2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE
$5,110 less and 38 more lb-ft torque vs 10.5″ longer. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $5,110 price gap, 277 vs 269 hp, 23 vs 22 MPG.
The Santa Fe SE leads on $5,110 less, 38 more lb-ft torque. The Atlas SE leads on 10.5″ longer. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE | 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $36,100 | $41,210 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 277 hp | 269 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 20 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 28 | 26 |
| Combined MPG | 23 | 22 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 18.6 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,486 lbs | 4,484 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 117.3" |
| Length | 190.2" | 200.7" |
| Width | 74.8" | 78.3" |
| Height | 67.7" | 70.4" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 4yr/50k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE starts at $36,100, $5,110 less than the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE at $41,210. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $90/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $5,110 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $83/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Who should choose the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE is the stronger pick when you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE rates 23 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE produces 277 hp, 8 more than the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE at 269 hp. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE also leads in torque at 311 lb-ft vs 273 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE bigger than the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE is 10.5″ longer at 200.7″ vs 190.2″. The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE has a 6.5″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Volkswagen Atlas offers 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Santa Fe trims, Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Atlas trims
The Santa Fe–Atlas Decision
Cross-shopping midsize SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Santa Fe and Atlas compare. The $5,110 gap adds up to $90/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo. The 8 hp difference (277 vs 269) is marginal in daily driving. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE adds 38 more lb-ft of torque (311 vs 273), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE saves roughly $83/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $415.
Living With the Santa Fe vs the Atlas
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE is 10.5″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE has a 6.5″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE when you want to keep $5,110 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE when you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo. At $90/month more, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or Volkswagen or any dealership.