DriveSize

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Volkswagen Polo

Side view of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Side view of the 2021 Volkswagen Polo

Hyundai Santa Fe

2024

Volkswagen Polo

2021

Side view of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
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Side view of the 2021 Volkswagen Polo
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Select unit of measurement:

Which is bigger, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe or 2021 Volkswagen Polo?

Key dimensions: length, width, height

At 75.6 cm longer, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe sits well ahead in terms of overall length. Shoulder room will likely feel similar in both of these vehicles, as the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has just 14.9 cm of extra width over the 2021 Volkswagen Polo. Height heavily favours the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, which measures 32.9 cm taller than the 2021 Volkswagen Polo. The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has a 26.3 cm longer wheelbase, which often translates to extra "stretch-out" room in the back.

Measurements

Length

483 cm (+75.6)

407.4 cm

Height

178 cm (+32.9)

145.1 cm

Width (excluding mirrors)

190 cm (+14.9)

175.1 cm

Ground clearance

17.7 cm (+26.3)

N/A

Wheelbase

281.5 cm (+2)

255.2 cm

How each car compares with its class average

Length

483 cm

30.4 cm longer than the average Crossover

407.4 cm

7.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback

Height

178 cm

15.2 cm taller than the average Crossover

145.1 cm

2.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback

Width (excluding mirrors)

190 cm

5.1 cm wider than the average Crossover

175.1 cm

1.4 cm narrower than the average Hatchback

Ground clearance

17.7 cm

0.4 cm less ground clearance than the average Crossover

N/A

Wheelbase

281.5 cm

9.1 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover

255.2 cm

3.9 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Hatchback

Front view

Front view of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Front view of the 2021 Volkswagen Polo

Cargo Capacity: which has more space?

Standard and largest cargo capacity

Across both cargo volume configurations, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is more generous. It has a massive 277 L lead in the boot and a gigantic 824 L (VDA) of additional storage with the seats folded.

Measurements

Standard cargo capacity (VDA)

The standard cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.

This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.

628 L (+277)

351 L

Largest cargo capacity (VDA)

The largest cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.

If only one VDA figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.

1,949 L (+824)

1,125 L

Standard cargo capacity (SAE)

The standard cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.

This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.

413 L

N/A

Largest cargo capacity (SAE)

The largest cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.

If only one SAE figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.

2,254 L

N/A

Cargo space vs length

This DriveSize metric divides blended cargo volume by overall vehicle length.

Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure, using VDA where available and SAE otherwise.

225.7 L per m (+73.1)

152.7 L per m

Cargo space vs footprint

This DriveSize metric divides blended cargo volume by footprint.

Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure, using VDA where available and SAE otherwise.

It helps show how efficiently a car turns exterior area into usable cargo space.

118.8 L per m² (+31.6)

87.2 L per m²

How each car compares with its class average

Standard cargo capacity (VDA)

The standard cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.

This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.

628 L

183 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover

351 L

8 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback

Largest cargo capacity (VDA)

The largest cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.

If only one VDA figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.

1,949 L

441 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover

1,125 L

7 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback

Standard cargo capacity (SAE)

The standard cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.

This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.

413 L

326 L less cargo volume than the average Crossover

N/A

Largest cargo capacity (SAE)

The largest cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.

If only one SAE figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.

2,254 L

383 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover

N/A

DriveSize space efficiency score

DriveSize space efficiency compares blended cargo volume per square meter of footprint with the class average.

Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure within the selected cargo measurement method.

VDA scores compare with VDA class averages, and SAE scores compare with SAE class averages. Around 100% means in line with class average.

120%

VDA: above class average (+20%)

105%

VDA: above class average (+5%)

Rear view

Rear view of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Rear view of the 2021 Volkswagen Polo

Details

Doors, seats, weight, maneuverability

Door count is consistent across the two models, with both the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2021 Volkswagen Polo featuring 5 doors. The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe can handle 2 additional passengers than the 2021 Volkswagen Polo, which is a decent step up in practicality. Expect to put in a little more work in the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe during tight turns, given its 1 m wider radius. This 843 kg weight gap is massive, fundamentally changing everything from braking to suspension wear.

Measurements

Doors

5

5

Max. seats

7 (+2)

5

Turning circle

11.6 m (+1)

10.6 m

Curb weight

1,900 kg (+843)

1,057 kg

How each car compares with its class average

Turning circle

11.6 m

0.4 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover

10.6 m

0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback

Curb weight

1,900 kg

268 kg heavier than the average Crossover

1,057 kg

196 kg lighter than the average Hatchback

DriveSize manoeuvrability score

DriveSize manoeuvrability score combines turning circle and footprint, with turning circle weighted more heavily.

Around 100% means in line with the class average; higher scores indicate better manoeuvrability relative to similar cars.

95%

5% less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover

100%

0% less manoeuvrable than the average Hatchback

Parking

Will the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe or 2021 Volkswagen Polo fit in a standard parking space?

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe parking fit score

DriveSize compares the car's width and length with typical parking-space sizes by region.

Vehicle dimensions are rounded up and available side or length clearance is rounded down.

Side clearance is based on body width excluding mirrors where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.

OK

For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 42.5 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 33.5 cm at each end.

Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)

42.5 cm

Length clearance (at each end)

33.5 cm

2021 Volkswagen Polo parking fit score

DriveSize compares the car's width and length with typical parking-space sizes by region.

Vehicle dimensions are rounded up and available side or length clearance is rounded down.

Side clearance is based on body width excluding mirrors where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.

OK

For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 49.5 cm per side (excluding mirrors), and length clearance is 71 cm at each end.

Body side clearance (excluding mirrors)

49.5 cm

Length clearance (at each end)

71 cm

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

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