The Volkswagen Tiguan reigns as a popular choice in the compact SUV segment, but the competition never sleeps. In the UK market, several capable contenders vie for the crown, offering unique features and compelling value propositions. So, how does the VW Tiguan stack up against its top 5 rivals? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison based on key factors like design, performance, efficiency, technology, practicality, and, of course, price.
1. Design:
- Tiguan: The latest iterations boast a refined design with sharp lines, bold grille, and LED technology. Its sleek styling caters to diverse tastes.
- Ford Kuga: A dynamic exterior featuring a sculpted bonnet and sleek LED lights grabs attention.
- Hyundai Tucson: Bold, futuristic design with creases, sharp angles, and a prominent grille sets it apart.
- Peugeot 3008: Modern and stylish, blending elegance with a bold grille and sharp LED lighting.
- Škoda Karoq: Sleek and contemporary design with sharp lines and optional full-LED headlights.
2. Performance:
- Tiguan: Offers various petrol and diesel engines, with power outputs ranging from 115hp to 320hp in performance-oriented R models. Plug-in hybrid options combine efficiency with decent power.
- Ford Kuga: Diverse engine lineup, including petrol, diesel, and mild hybrid options. Performance ranges from 150hp to 225hp, with a plug-in hybrid offering 225hp combined output.
- Hyundai Tucson: Petrol, diesel, and mild hybrid options available, with power outputs ranging from 150hp to 261hp. Plug-in hybrid variant delivers 265hp combined.
- Peugeot 3008: Petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options available. Petrol engines range from 130hp to 181hp, while the plug-in hybrid combines a 1.6L petrol engine with an electric motor for a total output of 225hp.
- Škoda Karoq: Petrol, diesel, and mild hybrid options available. Petrol engines range from 110hp to 190hp, while the mild hybrid option offers 150hp.
3. Efficiency:
- Tiguan: Petrol models achieve mileage ranging from 34.4mpg to 44.8mpg (WLTP combined), while diesels deliver up to 52.3mpg (WLTP combined). Plug-in hybrid offers electric range of up to 29 miles and fuel consumption of 75.1mpg (WLTP combined).
- Ford Kuga: Petrol models achieve mileage ranging from 35.3mpg to 41.5mpg (WLTP combined), while diesels deliver up to 51.4mpg (WLTP combined). Mild hybrid options offer up to 47.9mpg (WLTP combined), and the plug-in hybrid boasts an electric range of 35 miles and fuel consumption of 176.6mpg (WLTP combined).
- Hyundai Tucson: Petrol models achieve mileage ranging from 37.2mpg to 41.1mpg (WLTP combined), while diesels deliver up to 54.3mpg (WLTP combined). The mild hybrid option offers up to 47.9mpg (WLTP combined), and the plug-in hybrid boasts an electric range of 31 miles and fuel consumption of 176.6mpg (WLTP combined).
- Peugeot 3008: Petrol models achieve mileage ranging from 34.4mpg to 40.9mpg (WLTP combined), while the plug-in hybrid offers an electric range of 37 miles and fuel consumption of 178.5mpg (WLTP combined).
- Škoda Karoq: Petrol models achieve mileage ranging from 38.2mpg to 43.5mpg (WLTP combined), while diesels deliver up to 54.3mpg (WLTP combined). The mild hybrid option offers up to 47.9mpg (WLTP combined).
4. Technology:
Tiguan:
- Digital Cockpit: Customizable digital instrument cluster displaying key driving information.
- Infotainment System: MIB3 system with 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, navigation, voice control, and optional wireless charging.
- Driver-Assistance Systems: Includes Front Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Assist, Park Assist, and optional Travel Assist for semi-autonomous driving.
- Connectivity: Remote access features, online services, and over-the-air updates available.
Ford Kuga:
- Digital Instrument Cluster: Optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
- SYNC 3 Infotainment System: 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, navigation, voice control, and optional head-up display.
- Driver-Assistance Systems: Includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, and optional Active Park Assist.
- Connectivity: FordPass Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot, remote access features, and smartphone app integration.
Hyundai Tucson:
- Digital Instrument Cluster: Available 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
- Bluelink Infotainment System: 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, navigation, voice control, and optional Bose sound system.
