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Hyundai Santa Fe vs Volvo XC90 comparison

Compare performance (288 HP vs 406 HP), boot space and price (51,700 £ vs 74,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Hyundai Santa Fe or Volvo XC90?

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Volvo XC90: Key differences

Hyundai Santa Fe

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • only slightly lighter
details

Volvo XC90

5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • somewhat more efficient
  • markedly more electric range
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Santa Fe

Battle of the Titans: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Volvo XC90

In the ever-evolving world of SUVs, two names stand out with their distinct offerings in the 2024 model year: the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Volvo XC90. Both are built for comfort, performance, and family-friendly features. This detailed comparison will delve into their technical aspects, innovations, and overall capabilities to help you decide which suits your needs better.

XC90

Performance and Powertrain

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a blend of full hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. Under the hood, it delivers between 215 HP and 253 HP, thanks to its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. It achieves a reasonable acceleration, going from 0-100 km/h in about 9.3 to 9.8 seconds, with a maximum speed of 180 km/h. Fuel efficiency is notably impressive, with consumption rated between 1.7 to 6.9 L/100 km.

On the other hand, the Volvo XC90 combines luxury with power. This SUV is equipped with petrol mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, both supported by all-wheel drive. It offers a more potent power range, peaking at 455 HP, with a remarkable acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds for the plug-in hybrid variant. Its fuel consumption ranges from a more conservative 1.2 L/100 km to 8.5 L/100 km for less efficient variants.

Santa Fe

Electric Range & Efficiency

For those prioritizing electric driving, the Hyundai Santa Fe plug-in hybrid provides an electric range of up to 54 km, aligning with the needs of daily city commutes. Meanwhile, the XC90 takes the lead here, offering up to 71 km of electric travel, thanks in part to its 14.7 kWh battery capacity, which is ideal for longer commutes and reducing overall fuel consumption.

XC90

Interior Comfort and Space

Seating configurations are a crucial selling point for both SUVs. While the Santa Fe offers flexibility with 5, 6, or 7 seats, the XC90 standardizes with a 7-seat setup, making it an excellent choice for larger families. The Hyundai shines with a max trunk capacity of 711 liters, compared to the Volvo's more compact 302 liters, which might require a trade-off between passenger and luggage space depending on your travels.

Santa Fe

Design and Dimensions

Dimensionally, the Volvo XC90 is the larger contender. It stretches to a length of 4953 mm, compared to the Santa Fe's 4830 mm, and is slightly wider and taller. This increase in size may contribute to interior spaciousness, albeit with the added challenge of maneuvering a larger vehicle in urban areas. Both models share a sleek, modern design, yet the Volvo leans more towards luxury branding, while Hyundai emphasizes a sporty, family-oriented aesthetic.

XC90

Environmental Impact

Both SUVs take different approaches to sustainability. The Hyundai Santa Fe’s CO2 emissions range from 38 to 167 g/km, while the Volvo XC90 offers a plug-in hybrid variant with as low as 30 g/km CO2 rating, showcasing its dedication to minimizing environmental impact.

Santa Fe

Conclusion

Choosing between the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Volvo XC90 ultimately depends on what factors you prioritize. The Santa Fe is well-suited for those seeking versatility, interior space, and affordability in fuel consumption. Conversely, the XC90 appeals to those who desire a more powerful drive, luxurious features, and a larger electric range. Both SUVs stand out in their own right and are ready to tackle any road adventure you set your heart on.

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

Santa Fe

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Hyundai Santa Fe is significantly cheaper – starting at 51,700 £ , while the Volvo XC90 costs 74,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 22,577 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Volvo XC90 uses 3.4 L/100km and is somewhat more efficient than the Hyundai Santa Fe with 3.8 L/100km. The difference is about 0.4 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Volvo XC90 offers markedly more range – reaching up to 69 km, about 15 km more than the Hyundai Santa Fe.

XC90

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Volvo XC90 offers visibly more power – delivering 406 HP compared to 288 HP. That’s roughly 118 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo XC90 is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.4 s, while the Hyundai Santa Fe takes 8 s. That’s about 2.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo XC90 delivers significantly more torque with 669 Nm compared to 380 Nm. That’s about 289 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.

Both vehicles offer seating for 7 people.

In terms of curb weight, Hyundai Santa Fe is only slightly lighter – 1,920 kg compared to 2,080 kg. The difference is around 160 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC90 carries only slightly more – 710 kg compared to 665 kg. That’s a difference of about 45 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo XC90 is decisively ahead 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 £74,300
XC90

Volvo XC90

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 250 - 406 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 3.4 - 8.3 L/100km
  • Electric Range 69 km
Hyundai Santa Fe
Volvo XC90

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

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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Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 is a serene Scandinavian SUV that mixes minimalist luxury with a composed, confidence-inspiring presence — ideal for buyers who want family practicality without sacrificing style. Inside it serves up a calm, well-crafted cabin and user-friendly tech that keeps long journeys pleasant and tantrums to a minimum, making the XC90 a smart, stylish pick for sensible drivers.

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Hyundai Santa Fe
Volvo XC90

Costs and Consumption

Price
51,700 - 59,100 £
Price
74,300 - 84,600 £
Consumption L/100km
3.8 - 7.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
3.4 - 8.3 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
54 km
Electric Range
69 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
90 - 162 g/km
co2
71 - 188 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5 - 7
Seats
7
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,920 - 2,165 kg
Curb weight
2,080 - 2,350 kg
Trunk capacity
621 - 704 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,900 mm
Width
1,923 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
560 - 665 kg
Payload
600 - 710 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
239 - 288 HP
Power HP
250 - 406 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 7.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
380 Nm
Torque
360 - 669 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
176 - 212 kW
Power kW
184 - 299 kW
Engine capacity
1,598 cm3
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
Volvo
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.