Exterior
The all-new Touareg is significantly larger than the Tiguan. The new model is 77mm longer and 44mm wider than the previous model. It boasts a front end inspired by the Arteon, with headlamps blended seamlessly into the grille in a contoured fashion, while the side and rear convey a strong aura of luxury along with edgier lines, giving it a thoroughly contemporary look. The Touareg is somewhat curvier than the Tiguan and exudes reserved ruggedness, hinting at the car’s genuine prowess as a 4x4 SUV.
Interior
The Tiguan’s cabin is comfortable, practical and solidly constructed. The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, circular climate controls, tactile steering wheel and all of the car’s other features exude discrete sophistication, while the optional Active Info Display and Head-up Display bring the interior to life even more fully. The Tiguan has plenty of space for five occupants, and the ability to carry an extra two people on shorter trips. In 5-seater models, the second row of seats slides to enable boot capacity to be maximised to 615 litres when required or expanded all the way to 1,655 litres with the seats folded.
Volkswagen’s larger albeit 5-seater Touareg, meanwhile, feels even higher up to sit in. The omission of a third row means there is more rear legroom and headroom, and the boot offers an impressive 810 litre capacity. The Innovision Cockpit provides a fantastic range of intuitive tech, and the 15-inch glass display is seamlessly incorporated into the driver-focussed and truly contemporary dashboard. Drivers can control many of the car’s features by gesture, there is a night-ll-wheel steering ensures greater manoeuvrability, meaning safety has been moved up another level.
Conclusion: The newer Touareg provides a truly commanding ride on board, and is more technologically advanced than the Tiguan. However, the extra seats available in the Tiguan may make it a stronger choice for families.
Engine
In typical Volkswagen fashion, the Tiguan is available with an engine to suit most tastes and requirements. Drivers who don’t cover large annual mileages will love the smoothness of the 125PS 1.4-litre 2WD petrol variant, while the 2-litre 4MOTION model combining 180PS and the silky 7-speed DSG gearbox enhances the Tiguan experience nicely. Those requiring diesel can choose from the base 115PS 2.0 TDI, 150PS and 190PS variants right up to the range-topping 240PS 2.0 BiTDI 4MOTION for maximum power, grip and efficiency.
Despite being larger and heavier, the monster engine in the Touareg and the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox provide fantastic power. The entry-point is a 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 228bhp, but there are other diesel options available, and also a 3.0 TSI 335bhp petrol engine. The four-wheel drive means that this power is harnessed and you can enjoy a very comfortable drive on or off-road.
The table below shows a comparison of the two:
|
|
Tiguan |
Touareg |
||
|
Min |
Max |
Min |
Max |
|
|
Power (BHP) |
113 |
240 |
227 |
335 |
|
Fuel (comb MPG) |
38.2 |
60.1 |
32 |
43 |
|
Top Speed (mph) |
125 |
142.3 |
146 |
155 |
|
0 – 60mph in…. (seconds) |
6 |
10.6 |
5.7 |
7.3 |
Conclusion: The Touareg is the most powerful of the two, so if you need that extra push, this may be for you. However, the Tiguan is great for day-to-day use and not far behind at all in the power department.
Price
The Tiguan is available from £25,350 and the Touareg is available from £49,135.
Conclusion: The Touareg is more expensive but it's far larger than the Tiguan and the technology inside is far more advanced. The car overall is more powerful too, so if there factors are important to you, the Touareg may be worth the extra money.
Overall
Volkswagen’s Tiguan and Touareg SUVs are more desirable than ever and make formidable choices for families and business drivers alike.
While the Tiguan, and in particular the Allspace, excels when it comes to practicality, the Touareg is the master off-road and brings the extra tech and power.