VW Tayron vs. Hyundai Santa Fe: Seven-seater SUV duel

The Volkswagen Tayron and the Hyundai Santa Fe are among the most interesting SUVs for families. Both are available with hybrid drives and offer seven seats. In addition, both have a high level of technical equipment. The real difference lies in the design as the Tayron is more conventional, the Santa Fe futuristic. But to find out more about the rivals, let's take a closer look at them in detail.

Dimensions and design

The VW Tayron is 24 centimetres longer than the Tiguan, 13 centimetres shorter than the Touareg and is characterised by its slim, streamlined silhouette.

The dark-coloured wheel arches help to tighten the lines, and the wheels are available from 17 to 20 inches. The front section of the Tayron is dominated by the backlit VW logo, while an LED strip connecting the headlights enhances the overall appearance. The logo and LED strip at the rear also continue the modern (but conventional) appearance.

In the R-Line equipment variant, the Tayron has a sporty front bumper. A special package provides black details instead of the standard chrome.

The new Santa Fe is based on the same platform as the previous model, but features some significant changes. The length has grown by 4.5 centimetres to 4.83 metres, while the width and height are 1.90 and 1.72 metres respectively, with a wheelbase of 2.81 metres.

Apart from the external dimensions, however, it is the design that really catches the eye. The Santa Fe is more angular than almost any other model on the market and has sharp, decisive lines reminiscent of the world of off-road vehicles. The rear is particularly interesting with its very low, horizontal lights.

Although the shapes are very square, Hyundai has taken care of the aerodynamics, with two movable elements at the front that change their inclination to improve the car's efficiency. The wheels are 21 inches and there is a choice of colours such as "Earth Brass Metallic Matte", a dark orange with a matt effect.

Interior

With a wheelbase 10 centimetres longer than the Tiguan, the VW Tayron offers a third row of seats that can be folded into the boot (optional). The space available for passengers in the rear is decent, even if there is a lack of specific ventilation openings. However, there are storage compartments and charging sockets.

The boot capacity varies between the 5- and 7-seater configurations: 885 litres are available in the 5-seater (705 for the plug-in hybrid), while it drops to 850 litres in the 7-seater, which is reduced to 345 litres if the third row is used. The maximum capacity is 2,090 litres (1,905 litres for the PHEV). Please note that the plug-in version is not available with seven seats.

The second row of seats has its own air conditioning, storage compartments behind the seats, a centre armrest with cup and tablet holder and sun blinds integrated into the door panels.

The VW's dashboard features a 12.9-inch display in the centre. The higher trim levels have a 15-inch display. The digital instrument cluster always measures 10.25 inches. There is a large storage compartment and two induction charging plates on the centre tunnel. There is also a multifunction rotary knob that controls the volume, driving mode and lighting ambience. The interior lighting can be customised in 10 or 30 colours, depending on the equipment variant.

For comfort, there is a choice of ventilated and heated seats and a new massage system. The materials and panelling are very neat and give a high-quality impression.

The Santa Fe favours both soft, sustainable materials and a very minimalist style, like some other models from the Korean manufacturer. The dashboard is dominated by two 12.3-inch screens arranged side by side, while in the centre tunnel there is a third display dedicated exclusively to climate control (which can also be controlled via physical controls).

Also in the centre tunnel are two wireless charging stations and two large cup holders, while the lower section houses a generous storage compartment.

The seven seats are an optional extra, while the boot capacity is impressive at 711 (with the third row of seats folded down) to 2,032 litres.

Powertrains

The Tayron is available in various engine versions. There is the 1.5-litre TSI mild hybrid petrol engine with 150 PS, the 1.5 TSI plug-in hybrid with 204 PS and 272 PS and the 2.0 TDI with 150 PS. Only the diesel version can be ordered with all-wheel drive. All models are coupled to the 7-speed DSG, while the 6-speed DSG is reserved for the plug-ins.

The range of the Santa Fe is somewhat narrower, with the 1.6-litre full hybrid petrol engine with 215 PS and 367 Nm and a 6-speed automatic transmission. As before, you can choose between a front-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive version. There is also a PHEV variant with 252 PS and the same torque. Here, all-wheel drive is always on board.

Prices

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Prices have yet to be announced in the UK. However, as a reference, prices in Germany start at €45,475 (approx. £38,000) for the 150 PS mild hybrid in the Life trim level and range up to €61,355 (£51,000) for the 272 PS PHEV model in the top R-Line trim level.

Prices for the Santa Fe with hybrid drive in the Premium trim level start at £51,885 for the 7-seater version. At the top of the range is the PHEV version in the Calligraphy from £58,635.

More about the two opponents:

New VW Tayron (2025) revealed: Tiguan XXL or Mini-Touareg?

New Hyundai Santa Fe priced at £46,775 in the UK, see full specs

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