Volkswagen Tiguan vs Volkswagen Touareg: Used Car Comparison
07th Mar 2025
Two SUVs designed to provide comfort and practicality, the Volkswagen Touareg and Tiguan have been on the market for over 10 years and have done a good job of keeping up with a wide range of drivers' needs.
Even though both are placed within the same SUV segment, they present different features that can catch your attention depending on your lifestyle and needs.
This article will explore the main differences between the Touareg and Tiguan to help you make an informed decision when choosing your used Volkswagen.
Contents
- Introduction and Design
- Versions and Performance
- Interior and Technology
- Practicality
- Value and Final Thoughts
Introduction and Design
Volkswagen (VW) introduced its first SUV to the market in 2002. Aiming at creating a vehicle that was comfortable for large families who valued a premium feel to the cabin and a stylish exterior design, the Touareg showcases sculpted body lines that contribute to a refined appearance with a sporty nuance.
As the top of VW’s SUV lineup, the Touareg has become synonymous with practicality and quality, as few competitors are able to offer this level of excellence at this price point.
In 2007 Volkswagen launched a smaller option to their range, with the Tiguan debuting as the brand’s mid-size SUV that soon became one of the manufacturer’s best-selling vehicles in the UK. The front of the car displays a wide front grille that, combined with its sleek and angular headlights, provides an image of a modern and premium look.
Versions and Performance
This generation of VW Tiguan is available with petrol and diesel combustion engines and a couple of hybrid electric options. Looking at the petrol engines’ specs, you can choose between a 1.5-litre and two 2.0-litre models. The 1.5-litre engine produces 148bhp and the 2.0-litre engine produces 242bhp. The acceleration from 0 to 62mph varies between 6 seconds and 9.2 seconds.
There are two 2.0-litre diesel engines on the market, one produces 148bhp and the other 178bhp. This translates to an acceleration of 62mph from resting in 9.4 seconds and 7.5 seconds respectively. Fuel economy-wise the most cost efficient is the 2.0-litre diesel, that produces 148bhp, capable of 54.5mpg.
There are also two plug-in hybrids available, which come in a choice of 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre engines that produce 241bhp and 316bhp respectively. Acceleration from 0 to 62mph varies from 4.9 seconds and 7.5 seconds, and it can do up to 31 miles of electric range. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the hybrid models are the most efficient, with a capability of 178.4mpg.
The Touareg is available in two 3.0-litre diesel engines, one 3.0-litre petrol engine and a 3.0-litre plug-in hybrid. The first 3.0-litre diesel engine produces between 228bhp and the second produces 282bhp. The engines accelerate from 0 to 62mpg between 7.6 seconds and 6.1 seconds respectively.
With a power of 335bhp, the petrol engine is the Touareg most powerful combustion engine available, and this reflects on the acceleration of 0 to 62mph in 5.9 seconds. The fuel economy is considerably lower compared to the diesel options which range from 34.8mpg on average. The petrol engine can do 25.9mpg, making it the least efficient option available.
The plug-in hybrid is the fastest and most economical when it comes to fuel. It produces 456bhp which results in an acceleration of 62mhp from resting in 5.1 seconds and it is capable of doing over 123mpg.
Interior and Technology
Touareg’s interior was notoriously designed to stand out. Using a combination of high-quality materials and high-tech navigation systems, this SUV emulates a premium ambiance with a touch of futuristic features.
Equipped with a customisable 12-inch digital screen placed in the cockpit for driver’s and navigation information and an additional 15-inch infotainment system, the Touareg comes with a user-friendly pre-installed software as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that facilitate connectivity to smartphones.
Volkswagen adopted a minimalist approach when designing the interior of Tiguan’s cabin, opting for a clean dashboard that focused on practicality and functionality. The infotainment touchscreen is smaller than Touareg’s varying from 8-inch to 10-inch, depending on the trim.
The software is also user-friendly and comes with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps pre-installed as well.
Practicality
Touareg’s cabin is spacious and there’s loads of leg and headroom for everyone in any of the five seats. When looking at storage space, you’ll find an extensive boot capable of holding up to 1,800 litres when expanded.
Even though the Tiguan is smaller than Touareg, the cabin is spacious and fits up to seven people. All passengers and drivers will find an accommodating ambiance, with plenty of leg and headroom to enjoy a comfortable ride. Looking at the rear end of the vehicle, you’ll find a roomy boot that can hold up to 615 litres when expanded.
Value and Final Thoughts
Both of these Volkswagen SUVs offer great value for money compared to other vehicles in the same category. Even though both models focus on comfort and practicality, there are a few features that distinguish them apart, and make them ideal for different lifestyles.
The Touareg is ideal if you need a bigger vehicle for daily use, with a boot that's capable of transporting large and bulky items, such as suitcases without compromising on a stylish exterior design and refinement. It certainly offers the best performance between the two, when we look at acceleration and fuel economy.
If your lifestyle requires a smaller car that prioritises comfort with a minimalistic design and provides a simplistic interior, the Tiguan is the best option for you. It has a big enough boot to carry essentials and slightly larger items without compromising on the comfort inside the cabin. Performance-wise, there’s very little difference in acceleration when compared to Touareg and the plug-in hybrid models offer good fuel efficiency.
Find your perfect used car at Evans Halshaw
SUVs are becoming ever more popular due to their practicality and versatility. Volkswagen Touareg and Tiguan are excellent options if you’re looking for mid to large SUVs, that offer comfort, style and good quality for money. However, if neither model is ticking all the boxes, you can explore our range of used cars.
Alternatively, you can read more car comparison articles that are constantly updated with new information at our Evans Halshaw Blog.
