Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Hyundai SANTA CRUZ
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Hyundai SANTA CRUZ 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 Volkswagen Tiguan and the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ.
In comparing the Volkswagen Tiguan's and the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, interior volume and base engine power. The Hyundai SANTA CRUZ has the advantage in the area of resale value. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Tiguan's and the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Tiguan is a better car than the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ.
Pricing: For a new model, the Volkswagen Tiguan's price is between $30,884 and $42,730, with the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ priced between $32,163 and $46,268.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Tiguan loses 47.8 percent of its value and the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ loses 38.6 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ retains 9.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Tiguan’s base engine makes 201 horsepower, and the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ base engine makes 191 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Tiguan, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear head room and rear leg room. The Hyundai SANTA CRUZ, a compact truck, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Tiguan, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.45 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
30884 - 42730
Starting MSRP:
30245
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
32163 - 46268
Starting MSRP:
29500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
35325
Price Range:
28038 - 42186
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
14582
Depreciation %:
0.48211785
Resale Value $:
15663
Residual Value %:
0.5178821499999999
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
11549
Depreciation %:
0.39149795
Resale Value $:
17951
Residual Value %:
0.60850205
Typical Category Depreciation %:
N/A
Category Depreciation Range:
N/A
Volkswagen Tiguan Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
7.4 / 10
Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Tiguan
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.02
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SANTA CRUZ
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.0725529922117
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Volkswagen Tiguan Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 34Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
9 out of / 34Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 20Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 56Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
33 out of / 34Ranking
34 out of / 34Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
39 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Ranking
65 out of / 67Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 2Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Cab Types
Not applicable
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab
Available Bed Length(s)
Not applicable
Available Bed Length(s)
52.1 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Volkswagen Tiguan Trim Levels
S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE R-Line Black, SE R-Line Black 4Motion, SEL R-Line 4Motion
Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Trim Levels
Limited, SE, SEL, SEL Activity, XRT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.45 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
201 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque:
207 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Max Payload:
959 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Max Payload:
1743 lbs
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):
26 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
377 / 493 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Cargo Space:
26.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
58.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
130.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
101.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3563 lbs
Width:
84.7 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
184.4 inches
Wheelbase:
109.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3779 lbs
Width:
75 inches
Height:
66.7 inches
Length:
195.7 inches
Wheelbase:
118.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Blue
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Phantom Black
Gray
Hampton Gray / Sage Gray
Silver
Not available
White
Atlas White
Blue
Blue Stone
Interior Colors
Gray
Grigio Gray/Titan Black
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Light Gray
Black
Black
