Jeep Wrangler vs. Volkswagen Tiguan
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Jeep Wrangler 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 Jeep Wrangler and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
In comparing the Jeep Wrangler's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the Jeep Wrangler has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, 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. Based on this comparison of the Jeep Wrangler's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the Jeep Wrangler is a better car than the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Pricing: A used 2024 Jeep Wrangler ranges from $37,688 to $97,191 while a used 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is priced between $28,946 to $39,417. For a new model, the Jeep Wrangler's price is between $41,581 and $93,606, 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 Jeep Wrangler loses 26.4 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Tiguan loses 41.3 percent of its value. This means the Jeep Wrangler retains 14.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Jeep Wrangler is 8.7 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Tiguan's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Jeep Wrangler being ranked 1 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Volkswagen Tiguan being ranked 13 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Jeep Wrangler is 8.5 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Tiguan the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Jeep Wrangler an advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Jeep Wrangler’s base engine makes 285 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Tiguan base engine makes 184 horsepower. The Wrangler is rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 403 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 fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Jeep Wrangler. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Jeep Wrangler, a midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Volkswagen Tiguan, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Volkswagen Tiguan has an average safety rating of 4.65 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
41581 - 93606
Starting MSRP:
31995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
37697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43320
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:
59331
Price Range:
37688 - 97191
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
47563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
40678 - 66020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2257
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
16276
# Good or Great Deals:
473
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 $:
8811
Depreciation %:
0.27538997
Resale Value $:
23184
Residual Value %:
0.72461003
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.4631145
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.27538997 - 0.53491193
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
Jeep Wrangler Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.676875 / 10
Reliability:
8.489851 / 10
Retained Value:
8.863899 / 10
Safety:
Not available
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 Jeep Wrangler
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.169
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:
6.198635880477746
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
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
Jeep Wrangler Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 32Volkswagen 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 / 67Summary Review
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact SUV with off-road prowess few vehicles can match. The current Wrangler was redesigned for the 2018 model year, with new models costing an average of $41,959 and 3-year-old models averaging $34,489.
Summary Review
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact sport utility vehicle with a reputation for engaging driving dynamics and upscale interior materials. The Tiguan has become VW’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. and is currently in its second generation, with new models averaging $30,442 and 3-year-old models averaging $22,319.
Pros and Cons
- Exceptional off-road capability
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Powerful engine options
- Pricing climbs quickly with higher trims and options
- Fuel economy isn’t great
- Lots of road and wind noise
Pros and Cons
- New generation is roomier and more fuel efficient
- Optional three-row seating is occasionally useful
- Driving dynamics are engaging
- Acceleration not as strong as some competitors
- Fuel efficiency could be better
- First-generation’s cargo space was limited
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Jeep Wrangler Trim Levels
Rubicon, Rubicon 392, Rubicon 392 Final Edition, Rubicon X, Sahara, Sport, Sport RHD, Sport S, Willys
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:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 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):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
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:
285 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
260 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 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:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 23 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
298 / 403 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular 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
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Cargo Space:
31.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
72.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
150.4 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:
4012 lbs
Width:
73.9 inches
Height:
73.6 inches
Length:
166.8 inches
Wheelbase:
96.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.7 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:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted steel
Tire Size:
P245/75R17
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
Black Clear Coat
Blue
Bikini Pearl Coat / Earl Clear Coat / Hydro Blue Pearl Coat
Gray
Anvil Clear Coat / Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat
Green
Sarge Green Clear Coat
Pink
Tuscadero Pearl Coat
Red
Firecracker Red Clear Coat
Silver
Silver Zynith Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Yellow
High Velocity Clear Coat
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Not available
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Pink
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Yellow
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Storm Gray