Volkswagen Tiguan vs Hyundai Santa Fe
What's the difference?

Volkswagen Tiguan

$36,990 - $80,690

2025 price

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Hyundai Santa Fe

$45,990 - $88,777

2025 price

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Summary

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

By Tom White

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.7L/100km (combined)

9.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

The driver's mid-size SUV
Straightforward, well-equipped range
Super practical cabin

Superb storage in cabin
Forgiving to drive for most driver types
Passenger comfort in all three rows

Dislikes

Hybrid? Look elsewhere
One too many touch controls
Ride harsher than expected

Not as efficient as hybrid siblings
Exterior design won't land with everyone
Basic warranty terms on offer

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Summary

The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is likely to be the most important new vehicle Volkswagen launches in 2025.

The popular mid-sizer has proven to have impressive staying power for the brand, with the outgoing version still impressing buyers despite being nearly a decade old.

What does this ground-up new version change? Does it have what it takes to maintain the nameplate’s reputation in one of Australia’s most hotly contested market segments? And what are some surprises this time around?

We went to its local launch to find out.

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2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Summary

A big welcome to one of the first turbo-petrol four-cylinder versions of the new-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, a model that launched locally with only its hybrid variants available to our market.

While it might not satisfy the fans of the previous-gen's V6 petrol engine, it might be enough for those who have been on the fence about going the hybrid route.

This is my third time in the new Santa Fe, and each tested variant has managed to offer something different and the base petrol grade, in FWD, is no different – but does it offer enough?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

Verdict

The new Tiguan is as confident as ever in its identity, even in such a crowded mid-size SUV space where there are so many models worthy of your attention.

No matter which version you choose, this is still the mid-size SUV for a driving enthusiast who doesn’t quite have premium dollars to spend.

While it may not quite expand its appeal as much as the brand hopes precluding a hybrid variant, those who are choosing this as their family hauler for the right reasons won’t be disappointed.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

So I asked at the beginning if the Hyundai Santa Fe FWD petrol offered enough for families looking for a large seven-seat SUV and the answer is: YES!

It's practical, has people-mover space and storage and is downright comfortable to drive. There's so much to like here.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Hyundai Santa Fe What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Hyundai Santa Fe
What's the difference?