VW Tiguan vs. Honda CR-V — Compact SUV Detailed Comparison
This is more than just a specs shootout—this is a case for precision engineering, cutting-edge tech, and smarter ownership. Dive into the numbers and features that place the all-new Tiguan head and shoulders above the CR-V. Discover why numerous Honda owners are switching to VW.
Comparing the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Honda CR-V for Denver Drivers
Redesign
2025 marks a full redesign for Tiguan, and the 2026 Honda CR-V is a continuation of the same design released in 2022.
Starting MSRP
Tiguan: $30,245 | CR-V: $30,920
Power (Std)
Tiguan: 201 hp turbo | CR-V: 190 hp 1.5T
EPA (Base)
Tiguan: 30 mpg combined | CR-V: 30 mpg combined
Side-by-Side Specs
| Feature | 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2025 Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $30,245 (S FWD + dest) | $30,920 (LX 2WD + dest) |
| Engine / Power | 2.0L turbocharged 4-cyl, 201 hp | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 190 hp (standard); 204 hp (hybrid option) |
| Drivetrain Options | FWD standard, 4MOTION® AWD available | 2WD or AWD (gas); Hybrid available in select trims |
| Fuel Economy (Est.) | 30 mpg combined (FWD) / 28 mpg (AWD) | Gas: 30 mpg combined (2WD) / 28 mpg (AWD) ; Hybrid: ~40 mpg combined |
| Towing (max) | 1,500 lbs (FWD); 1,800 lbs (AWD) | 1,500 lbs (gas); 1,000 lbs (hybrid) |
| Cargo Volume | ≈27 cu ft (behind rear) / ≈59 cu ft (with rear seats folded) | 39.3 cu ft / 76.5 cu ft (max) |
| Seating | 5 passengers (two rows), front heated seats standard | 5 passengers (two rows) |
| Infotainment & Display | Standard 12″ display, 15″ screen available, Digital Cockpit Pro, CarPlay/Android Auto std | 7″ (LX/EX), 9″ (EX-L+), wireless CarPlay/Android Auto (upper trims) |
| Driver Assist Suite | IQ.DRIVE standard: adaptive cruise w/ lane centering, blind-spot, rear traffic, more | Honda Sensing® standard: ACC, lane assist, collision mitigation, etc. |
| Airbags | 10 total (incl. front-center, rear-side, driver knee) | Standard advanced airbags (count depends on trim) |
| Warranty / Maintenance | 4 yr / 50,000 mi bumper-to-bumper + 2 yr / 20,000 mi no-cost maintenance | 3 yr / 36,000 mi bumper-to-bumper + Honda Service Pass (varies by year) |
All figures based on manufacturer specifications and EPA estimates. Your actual results may vary.
Why the Tiguan Triumphs
- Pure Performance from the Start: Every Tiguan comes with a 201-hp turbocharged engine—no need to upgrade to feel the difference on the road.
- Balanced Fuel Efficiency: Up to 30 mpg combined in FWD form is exceptional for a turbo SUV with such punch.
- Built-in Value: Lower starting price than CR-V, plus VW’s 4/50 warranty and two years of covered maintenance—less worry, more miles in between out-of-pocket costs.
- Flagship Technology: Standard 12″ digital display, available 15″ central touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, advanced driver assistance—all baked in from the base trims.
- Strong Towing Capability: Up to 1,800 lbs (AWD)—that’s well ahead of what the CR-V hybrid can manage.
- Comprehensive Safety: Ten airbags standard—including some extra protection the competition doesn’t always provide.
What CR-V Does Well
- Generous Cargo Space: When loaded, CR-V’s boxy footprint offers up to ~76.5 cu ft—superior to Tiguan’s ~59 cu ft.
- Fuel Economy Edge in Hybrid Form: The CR-V Hybrid can stretch fuel savings to ~40 mpg—ideal for long highway cruising.
If your priority is maximizing cargo or squeezing out every mpg, CR-V Hybrid has its niche. But for those seeking an all-rounder with stronger performance, better warranty, and superior tech, Tiguan leads the pack.
Feature Highlights at a Glance
Tiguan Standard / Available
- 201-hp turbo 2.0L engine, 8-speed auto
- Availability of 4MOTION® AWD
- Up to ~30 mpg combined (FWD)
- Standard 12″ touchscreen, optional 15″ display
- Digital Cockpit Pro + customizable driver display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- IQ.DRIVE suite: ACC, lane centering, blind-spot, rear traffic
- 10 airbags including center and rear side
- Cargo: ~27 / ~59 cu ft
- Towing: up to 1,800 lbs (AWD)
- 4 yr / 50,000 mi warranty + 2 yr / 20,000 mi maintenance
CR-V (Gas)
- 190-hp 1.5L turbo engine
- 2WD or AWD options
- Gas EPA ~30 mpg combined
- 7″ or 9″ touchscreen (higher trims)
- Honda Sensing® safety suite standard
- Cargo: 39.3 / 76.5 cu ft
- Towing: 1,500 lbs
- 3 yr / 36,000 mi warranty; Honda Service Pass program
CR-V Hybrid
- 204-hp two-motor hybrid system
- Available FWD or AWD (trim dependent)
- EPA ~40 mpg combined
- 9″ touchscreen
- Towing: 1,000 lbs (when properly equipped)