- Driver-Assistance Systems: Includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and optional Blind-Spot Collision Warning.
- Connectivity: Bluelink Connected Car Services with remote access features, voice assistant, and stolen vehicle assistance.
Peugeot 3008:
- 3D Digital Cockpit: Innovative 3D instrument cluster with customizable display.
- PEUGEOT Connect Nav: 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, voice control, connected services, and TomTom Traffic.
- Driver-Assistance Systems: Includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Alert, and optional Night Vision system.
- Connectivity: Connected services with remote access features, smartphone app integration, and over-the-air updates.
Škoda Karoq:
- Virtual Cockpit: Optional digital instrument cluster.
- Columbus Infotainment System: 9.2-inch touchscreen with navigation, smartphone connectivity, voice control, and optional Canton sound system.
- Driver-Assistance Systems: Includes Front Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Assist, Blind Spot Detection, and optional Park Assist.
- Connectivity: Škoda Connect with remote access features, online services, and emergency call function.
Key differentiators:
- Tiguan and Kuga: Offer larger optional touchscreens and head-up displays.
- 3008: Stands out with its unique 3D digital cockpit and connected services with TomTom Traffic.
- Tucson: Offers Hyundai’s Bluelink Connected Car Services with voice assistant and stolen vehicle assistance.
- Karoq: Offers optional Canton sound system and emergency call function through Škoda Connect.
5. Practicality:
- Tiguan: Offers spacious cabin with seating for five and ample cargo space (520 liters to 1755 liters with seats folded). Optional features like roof rails and rearview camera enhance practicality.
- Ford Kuga: Provides comfortable seating for five and similar cargo capacity (528 liters to 1673 liters with seats folded). Optional features like hands-free tailgate and panoramic sunroof contribute to convenience.
- Hyundai Tucson: Delivers spacious cabin for five and ample cargo space (613 liters to 1795 liters with seats folded). Panoramic sunroof and smart trunk features add to its practicality.
- Peugeot 3008: Offers comfortable seating for five and impressive cargo space (520 liters to 1510 liters with seats folded). Hands-free tailgate and modular rear seats enhance practicality.
- Škoda Karoq: Provides comfortable seating for five and versatile cargo space (521 liters to 1630 liters with seats folded). VarioFlex rear seats and other features cater to diverse needs.
6. Volkswagen Tiguan Vs.Top 5 Rivals Price:
- Tiguan: Starting price in the UK: £27,630 for petrol, £30,120 for diesel, and £38,300 for plug-in hybrid. Prices in Europe start from €27,320 for petrol, €30,820 for diesel, and €38,200 for plug-in hybrid.
- Ford Kuga: Starting price in the UK: £27,075 for petrol, £30,715 for diesel, £32,500 for mild hybrid, and £32,500 for plug-in hybrid. Prices in Europe start from €26,200 for petrol, €30,375 for diesel, €32,850 for mild hybrid, and €35,700 for plug-in hybrid.
- Hyundai Tucson: Starting price in the UK: £25,650 for petrol, £27,350 for diesel, £28,750 for mild hybrid, and £33,750 for plug-in hybrid. Prices in Europe start from €24,250 for petrol, €26,250 for diesel, €28,150 for mild hybrid, and €35,750 for plug-in hybrid.
- Peugeot 3008: Starting price in the UK: £27,770 for petrol and £34,800 for plug-in hybrid. Prices in Europe start from €26,850 for petrol and €35,750 for plug-in hybrid.
- Škoda Karoq: Starting price in the UK: £22,920 for petrol, £24,270 for diesel, and £27,640 for mild hybrid. Prices in Europe start from €22,620 for petrol, €24,170 for diesel, and €27,740 for mild hybrid.
The Final Showdown:
The Volkswagen Tiguan faces stiff competition within the compact SUV segment. While it boasts a refined design, diverse powertrain options, and a comfortable interior, rivals like the Hyundai Tucson and Skoda Karoq offer competitive pricing and practicality. The Ford Kuga presents a compelling plug-in hybrid option, while the Peugeot 3008 stands out with its unique styling and technology.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities and needs. Consider factors like budget, desired features, fuel efficiency, cargo space, and overall driving experience before making a decision.
