe runs about R 21 846 per month and the Subaru Outback about R 14 664, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.