Santa Fe IV (TM) vs Touareg III (CR): which is better?
Hyundai Santa Fe IV (TM) (2018–2023) vs Volkswagen Touareg III (CR) (2018–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Santa Fe IV (TM)
Volkswagen Touareg III (CR)Specifications
| Hyundai Santa Fe IV (TM) | Volkswagen Touareg III (CR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2018–2023 | 2018–present |
| Body | crossover SUV | SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | diesel |
| Engines | 3.5 V6 | 3.0 TDI |
| Power, up to | 249 hp | 249 hp |
| Torque, up to | 336 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 770 mm | 4 878 mm |
| Width | 1 890 mm | 1 984 mm |
| Height | 1 680 mm | 1 702 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 765 mm | 2 899 mm |
| Ground clearance | 185 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 71 L | 75 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 68 375 ₸ | ≈ 42 425 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Hyundai Santa Fe IV (TM)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 249 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 71 L
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Lambda engine (V6): timing chain stretch at high mileage
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Lambda (V6)): timing chain stretch at high mileage; oil leaks.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Volkswagen Touareg III (CR)
Pros
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: a reliable gearbox
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Large tank: 75 L
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: rarely, mechatronics and bushings at high mileage
Gearbox (ZF 8HP): reliable gearbox; rarely — mechatronic and bushings at high mileage.
Which one to choose
- Touareg III (CR) — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Santa Fe IV (TM) or Touareg III (CR)?
Santa Fe IV (TM): up to 249 hp, Touareg III (CR): up to 249 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Santa Fe IV (TM) — about 68 375 ₸, Touareg III (CR) — about 42 425 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.