Honda CR-V vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Know the best pick for you!

Gone are the days when SUVs were meant for off-roading, not road trips or city drives. The present-day SUVs with all creature comforts have plenty of reasons to attract the sedan buyers in their favour. And when it comes to mid-size SUVs, they fall precisely in the middle of size and price ambit, which has subcompacts on one hand and full-size rigs on the other.

In the Malaysian market, Honda CR-V has proved its mettle as one of the best mid-size SUVs having amazing looks and unmatched innovations. The nameplate that has been around since 1997 received a makeover in 2017. With a four-variant lineup, the Honda CR-V price starts at RM 144,629 and goes up to RM 168,465 for the top-spec TC-P trim.

Volkswagen's mid-size SUV, Tiguan, entered the country's SUVs battle in 2017 and created turbulence in the segment. As a hard hitter. It offers tons of standard tech features and some of the best driving characteristics at a starting price of RM 162,108. So how the German tiger measures up against the Japanese rival, have a look in our head to head comparison of Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Honda CR-V vs. Volkswagen Tiguan: Dimensions

Honda CR-V has almost the same width as the Volkswagen Tiguan. Though in case of length and height, it got higher numbers, but both SUVs will still take up the same space in your garage. However, Tiguan's luggage space is much larger than its Japanese counterpart, which deserves a thumbs up.

Honda CR-V vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Exterior

In terms of exterior design, Honda CR-V features a sleek designing theme at both front and rear. It looks very sharp and eye-catching, which gives it every bit of appeal of a premium vehicle. Whereas Volkswagen Tiguan poses a typical VW look with a broader grille and subtle design tweaks. However, both these SUVs have the same exterior appointments.

Honda CR-V vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Interior

Inside the cabin, CR-V makes you feel like sitting in an expensive vehicle. It comes with all soft-touch surfaces and high-quality materials. On the other hand, Tiguan's cabin also has a top-notch interior, with quality materials in abundance around the cabin. It is also well insulated from outside noises, a plus for anyone who has to deal with long trips. 

In the matter of cabin space, rear passengers in the CR-V can stretch out a lot more. As far as the headroom and legroom of the front seat are concerned, the vehicles have not much difference.

Coming to the technology front, the CR-V specs sheet comprises a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system, including satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. At the same time, an 8-inch Active Info Display with all connectivity options can be found in the Volkswagen Tiguan specs sheet. It also has a three-zone air-conditioning system and Digital cockpit. 

A closer look at the above table reveals that Tiguan has a multitude of tech features, maybe due to a higher price, but it does not mean that CR-V has subpar standard features, it is just that the Tiguan has a bit more.

Honda CR-V vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Engine

Surely, Honda CR-V is more potent than the Tiguan, but unfortunately, handling is not up to the mark. The Volkswagen Tiguan is more driver-focused with a quick, light, and precise steering. It settles quickly to the rhythm of highways and cruises comfortably.

Volkswagen Tiguan has a fuel consumption of 6.7 litre / 100 km on mixed driving conditions. In contrast, CR-V has a claimed mileage of 7.0 litre / 100 km on the same roads.

Honda CR-V vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Safety

Safety-wise, Honda CR-V has the upper hand as it comes with Honda Sensing Suite, including features like Lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, low speed follow, and LaneWatch camera. However, the Tiguan does not have any advanced driver assistance features, but still, it is good enough with 6 airbags, a rest assist, ABS with brake assist, ESC multi-collision brakes, and ISOFIX mount.

Verdict

Both Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan are excellent SUVs and lie among the top-selling compact SUVs. Honda CR-V is equipped with attractive styling, spacious interior, powerful engine, and an array of safety features. But if you desire an SUV that offers an abundance of cargo space, a smooth ride, and tons of technology bits, then the Tiguan is a perfect fit for you. Now, when you have had a taste of what these SUVs can do, it is time to get behind the wheel and experience yourself.

Also read: Toyota Fortuner vs. Volkswagen Tiguan : Solving the dilemma