VW Tiguan vs Touareg: which is better?
See which Volkswagen sibling is best for you in our VW Tiguan vs. Touareg comparison review
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By Tia Harrison-North
Last updated: 19 June 2025
When it comes to the VW Tiguan vs. Touareg – we're faced with some pretty tight competition.
This is a pair of premium SUVs that are ideal for family life but would equally suit a couple who like to overpack.
The Touareg is the larger, more luxurious sibling, while the Tiguan is better for the casual SUV fan.
So how do they compare on the details?
Take a look at our Tiguan vs. Touareg comparison below to find out more.
Our guide will answer:
Is the VW Tiguan or Touareg better to drive?
Does the VW Tiguan or Touareg have better tech?
Which car has the better styling?
Is the VW Tiguan or Touareg more reliable?
What are the VW Tiguan vs Touareg dimensions?
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VW Tiguan vs Touareg: styling
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It takes a couple of seconds to nail any major differences between the Tiguan and Touareg when it comes to style. They look exactly as they are – two premium Volkswagen SUVs.
On closer inspection, the 2025 Tiguan has a chunkier bumper that gives it a Range Rover-esque appearance.
It’s subtle, but the grilles on both cars are different and have seen many changes through their various iterations. The 2025 updates prioritise a sleek but aggressive look for both cars.
There’s no denying that both SUVs are lookers, so it’ll be down to personal preference on the details.
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VW Tiguan vs Touareg: what are they like to drive?
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The VW Tiguan comes with a range of engines in 2025, and all are a slick drive. The 1.5-litre turbo petrol is the crowd’s choice, with mild-hybrid technology and the option of 130hp or 150hp.
For something more powerful, there’s the 2.0-litre turbo petrol with either 204hp or 265hp. Or, if you’re looking to go part-electric, the Tiguan eHybrid is available with 204hp or 272hp.
Despite its more laidback appearance, the Touareg ups the ante when it comes to exciting engines. Notably that’s a 3.0-litre V6 TSI petrol with 330hp. This is the same engine you’ll find in cars like the Audi A6 and A7.
There’s also the plug-in hybrid Touareg eHybrid with 381hp, if you want power with a bit of assistance for your fuel tank.
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VW Tiguan vs Touareg: interior and technology
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It’s probably no surprise that both the Tiguan and Touareg’s interiors are similar too, with plenty of Volkswagen finesse.
The Touareg has the option of two giant screens for driver information and infotainment, or a standard offering of an eight-inch, standalone infotainment screen.
The Tiguan has a similar set-up, but the infotainment screen stands off the dash in styling that was made popular by Tesla models, rather than sitting recessed like in the Touareg.
The rest of both cabins are luxurious and sleek, but the Tiguan’s feels a lot flashier, while the Touareg has a minimalistic feel.
VW Tiguan vs Touareg: boot space and practicality
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If there’s one thing you can expect from an SUV, it’s plenty of space and practicality.
The Touareg in particular is impressive here, offering a gargantuan 810-litre space that knocks rivals like the Audi Q7 and BMW X7 out of the running. It can extend to 1,800 litres with the seats folded down as well.
The Tiguan is impressive in its own right at 520 litres, and that can extend to 615 litres with the seats slid forward. Fold all the seats down and you’ve got 1,746 litres.
You’ve got two spacious cabins to choose from here too, though the Touareg’s roomier - ideal if you travel with adult passengers or older children.
VW Tiguan vs Touareg: safety and reliability
The VW Touareg scored a full five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2018, but that means the rating has since expired.
The Tiguan has a fresher rating from 2024, and also scored a full five stars.
Both cars have plenty of safety features, like adaptive cruise control, lane assist and driver fatigue detection.
Reliability looks to be excellent across both cars, but VW parts can be pricey when it comes to maintenance.
VW Tiguan vs Touareg: dimensions
VW Tiguan
Length: 4,509mm
Width: 1,839mm (excluding mirrors)
Height: 1,675mm
Boot space: 615 litres
Touareg
Length: 5,008mm
Width: 1,984mm (excluding mirrors)
Height: 1,717mm
Bootspace: 810 litres
Verdict: VW Tiguan vs Touareg: which should you buy?
So, when it comes to the VW Tiguan vs. Touareg you’re going to get a handsome SUV either way. They’re both great on the road and easy to live with.
You might prefer the Tiguan if:
You want something smaller
You love a flashy interior
You don’t fancy too much power
The Touareg might be the best option if:
You love an exciting V6
You need plenty of space
Minimalistic styling is your cup of tea
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