In Malaysia's SUV market, many buyers compare the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe when choosing a car. These two models are quite close in price and positioning. Today we will make a detailed comparison from multiple aspects to save you time doing research.
The OTR price of Honda CR-V in Malaysia is RM 178,200 - 195,900, with a total of 4 versions, including 2026 e:HEV 2.0L 2WD RS (RM 195,900), 2026 1.5T 4WD V (RM 181,900), 2026 e:HEV 2.0L 2WD E (RM 178,200), etc.
The OTR price of Hyundai Santa Fe in Malaysia is RM 225,000 - 270,000, with a total of 3 versions, including 2025 2.5T DCT 4WD Calligraphy 6 Seats (RM 270,000), 2025 HEV 1.6T AT 2WD Prestige 7 Seats (RM 245,000), 2025 HEV 1.6T AT 2WD Prime 7 Seats (RM 225,000), etc.
From the price perspective, the starting price of Honda CR-V is indeed RM 46,800 cheaper than Hyundai Santa Fe. If your budget is limited, Honda's entry-level version can already meet daily needs. But keep in mind, the few thousand ringgit saved might involve trade-offs in features, depending on your specific needs.

Honda CR-V is equipped with a 2.0L 4-cyl, 170 hp. Official fuel consumption 8.0 L/100km.
Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a 2.0L 4-cyl, 170 hp. Official fuel consumption 8.0 L/100km.
Both cars use the same powertrain system, the driving experience is basically the same. Fuel consumption is also similar, no need to worry too much about this.

Honda CR-V's safety rating is 5★ (ASEAN NCAP), active safety systems include Honda SENSING (ACC, CMBS, LKAS, RDM).
Hyundai Santa Fe's safety rating is TBD, active safety systems include Basic.
Regarding safety features, both cars have received decent ratings. However, there are some functional differences between Honda CR-V's Honda SENSING (ACC, CMBS, LKAS, RDM) and Hyundai Santa Fe's Basic. If you value active safety, you can compare the feature lists of both carefully.

Honda CR-V body length 4500 mm, trunk 450 L.
Hyundai Santa Fe body length 4400 mm, trunk 400 L.
Regarding space, Honda CR-V's body is 100 mm longer than Hyundai Santa Fe, the interior seating space will be slightly more spacious, especially rear legroom. If you often carry family or need to fit a stroller, a slightly larger body is indeed more practical.

Honda CR-V adopts FWD drive type.
Hyundai Santa Fe adopts FWD drive type.
Both cars have the same drive type, both are FWD, there won't be much difference in daily driving experience.

Overall, Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe are both very good models in the Malaysia market. Which one to choose depends on your personal needs and budget. We suggest doing your research, compare quotes from several dealerships, and go for a test drive to make the final decision. Buying a car is a big matter, spending time researching is never wrong.