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Hyundai Santa Fe vs SEAT Ateca comparison

Compare performance (288 HP vs 150 HP), boot space and price (51,700 £ vs 25,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Hyundai Santa Fe or SEAT Ateca?

Hyundai Santa Fe vs SEAT Ateca: Key differences

Hyundai Santa Fe

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • moderately quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
details

SEAT Ateca

4.9 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • clearly lighter
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By Achim Sedelmaier

Santa Fe

A Battle of SUVs: Hyundai Santa Fe vs SEAT Ateca

The world of SUVs continues to evolve, and two models making waves in this competitive segment are the Hyundai Santa Fe and the SEAT Ateca. Both vehicles boast unique attributes that cater to different needs and preferences. Let's delve deep into the technical specifications, innovations, and unique characteristics of these two contenders.

Ateca

Engine Choices and Performance

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a choice between full hybrid and plug-in hybrid engine types, ensuring efficiency and power. The engine produces between 215 and 253 HP and the torque figures come in strong at 367 Nm, providing a nimble and responsive driving experience. With an automatic transmission and options for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the Santa Fe delivers a robust performance on varied terrains.

In contrast, the SEAT Ateca offers a more traditional approach with petrol and diesel engines. Available power outputs range from 116 to 150 HP, paired with torques up to 360 Nm. The Ateca offers manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions, primarily in front-wheel drive formats, offering a straightforward yet exciting driving dynamics.

Santa Fe

Efficiency and Consumption

The Santa Fe showcases its modern eco-friendly technology with a standout electric range of 54 km, especially in the plug-in hybrid variant, optimizing urban commuting with a consumption as low as 1.7 L/100 km. In terms of conventional consumption, it achieves between 6.4 to 6.9 L/100 km. CO2 emissions class for the Santa Fe appear varied, extending from class B to F, highlighting diverse eco-efficient options based on configuration.

The SEAT Ateca remains fuel-conscious, averaging between 4.9 and 6.4 L/100 km dependent on the engine choice. This efficiency corresponds to CO2 emissions mainly in classes D and E, contributing significantly to reducing its environmental footprint in the compact SUV realm.

Ateca

Space and Practicality

Size itself weighs in favor of the Hyundai Santa Fe, featuring an overall length of 4830 mm and offering seating configurations ranging from five to seven passengers. Despite its larger frame, the trunk capacity impresses with options between 621 and 711 liters, depending on the seating configuration.

In contrast, the SEAT Ateca's more compact 4381 mm length emphasizes a versatile five-seat layout with a trunk space of 510 liters, designed for those who prioritize everyday urban maneuvers without forgoing utility.

Santa Fe

Driving Comfort and Features

Both SUVs come well-equipped with advanced safety and convenience innovations. The Hyundai Santa Fe, aside from comfortable seating options, integrates an advanced infotainment system and driver-assistance technologies that cater to comfort, experience, and security.

The SEAT Ateca, true to its nimble nature, incorporates intuitive tech features alongside practical interior designs, ensuring that drivers remain connected and passengers comfortable on every journey.

Ateca

Choosing the Right SUV

In summary, both the Hyundai Santa Fe and SEAT Ateca offer compelling features tailored to different audiences. The Santa Fe brings versatility with its hybrid technology, larger size, and seating flexibility, making it a strong choice for families and eco-conscious individuals. Meanwhile, the SEAT Ateca provides a compact, efficient, and agile driving experience ideal for urban adventurers and efficiency seekers.

Ultimately, the decision between the Hyundai Santa Fe and SEAT Ateca will largely depend on individual preferences for performance, efficiency, and practicality.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Santa Fe

Costs and Efficiency:

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

SEAT Ateca is significantly cheaper – starting at 25,100 £ , while the Hyundai Santa Fe costs 51,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 26,623 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Hyundai Santa Fe uses 3.8 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the SEAT Ateca with 4.9 L/100km. The difference is about 1.1 L/100km.

Ateca

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers substantially more power – delivering 288 HP compared to 150 HP. That’s roughly 138 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Hyundai Santa Fe is moderately quicker – completing the sprint in 8 s, while the SEAT Ateca takes 9 s. That’s about 1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai Santa Fe delivers marginally more torque with 380 Nm compared to 360 Nm. That’s about 20 Nm more.

Santa Fe

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.

Seats: Hyundai Santa Fe offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, SEAT Ateca is clearly lighter – 1,345 kg compared to 1,920 kg. The difference is around 575 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers clearly more boot space – 704 L compared to 510 L. That’s a difference of about 194 L.

When it comes to payload, the Hyundai Santa Fe carries markedly more – 665 kg compared to 525 kg. That’s a difference of about 140 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Hyundai Santa Fe is clearly superior 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 £51,700
Santa Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe

  • Engine Type : Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 239 - 288 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 3.8 - 7.2 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 54 km
Hyundai Santa Fe
SEAT Ateca

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe blends practical family friendliness with a hint of premium style, offering roomy, sensible packaging wrapped in modern, confident design. Inside it serves up comfortable seats, straightforward tech and a calm, composed ride that makes daily drives feel a little more grown up — a solid all‑rounder that doesn’t try to be flashy.

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SEAT Ateca

The SEAT Ateca blends sharp, purposeful styling with practical space that turns everyday errands into something a bit more enjoyable. It’s poised and engaging to drive for its segment, offers solid value, and has just enough personality to make you smile on the school run.

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Hyundai Santa Fe
SEAT Ateca

Costs and Consumption

Price
51,700 - 58,600 £
Price
25,100 - 36,900 £
Consumption L/100km
3.8 - 7.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 6.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
54 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
90 - 162 g/km
co2
129 - 144 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5 - 7
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,920 - 2,165 kg
Curb weight
1,345 - 1,514 kg
Trunk capacity
621 - 704 L
Trunk capacity
510 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,900 mm
Width
1,841 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
560 - 665 kg
Payload
516 - 525 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
239 - 288 HP
Power HP
116 - 150 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9 - 11 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
380 Nm
Torque
200 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
176 - 212 kW
Power kW
85 - 110 kW
Engine capacity
1,598 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,968 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
SEAT
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.