Volkswagen Taigo vs. Renault Captur – Which small SUV is the better buy in 2025?

The VW Taigo and Renault Captur are two small SUVs that heap on the style. Both combine eye-catching looks with that trademark SUV high driving position and a good degree of everyday practicality. But while the Volkswagen Taigo looks sportier with its eye-catching roof design, the less dramatic Renault Captur actually hides the cleverer interior and more sophisticated technology.

So which of these compact crossovers is the smarter choice for 2025? We’ve compared their prices, features, and real-world usability.

Volkswagen Taigo vs Renault Captur: key stats

Although these cars are similar in size, they differ significantly in terms of technology.

The Volkswagen Taigo is more conventional – it has regular petrol engines without any hybrid technology, a dashboard that’s as easy to use as one of those large-print phones you buy for a grandparent, and a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. The Renault Captur, on the other hand, gets a hybrid engine option with an F1-inspired gearbox, a stylish interior with Google-powered software, and focuses more on flexibility and efficiency.

Technical comparison

These two models cater to quite different audiences. The VW Taigo has the look of a coupé-SUV – with a sleek roofline, sharply designed headlights, and an optional R-Line package which brings a sportier bodykit.

The Renault Captur is softer in appearance, with more playful styling. It has a squarer roofline, while inside you get a roomier interior and, on petrol models, a sliding rear bench for extra versatility.

In practice, the Captur is the more family-friendly SUV thanks to the greater space on offer. The Taigo is geared more toward style-conscious buyers who like to stand out and enjoy a sportier drive.

Volkswagen Taigo vs Renault Captur: value for money

The Renault Captur is the clear winner here. Not only does the standard petrol model undercut the VW Taigo by several thousand pounds, it’s still comparable in price even if you add the super-efficient hybrid engine. By contrast, the entry-level Taigo gets a fairly gutless engine with just a five-speed gearbox – if you want an automatic to match the two-pedal Captur, you’ll spend nearly £27,000.

The Captur comes with more driver assistance systems as standard, and the Evolution edition has better equipment than the fairly basic entry-level Taigo.

To get the Taigo up to the same spec, you’ll need to shell out a bit more – and if you want the range-topper to match the Captur’s sporty-looking Esprit Alpine trim, the gap is even wider.

If price is your main concern, the Captur comes out on top. It also offers more in terms of features and engine options for your money.

Volkswagen Taigo vs Renault Captur: Which SUV is right for you?

The VW Taigo scores highly for its sporty design, responsive handling, and familiar VW technology. You get exactly what you’d expect with the Taigo. But if you’re open to a French model, the Renault Captur is a brilliant alternative. It wins on value for money, has a charming look, and boasts lower fuel consumption.

In the end, it all comes down to what you need from your car. If you want a dynamic driving experience, go for the Taigo. If practicality and better features for less are more your style, the Captur’s the better bet.

Our recommendation? The Renault Captur – you simply get more car and more features for less money.

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