Acura MDX vs. Volkswagen Tiguan
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Acura MDX and Volkswagen Tiguan contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Acura MDX and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
When comparing the Acura MDX's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the Acura MDX has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Acura MDX's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2024 Acura MDX ranges from $46,868 to $68,998 while a used 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is priced between $28,946 to $39,417. For a new model, the Acura MDX's price is between $52,942 and $75,293, with the Volkswagen Tiguan priced between $30,000 and $40,812.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Acura MDX loses 51.5 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Tiguan loses 41.3 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Tiguan retains 10.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Acura MDX.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Acura MDX is 8.9 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Tiguan's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Acura MDX being ranked 1 out of 68 Best Luxury Crossover SUVs and the Volkswagen Tiguan being ranked 13 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Acura MDX is 9.3 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Tiguan the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Acura MDX an advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Acura MDX’s base engine makes 290 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Tiguan base engine makes 184 horsepower. The MDX is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 481 miles. The Tiguan is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 459 miles.This gives the Volkswagen Tiguan the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Acura MDX the advantage in maximum range. The MDX uses premium unleaded, and the Tiguan uses regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Acura MDX, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Volkswagen Tiguan, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Acura MDX has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Tiguan, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.65 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Acura MDX has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick+ award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
52942 - 75293
Starting MSRP:
50150
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
72087
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
48600 - 127200
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
30000 - 40812
Starting MSRP:
28880
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
27871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23860 - 30300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
55574
Price Range:
46868 - 68998
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
82938
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
54923 - 133203
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
569
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
19187
# Good or Great Deals:
214
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
33675
Price Range:
28946 - 39417
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29649 - 36546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1447
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
15786
# Good or Great Deals:
532
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
26319
Depreciation %:
0.5247977
Resale Value $:
23831
Residual Value %:
0.47520229999999997
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
0.53434942
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
0.43252328 - 0.60951201
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
12141
Depreciation %:
0.42040682
Resale Value $:
16739
Residual Value %:
0.57959318
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.42031495
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.29061823 - 0.47283242
Acura MDX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.878756 / 10
Reliability:
9.347035 / 10
Retained Value:
7.289235 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Volkswagen Tiguan Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.214043 / 10
Reliability:
7.410545 / 10
Retained Value:
7.931585 / 10
Safety:
9.3 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Acura MDX
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
10.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
7.9 - 12.8
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.647
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Tiguan
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.008
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.808124963022089
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
3.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)
0.8 - 41.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.036456157180586
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
Acura MDX Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 68Ranking
1 out of / 68Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 27Ranking
7 out of / 68Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 27Ranking
13 out of / 68Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 27Ranking
18 out of / 68Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 29Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 29Ranking
23 out of / 27Ranking
24 out of / 29Ranking
27 out of / 68Ranking
33 out of / 64Ranking
34 out of / 68Ranking
39 out of / 68Ranking
48 out of / 68Ranking
49 out of / 68Volkswagen Tiguan Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 34Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
9 out of / 34Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 20Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 56Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
33 out of / 34Ranking
34 out of / 34Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
39 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Ranking
65 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Acura MDX Trim Levels
Base, SH-AWD, SH-AWD Type S, SH-AWD Type S w/Advance Package, SH-AWD w/A-SPEC, SH-AWD w/Advance, SH-AWD w/Tech, w/Tech
Volkswagen Tiguan Trim Levels
S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE R-Line Black, SE R-Line Black 4Motion, SEL R-Line 4Motion
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.65 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
267 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.068 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
184 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque:
221 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
352 / 481 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 30 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
352 / 459 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.3 inches
Cargo Space:
16.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
155.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
12 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
65.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4271 lbs
Width:
78.7 inches
Height:
67.1 inches
Length:
198.4 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3732 lbs
Width:
82.6 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
186.1 inches
Wheelbase:
109.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/55R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P215/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Majestic Black Pearl
Blue
Fathom Blue Pearl
Gray
Liquid Carbon Metallic
Red
Performance Red Pearl
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Not available
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Interior Colors
Beige
Parchment
Black
Ebony
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Storm Gray