2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE
$3,795 less and 2 mpg better vs 76 more hp and 90 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $3,795 price gap, 201 vs 277 hp, 25 vs 23 MPG.
The Tiguan S leads on $3,795 less, 2 MPG better. The Santa Fe SE leads on 76 more hp, 90 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 Volkswagen Tiguan S | 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $32,305 | $36,100 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 Turbo | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 277 hp |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 22 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 30 | 28 |
| Combined MPG | 25 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.6 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,750/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,801 lbs | 4,486 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 109.9" | 110.8" |
| Length | 184.4" | 190.2" |
| Width | 73.0" | 74.8" |
| Height | 66.5" | 67.7" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | No published data | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 4yr/50k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 12yr/unlimited | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k | 5yr/unlimited |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S starts at $32,305, $3,795 less than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE at $36,100. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $67/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S is the stronger pick when you want to keep $3,795 in your pocket and the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $146/year less on fuel.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is the stronger pick when the extra 76 hp matters for your commute or driving style.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S rates 25 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE produces 277 hp, 76 more than the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S at 201 hp. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE also leads in torque at 311 lb-ft vs 221 lb-ft. The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S runs a 2.0L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S bigger than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is 5.8″ longer at 190.2″ vs 184.4″. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has a 0.9″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Volkswagen Tiguan comes with 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Tiguan trims, Hyundai trims, Hyundai Santa Fe trims
How the Tiguan and Santa Fe Stack Up
Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S ($32,305) and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE ($36,100) solve similar problems in different ways. The $3,795 gap adds up to $67/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
Powertrain: Tiguan vs Santa Fe
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S runs a 2.0L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has 76 more hp (277 vs 201). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE adds 90 more lb-ft of torque (311 vs 221), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S saves roughly $146/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $730. The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
Size, Space, and Daily Reality
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE weighs 685 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S when you want to keep $3,795 in your pocket and the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SE when the extra 76 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $67/month more, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Volkswagen or Hyundai or any dealership.