VW T-Cross vs. Tiguan: which is better?
Compare the VW T-Cross and Tiguan to find out which of the German brand’s popular SUVs is right for you
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The T-Cross vs. Tiguan is a debate many potential VW SUV buyers are having between themselves, their friends, and their families.
One is bigger and has been around for a long time (Tiguan), but the other is compact, based on the Polo, and fresh to the range (T-Cross).
But which is better for you? We’ve compared the two to help you make the right choice.
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T-Cross vs. Tiguan
Our guide will answer the following:
Which VW SUV has the better styling?
Is the T-Cross or Tiguan better to drive?
Does the T-Cross or Tiguan have better tech?
Is the T-Cross or Tiguan more reliable?
What are the T-Cross vs. Tiguan dimensions?
T-Cross vs. Tiguan: styling
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While they may be from the same family, the Volkswagen T-Cross and Tiguan look totally different.
The bigger Tiguan has a much wider face with a prominent LED strip running across the top of the grille, and the rear has a long red LED brake light to tie into the design.
Move to the T-Cross and it has a much more youthful look at the front with wider headlights, while still proudly displaying the VW badge on the front.
The rear is more similar to the Tiguan with its large rear light cluster, but again, with more playful design elements.
T-Cross vs. Tiguan: what are they like to drive?
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In many ways, the VW Tiguan is the perfect-sized SUV for the UK. It has lots of space inside yet doesn’t feel too big when you’re driving around town.
You sit nice and high and have a good view of the road ahead, which helps in both a city and when you go out onto the motorway.
There are a few engines to choose from (including a plug-in hybrid), but the sweet spot is the 1.5-litre eTSI that balances power with efficiency, giving you 130hp and 45.7mpg.
The T-Cross, on the other hand, is the car to pick if you live in a town or city because it’s even smaller and still has enough space for the family.
You also still get a higher driving position, but because its footprint is similar to a Polo, it’s really easy to park and navigate tight streets.
Our engine pick would be the standard 1.0-litre engine. It’s plenty for most driving situations and can handle motorways with ease. Power output is 95hp, and you should get 49.4mpg.
T-Cross vs. Tiguan: interior and technology
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Being the larger, more expensive car, it’s obvious the Tiguan is going to have the nicer interior – it’s just a fact.
Inside, you get a large 12.9-inch central touchscreen with ChatGPT built-in, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The seats are plush, there’s plenty of storage space around the cabin, and it just feels like a very upmarket place to sit.
The T-Cross, despite being cheaper, certainly doesn’t feel it.
There are fewer soft-touch plastics, and you don’t get leather seats, but you do have plenty of mod cons. A 9.2-inch touchscreen, plenty of storage space, and even physical controls for the air-con – something the Tiguan doesn’t, sticking instead to an on-screen system.
In terms of looks, the theme from the outside continues inside, and the Tiguan is a bit more grown-up than the T-Cross. So, it depends on what vibe you’re after.
T-Cross vs. Tiguan: safety and reliability
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In many ways, Volkswagen is a byword for reliability and safety, and these two cars are no different.
Both cars scored a full five stars following their most recent Euro NCAP safety tests (2019 for the T-Cross and 2024 for the Tiguan).
This is thanks to a whole host of onboard safety features standard across both cars, including autonomous brake assist, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and blind spot detection.
Move up the model range, and it adds extras, such as a reversing camera, to make things a bit easier.
T-Cross vs. Tiguan: boot space and practicality
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The Tiguan is the clear winner in terms of boot space and practicality, with its massive 652-litre space. But the T-Cross doesn’t do too badly with 385 litres.
The same goes for the rest of the cabin, which, again, is more practical in the Tiguan with plenty of cubbies and a large glovebox to store... gloves?
The T-Cross is still practical for its size of car but will never be able to compete with its bigger brother.
Basically, the right one for you will come down to how many suitcases and buggies and shopping bags you need to stick in the boot.
T-Cross vs. Tiguan: dimensions
2024 VW T-Cross
Length: 4,127mm
Width: 1,760mm
Height: 1,573mm
Boot space: 385 litres (1,281 with the rear seats folded)
2024 VW Tiguan
Length: 4,539mm
Width: 1,842mm
Height: 1,660mm
Boot space: 652 litres (1,655with the rear seats folded)
Verdict: VW T-Cross vs. Tiguan: which should you buy?
If you’ve come to the end of this and still can’t decide which VW SUV is best for you, maybe our short conclusion can help.
You should buy a used VW T-Cross if...
You live in a city
You want a small car but like to sit high on the road
You have a tighter budget
You should buy a used VW Tiguan if...
You want the most boot space possible
You have a family
You want a more luxurious cabin
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