2020 Hyundai SANTA FE vs. 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE and 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan.
In comparing the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE's and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and resale value. The 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE and 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE's and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE is a better car than the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Pricing: A used 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE ranges from $17,633 to $27,884 while a used 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is priced between $17,228 to $26,989.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE loses 45.7 percent of its value and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan loses 41.3 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan retains 4.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 8.7 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Tiguan's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai SANTA FE being ranked 4 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Volkswagen Tiguan being ranked 16 out of 39. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Hyundai SANTA FE is ranked 6 and the Volkswagen Tiguan is ranked 24.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 8.6 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Tiguan the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Hyundai SANTA FE an advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan base engine makes 184 horsepower. Both the SANTA FE and the Tiguan are rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 545 and 444 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE has higher safety ratings than the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.65 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$26,275
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,923
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,675 - $36,120
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$24,945
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,855
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,995 - $26,645
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$22,493
Price Range:
$17,633 - $27,884
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,718
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$18,600 - $37,369
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
999
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
65,161
# Good or Great Deals:
379
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,778
Price Range:
$17,228 - $26,989
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,143
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$18,125 - $26,362
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
600
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
59,483
# Good or Great Deals:
268
Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Volkswagen Tiguan Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
9.3 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6 - 9.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
20.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
6.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
5.9 - 9.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.8%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 31.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.2 - 21
Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 39Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
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2 out of / 39Ranking
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3 out of / 67Ranking
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3 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
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3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
8 out of / 16Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
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15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
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18 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
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22 out of / 32Ranking
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23 out of / 30Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
34 out of / 59Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Volkswagen Tiguan Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
8 out of / 21Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
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13 out of / 13Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
20 out of / 30Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 59Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 39Ranking
32 out of / 39Ranking
32 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 39Ranking
37 out of / 39Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 67Ranking
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47 out of / 67Ranking
63 out of / 67Summary Review
Hyundai’s Santa Fe has evolved rapidly over its generations into one of the most satisfying to drive midsize crossover SUVs on the market. There are many versions of the Santa Fe, some with two rows and some with three, depending upon the model year and trim.
Summary Review
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact sport utility vehicle with a reputation for engaging driving dynamics and upscale interior materials. The Tiguan has become VW’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. and is currently in its second generation, with new models averaging $30,442 and 3-year-old models averaging $22,319.
Pros and Cons
- New engines for 2021 including a hybrid
- Cutting-edge infotainment
- Excellent safety ratings
- Only two rows for 2021
Pros and Cons
- New generation is roomier and more fuel efficient
- Optional three-row seating is occasionally useful
- Driving dynamics are engaging
- Acceleration not as strong as some competitors
- Fuel efficiency could be better
- First-generation’s cargo space was limited
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2020 Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels
Limited, Limited 2.0T, SE, SEL, SEL 2.0T
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Trim Levels
S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE R-Line Black, SE R-Line Black 4Motion, SEL, SEL 4Motion, SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.65 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
184 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque:
221 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
414 / 545 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
337 / 444 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
35.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
146.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
12 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
65.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
135.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3591 lbs
Width:
74.4 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
187.8 inches
Wheelbase:
108.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3757 lbs
Width:
72.4 inches
Height:
66.3 inches
Length:
185.1 inches
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/65R17
Exterior Colors
Beige
Earthy Bronze
Black
Twilight Black
Blue
Stormy Sea
Gray
Machine Gray / Portofino Gray / Rainforest
Orange
Lava Orange
Red
Calypso Red / Scarlet Red
Silver
Shimmering Silver / Symphony Silver
White
Quartz White
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Silk Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Interior Colors
Beige
Beige/Black
Black
Black / Espresso/Gray
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Storm Gray
