VS
At a Glance
Power
231hp @ 5500
174hp @ 5500
Torque
271lb-ft
184lb-ft @ 1750
Fuel
—
29 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
—
Engine
1.6 L/98ci
1.5 L/91ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and the Volkswagen Taos is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid delivers 231hp @ 5500 while the Volkswagen Taos produces 174hp @ 5500. Pricing starts at $36,400 for the Santa Fe Hybrid and $30,960 for the Taos. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Hyundai Santa Fe HybridCalligraphy AWD 2026 - From $36,400
Volkswagen TaosSE 4MOTION 2026 - From $30,960
Performance
Power Output (hp)
231hp @ 5500
174hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
271lb-ft
184lb-ft @ 1750
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.6 L/98ci
1.5 L/91ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
—
29 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
—
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
—
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
190.2in
175.8in
Width (in)
74.8in
72.5in
Height (in)
69.7in
64.6in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
105.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4575lbs
3437lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Santa Fe Hybrid
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Taos
Practicality
Santa Fe Hybrid
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Taos
Lower starting price ($30,960)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Santa Fe Hybrid or Taos?
The Santa Fe Hybrid produces 231hp @ 5500 and 271lb-ft of torque while the Taos delivers 174hp @ 5500 and 184lb-ft @ 1750 of torque. The Santa Fe Hybrid is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Santa Fe Hybrid and Taos?
The Santa Fe Hybrid starts from $36,400 and the Taos from $30,960. The Taos is cheaper by $5,440 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Santa Fe Hybrid or Taos?
The Santa Fe Hybrid has a braked towing capacity of 2000lbs and the Taos can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Santa Fe Hybrid or the Taos?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.