Volkswagen Tiguan vs Hyundai Tucson: family SUV head-to-head

The Volkswagen Tiguan and Hyundai Tucson are both very popular SUVs in the UK. They offer modern technology, efficient engines, and good practicality. But which model is the best overall package? We’re going to compare design, performance, fuel efficiency, space, infotainment and price.

Volkswagen Tiguan

The latest Tiguan looks very similar to its predecessors on the outside, with subtle tweaks to the design helping it look more modern. Inside it’s well-made using high-quality materials, although the interior design isn’t all that exciting. There’s plenty of storage space though, and the driving position is pretty spot on.

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson certainly looks more futuristic than the Tiguan. The way the headlights are hidden in the bold grille makes it stand out, as do the angular taillights. Step inside and you’re greeted by a clean cabin design which, while not all that exciting to look at, is very easy to use thanks to the inclusion of physical buttons compared to the Tiguan’s touch sensitive controls.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Hyundai Tucson – Infotainment & Connectivity

Pretty much everything in the Tiguan is controlled through the 12.9-inch central touchscreen, which has its pros and cons. While this does tidy up the cabin, the climate control is fiddly to operate on the move. There is one physical dial in the centre console which has multiple functions including the driving modes and the radio volume. It’s just a shame VW didn’t do more with this dial.

Hyundai, on the other hand, sticks to a more old-school combination of touchscreens and physical controls. There are shortcut buttons and rotary dials for the radio and climate controls underneath the 12.3-inch touchscreen. It’s a much more intuitive cabin to use, although the Tiguan’s larger touchscreen is slightly more user-friendly.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Hyundai Tucson – Engines & Driving

Out on the road the Volkswagen Tiguan is the more comfortable of these two cars. It’s smooth over bumps in the road, whereas the Tucson can feel a bit firm and jiggly on broken surfaces.

Both cars offer a range of petrol, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines. The Hyundai offers a self-charging hybrid version though, while the Volkswagen is the only car of the two available with diesel power.

Neither car is particularly sporty to drive, you’ll have to look at a Ford Kuga if you’re after an SUV which can put a smile on your face. Of these two though, the Volkswagen Tiguan is the best out on the road. It’s just a bit more refined and comfortable.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Hyundai Tucson – Space & Practicality

When it comes to interior space and practicality, these SUVs perform exceptionally well in the family SUV segment.

Both vehicles offer ample passenger and boot space, making them highly practical. However, Volkswagen adds a sliding rear bench, offering more flexibility – a feature missing in the Hyundai. It has the larger boot as well at 652 litres. The Tuscon still has 620 litres of luggage space though which is impressive in this class.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Hyundai Tucson – Value for Money & Verdict

Price-wise, there is a notable difference between the two SUVs, with a gap of nearly £4,000. The Hyundai Tucson starts from around £31,500, while the Volkswagen Tiguan starts from over £35,000. The Tucson is also more generously equipped as standard, and with a five-year warranty it gets two extra years of coverage compared to the Tiguan.

The Hyundai Tucson boasts a more futuristic design and more fuel-efficient hybrid engines compared to the Volkswagen. However, the Tiguan is the more practical car and it’s more comfortable to drive. It’s a tough choice to make, but if your budget stretches to it then the Volkswagen Tiguan is the better car overall, although the Tucson is still an excellent buy if value for money is your top priority.

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