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Volkswagen Golf vs. Volkswagen Tiguan

In comparing the Volkswagen Golf to the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and overall quality score. The Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Golf versus the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Volkswagen Golf is a better car than the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Volkswagen Golf versus Volkswagen Tiguan Pricing

A used 2021 Volkswagen Golf ranges from $19,644 to $27,260 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is priced between $22,494 to $33,997.

Volkswagen Golf versus Volkswagen Tiguan Quality Rating

The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Golf is 8.7 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Tiguan's quality rating is 7.5 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Golf being ranked 5 out of 51 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Tiguan being ranked 16 out of 24 Best Small SUVs.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison

For engine performance, the Volkswagen Golf’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Tiguan base engine makes 184 horsepower. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 515 miles. The Tiguan is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 444 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison

The Volkswagen Tiguan, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Volkswagen Golf, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front leg room trunk space.

Safety Ratings Comparison

The Volkswagen Golf has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.

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2021 Volkswagen Golf

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

Pricing

New Asking Price:

-

Used Asking Price:

$19,644 - $27,260

5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):

40%

Pricing

New Asking Price:

$24,101 - $39,954

Used Asking Price:

$22,494 - $33,997

5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):

44.1%

iSeeCars Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

8.1 / 10

Retained Value:

8.0 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

iSeeCars Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.5 / 10

Reliability:

7.0 / 10

Retained Value:

7.5 / 10

Safety:

8.0 / 10

iSeeCars Rankings

3 / 12
4 / 51
5 / 51
5 / 51
13 / 51

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

28 / 51

iSeeCars Rankings

4 / 31

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

11 / 31
14 / 14
16 / 24

Most Reliable Small SUVs

16 / 24
17 / 24

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

18 / 24
21 / 31
21 / 21
22 / 31
26 / 31
28 / 28
30 / 61

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

32 / 61
33 / 61
35 / 61
50 / 61

Summary Review

Not yet available

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.

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Pros and Cons

Not yet available

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

Hatchback

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Trim Levels

TSI

Trim Levels

S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE R-Line Black, SE R-Line Black 4Motion, SEL, SEL 4Motion, SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 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

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

TOP SAFETY PICK

Base Drivetrain Specifications

Horsepower:

147 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

184 foot-lbs @ 1400 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.050 hp per pound

Towing Capacity:

Not applicable

Base Drivetrain Specifications

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:

1.4 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Manual

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD

EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):

29 / 39 / 33

Range (city/hwy):

383 / 515 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 / 29 / 25

Range (city/hwy):

352 / 444 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

N/A

Heated Seats:

Standard

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Navigation System:

N/A

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Standard

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Heated Seats:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Safety Equipment

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Lane Departure Warning:

N/A

Lane Keeping Assist:

N/A

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Safety Equipment

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Lane Departure Warning:

Available

Lane Keeping Assist:

Available

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

38.4 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

55.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.1 inches

Rear Leg Room:

35.6 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

53.9 inches

Cargo Space:

17.4 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

Not applicable

Overall Interior Volume:

110.9 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:

36.5 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.9 inches

Cargo Space:

12 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

65.7 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

135.9 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

2945 lbs

Width:

70.8 inches

Height:

58.2 inches

Length:

167.6 inches

Wheelbase:

103.6 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.4 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3735 lbs

Width:

72.4 inches

Height:

66.3 inches

Length:

185.1 inches

Wheelbase:

109.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.9 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

16.0 x 6.5 inches

Wheel Type:

alloy

Tire Size:

205/55R16

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

alloy

Tire Size:

215/65R17