2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a sophisticated exterior that many perceived as more premium compared to its non-European counterparts. Its design was marked by standard LED headlights and taillights, with an illuminated grille light line enhancing the front end of the SEL R-Line trim. The rear featured a centered model name in all-caps, complemented by the classic Volkswagen badge. However, the color options were limited, especially for the base trim, which only offered grayscale colors. The interior of the Tiguan varied across trims, with the base S offering heated front seats and cloth upholstery, while the SEL R-Line boasted real leather, front-seat ventilation, and a heated steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its chunky, boxy design, debuted in 2024 without any design revisions. It featured a long wheelbase, flat hood, and snub nose, with pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps that aligned with Hyundai's design aesthetic. The rear design, however, suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim had specific wheel designs, ranging from 18 to 21 inches, and the XRT trim added chrome and black exterior accents. Inside, the Santa Fe offered seating for seven, except for the Calligraphy trim, which featured captain's chairs. The interior ranged from basic cloth to luxurious Nappa leather, with some squeaks and rattles noted during testing.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with the option for 4Motion all-wheel drive at an additional cost on lower trims and standard on the SEL R-Line. The AWD models had a slightly larger fuel tank, accommodating the system's impact on fuel economy. The Tiguan's performance was a mixed experience, with inconsistent power delivery and a touchy gas pedal. The steering was light but somewhat rubbery, though visibility and handling were commendable.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft of torque, with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Both FWD and AWD were available, except for the XRT trim, which was AWD-only. The Santa Fe Hybrid offered a combined 231 horsepower. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners, with firm brakes and responsive steering, though turbo lag and delayed downshifts were noted. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some acclimation. The XRT trim included 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, enhancing off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's interior space varied with its configuration. The FWD models seated seven, while AWD models, including the SEL R-Line, seated five, offering more cargo space. The two-row Tiguan provided 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The three-row configuration reduced cargo space but maintained passenger space, with the third row offering limited headroom and legroom. Despite its compact size, the Tiguan was one of the few in its class to offer a third row.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a spacious interior, with the base SE trim featuring a hands-free liftgate and dual-zone climate control. The XRT trim added heated front seats and a sunroof, while the Calligraphy trim included heated second-row seats and a premium audio system. The Santa Fe boasted the most third-row legroom in its class, with adjustable second-row seats. Cargo space was generous, with 40.5 cubic feet available with the third row folded, expanding to 79.6 cubic feet with the second row down. The widened rear opening facilitated easy loading of large items.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan featured haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. However, the physical volume knob was less user-friendly due to its integrated on/off button. The infotainment system, accessed via an 8-inch touchscreen, had monochromatic graphics and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch display. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was a highlight for audiophiles.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with the top trims also featuring a digital gauge cluster. The system was user-friendly, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims offered additional features like Amazon Music, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging. The Santa Fe also offered a digital key and an available fingerprint scanner for added security. The Bluelink app provided connectivity and remote vehicle management.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with improved safety features for 2024. The standard IQ.DRIVE suite included adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities. Additional features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. Park Distance Control was standard on higher trims, though its performance was mixed.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision avoidance assist. Higher trims added features like rear parking collision avoidance and Highway Drive Assist. The top trims included a blind spot avoidance feature and Blind-View Monitor. The NHTSA gave the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it as Good in most categories.