The UAE SUV market is more competitive than ever in 2026, especially in the mid-size and 7-seater segments. Today’s families demand premium features, strong performance, good fuel efficiency, and low ownership costs, without paying luxury-brand prices. This makes the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro vs Hyundai Santa Fe UAE comparison especially relevant. On one side, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro UAE delivers impressive luxury, technology, and space at an affordable price. On the other hand, the Hyundai Santa Fe UAE stands out as a proven, reliable, and well-established performer. You can check the full specifications and latest pricing of the Hyundai Santa Fe in UAE to compare trims and features before making a decision. Let’s find out which SUV is the better choice for UAE families in 2026.
Price Comparison in the UAE: Chery Tiggo 8 Pro vs Hyundai Santa Fe (2026)
Price is one of the most important factors for SUV buyers in the UAE. In this area, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro price in UAE gives it a clear advantage. For more insights on how the Tiggo 8 Pro compares with other competitors, check our detailed Chery Tiggo 8 Pro vs Haval H6 UAE review. It offers premium features at a significantly lower cost, making it one of the most affordable family SUVs in the UAE without compromising on comfort or technology.
| Model | Price, Key Specs & Description (UAE) |
| Chery Tiggo 8 Pro | Price: From ~AED 255,000 Engine: 2.5L Petrol (≈191 hp) Transmission: Automatic Seating: 5 or 7-seater Highlights: Strong build quality, smooth ride, proven reliability, spacious cabin, and robust safety systems. A trusted mid-size SUV for long road trips in the UAE. |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | Price: From ~AED 255,000 Engine: 2.5L Petrol (≈191 hp) Transmission: Automatic Seating: 5 or 7-seater Highlights: Strong build quality, smooth ride, proven reliability, spacious cabin, and robust safety systems. A trusted mid-size SUV for long road trips in the UAE. |
Engine & Performance Comparison UAE: City Driving vs Highway Confidence
In terms of performance, the two SUVs are quite suitable on the UAE roads, but they are different in terms of personality.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro performance UAE is powered by a 1.6L turbocharged engine producing around 197 hp, paired with a smooth 7-speed DCT. It feels responsive in city traffic and offers a refined driving experience for daily UAE commuting.
The Hyundai Santa Fe performance UAE benefits from a 2.5L petrol engine that delivers stable, predictable power on highways. It feels more planted at higher speeds, making it well-suited for long road trips between Emirates. Explore the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro UAE full details, pricing, and features to see why it’s gaining popularity among UAE families.
| Specification | Chery Tiggo 8 (UAE) | Hyundai Santa Fe (UAE) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 4,722 mm | 4,830 mm |
| Overall Height | 1,705 mm | 1,710 mm |
| Overall Width | 1,860 mm | 1,900 mm |
| Wheelbaase | 2,710 mm | 2,815 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 200 mm | 176 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1,705 kg | 1,970 kg |
| Boot Capacity | 479 liters | 413 Liters |
| Seating Capacity | 7 seater | 7 seater |
| Number of Doors | 5 Doors | 5 Doors |
Fuel Efficiency in the UAE: Real-World Economy Comparison
It is fuel-efficient, particularly in heat and traffic in the UAE.
- The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro fuel economy UAE averages around 12–13 km/l, which is impressive for a turbocharged 7-seater SUV.
- The Hyundai Santa Fe fuel efficiency UAE averages approximately 10–11 km/l, depending on engine choice and driving conditions.
Tiggo 8 Pro is better in terms of daily driving and fuel economy, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro vs the Santa Fe fuel efficiency in the UAE.
Interior & Comfort Comparison UAE: Modern Technology vs Proven Refinement
Enter the vehicles, and the two SUVs are impressive, however, in a dissimilar manner.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro interior in the UAE boasts of being ultra-modern with:
- Dual digital displays
- Premium leather seats
- Ambient lighting
- Panoramic sunroof
It appears and seems like a luxury SUV at non-luxury cost.
The Hyundai Santa Fe interior in the UAE places more emphasis on:
- Excellent material quality
- Ergonomic layout
- Long-term comfort
- Quiet cabin experience
The Tiggo 8 Pro focuses on modern design and advanced technology, while the Santa Fe prioritizes long-term comfort, refinement, and build quality.
