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Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Volkswagen Taos - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (281 HP vs 158 HP), trunk space and price (28,800 $ vs 24,000 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Hyundai Santa Cruz or Volkswagen Taos?

Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Volkswagen Taos: Key differences

Hyundai Santa Cruz

  • substantially more power
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Volkswagen Taos

  • moderately cheaper
  • visibly more efficient
  • slightly lighter
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Santa Cruz

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Volkswagen Taos is moderately cheaper – starting at 24,000 $ , while the Hyundai Santa Cruz costs 28,800 $ . That’s a price difference of around 4,755 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Volkswagen Taos performs visibly better – achieving 28 mpg, compared to 22 mpg for the Hyundai Santa Cruz. That’s a difference of about 6 mpg.

Taos

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Hyundai Santa Cruz offers substantially more power – delivering 281 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 123 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers significantly more torque with 311 lb-ft compared to 184 lb-ft. That’s about 127 lb-ft more.

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Volkswagen Taos is slightly lighter – 3,181 lbs compared to 3,779 lbs. The difference is around 598 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $28,800
Santa Cruz

Hyundai Santa Cruz

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 191 - 281 HP
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

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General
View detailed analysis

Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a city-friendly pickup with SUV manners, serving up a smooth ride and a surprisingly upscale cabin while still handling weekend projects without the drama. It doesn’t try to out-macho the big rigs; instead it wins with smart packaging, easy parking, and just enough adventure vibe to make every grocery run feel like a mini road trip.

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Reviews Hyundai Santa Cruz

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Volkswagen Taos

The Volkswagen Taos is a tidy, city-friendly SUV that punches above its weight with grown-up refinement and smart cabin space. It won’t set your pulse on fire, but it nails the daily grind with easy manners, useful tech, and that subtle Euro vibe that makes grocery runs feel a bit more first-class.

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Reviews Volkswagen Taos

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Volkswagen Taos

Costs and Consumption
Price
28,800 - 42,800 $
Price
24,000 - 33,500 $
FuelEconomy City
18 - 22 mpg
FuelEconomy City
24 - 28 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 30 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
32 - 36 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
17.7 gal
Fuel tank capacity
13.2 - 14.5 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Pickup
Body Type
SUV, 4MOTION
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
3,779 - 4,295 lbs
Curb weight
3,181 - 3,430 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
195.9 in.
Length
175.8 in.
Width
75 in.
Width
72.5 in.
Height
66 in.
Height
64 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Power HP
191 - 281 HP
Power HP
158 HP
Torque
181 - 311 lb-ft
Torque
184 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Engine Displacement
1.5 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
Volkswagen
What is the price of the Hyundai Santa Cruz?

Starting from 28,800 $.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.