VS
At a Glance
Power
277hp @ 5800
201hp @ 5000
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1700
221lb-ft @ 1500
Towing
3500lbs
1800lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152cc
2.0 L/121cc
Choosing between the Hyundai Santa FE and the Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Santa FE delivers 277hp @ 5800 while the Volkswagen Tiguan produces 201hp @ 5000. Pricing starts at $35,050 for the Santa FE and $35,105 for the Tiguan. 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
277hp @ 5800
201hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1700
221lb-ft @ 1500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152cc
2.0 L/121cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
—
22mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
—
30mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
190.2in
184.4in
Width (in)
74.8in
73in
Height (in)
69.7in
66.5in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
109.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4486lbs
3801lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
1800lbs
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
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
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Santa FE
Practicality
Santa FE
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Santa FE
Lower starting price ($35,050)
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Tiguan
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Santa FE or Tiguan?
The Santa FE produces 277hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Tiguan delivers 201hp @ 5000 and 221lb-ft @ 1500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Santa FE and Tiguan?
The Santa FE starts from $35,050 and the Tiguan from $35,105. The Santa FE is cheaper by $55 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Santa FE or Tiguan?
The Santa FE has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Tiguan can tow 1800lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Santa FE or the Tiguan?
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.