Safety Features Comparison UAE: Chery Tiggo 8 Pro vs Hyundai Santa Fe
Families do not compromise on safety.
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro safety features in the UAE entail:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- 6 airbags
Hyundai Santa Fe safety features in the UAE take it a notch higher with:
- ADAS.
- Strong crash-test ratings
- Established safety track record.
Santa Fe has a slight advantage because of its proven safety reputation, whereas Tiggo 8 Pro is a great value.
| Metric | Chery Tiggo 8 (UAE) | Hyundai Santa Fe (UAE) |
| Engine Type | Inline 4-cylinder Petrol | Inline 4-cylinder |
| Displacement | 1,998 cc | 1,597 cc |
| Horsepower | 254 hp | 231 Hp |
| Torque | 375 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Acceleration 0-100Km | 8.5 seconds | 8.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 198 km/h |
| Drive Type | AWD | 2WD / AWD |
| Start/Stop System | Yes | Yes |
Maintenance Cost & Ownership in the UAE
Maintenance and long-term ownership costs play a major role in choosing the right SUV in the UAE.
The cost of servicing the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in the UAE is cheaper due to:
- Competitive service packages.
- Affordable spare parts
- Long manufacturer warranty
The Hyundai Santa Fe maintenance cost in the UAE will be more, but it will have the advantages of:
- Extensive service network
- Strong resale value
- Long-term reliability
Tiggo 8 Pro would be cheaper to service; Santa Fe would sell better in the long run.
Practicality: 7 seater and Family Use
The two SUVs can be considered as good contenders for the best 7-seater SUV in the UAE.
- Tiggo 8 Pro has superior space in the third row to accommodate kids.
- The ride comfort of the Santa Fe is better on extended trips.
Both are excellent, and the choice will be an excellent mid-size SUV required by UAE families, depending on the budget and brand confidence.
| Feature | Chery Tiggo 8 (UAE) | Hyundai Santa Fe (UAE) |
| Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic | Dual-Zone |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes |
| Heated Seats | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated Seats | Yes | Yes |
| Leather Seats | Leather | Leather/Fabric |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Yes | No |
| Interior Lighting | Ambient LED | Ambient/LED |
Final Verdict: Which SUV Is Better in the UAE?
Which SUV is better in the UAE, Tiggo 8 Pro or Santa Fe?
Select Chery Tiggo 8 Pro UAE when you want:
- The price has maximum features.
- Reduced maintenance and fuel expenses.
- A modern, luxury class at a low cost.
Select Hyundai Santa Fe UAE in case you appreciate:
- Proven reliability
- Strong resale value
- Comfort in the long run and brand loyalty.
Bottom Line
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro stands out as the smarter choice for buyers seeking an affordable family SUV in the UAE, while the Hyundai Santa Fe remains the safer, time-tested option with strong long-term value.
Each of them has a right to be listed among the top mid-size SUV UAE options; it’s only the question of priorities. You can also use our UAE car comparison tool to directly compare the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, the Hyundai Santa Fe, and other SUVs side by side to make the best choice.
FAQs
Is the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro or the Hyundai Santa Fe better on the UAE roads?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is more suitable in long highway journeys, whereasthe Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is more appropriate for urban driving with higher values and characteristics.
How is the cost of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in the UAE?
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro costs in the UAE would be about AED 98,500 as the prices will vary according to the variant.
What is the price of the Hyundai Santa Fe inthe UAE?
The prices of the Hyundai Santa Fe in the UAE normally begin at approximately AED 255,000 and increase to higher prices depending on the luxury version.
What are the most important specifications of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in the UAE?
It has a 1.6L turbo with approximately 197-hps, a 7-speed DCT, a digital cockpit, and advanced safety equipment.
What are the Hyundai Santa Fe specifications in the UAE?
The Hyundai Santa Fe UAE comes with a 2.5L petrol engine, automatic transmission, available 7-seat configuration, advanced safety systems, and a spacious, comfortable cabin designed for long journeys.
What SUV is more fuel-efficient in the UAE?
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro provides a bit more fuel efficiency compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe in the UAE environment.
Is the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro suitable to use as a family car in the UAE?
It is an affordable 7-seater, modern, and well-equipped with good safety technology, and low ownership price, yes, perfect for the family.
