2026 Hyundai Tucson SE vs 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S
$1,355 less vs 43 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $1,355 price gap, 187 vs 201 hp, 26 vs 25 MPG.
The Tucson SE leads on $1,355 less. The Tiguan S leads on 43 more lb-ft torque. 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 | 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE | 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $30,950 | $32,305 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 24 | 22 |
| Highway MPG | 30 | 30 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 25 |
| Fuel Tank | 14.3 gal | 15.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,700/yr | $1,750/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | No published data | 3,801 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 109.9" |
| Length | 182.7" | 184.4" |
| Width | 73.4" | 73.0" |
| Height | No published data | 66.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| 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 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE and 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE starts at $30,950, $1,355 less than the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S at $32,305. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $24/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $1,355 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $65/year less on fuel.
Who should choose the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S is the stronger pick when you prefer the Volkswagen approach to the compact SUV segment.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE or 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE rates 26 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE or 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S produces 201 hp, 14 more than the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE at 187 hp. The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S also leads in torque at 221 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE bigger than the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S is 1.7″ longer at 184.4″ vs 182.7″. The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S has a 1.4″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Hyundai Tucson comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Tucson trims, Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Tiguan trims
- 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
The Tucson–Tiguan Decision
Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Tucson and Tiguan compare. The $1,355 gap is about $24/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo. The 14 hp difference (201 vs 187) is marginal in daily driving. The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S adds 43 more lb-ft of torque (221 vs 178), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE saves roughly $65/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $325.
The Decision
Choose the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE when you want to keep $1,355 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson SE covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S when you prefer the Volkswagen approach to the compact SUV segment. At $24/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
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.