Ford Kuga vs. VW Tiguan: which is better?
Deciding between the Ford Kuga vs. VW Tiguan? Check out our detailed comparison find which is better for you
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It’s the battle of compact crossovers with the Ford Kuga vs. VW Tiguan. They’re massively popular mid-range SUVs that make for comfortable, stylish and reliable family cars.
Choosing between the Tiguan and Kuga is no easy job, so we’ve compared both cars to highlight their strengths and weaknesses and help you make that call.
See what we think in our Ford Kuga vs. VW Tiguan review below.
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Kuga vs. Tiguan
Our guide will answer:
Which car has the better styling?
Is the Tiguan or Kuga better to drive?
Does the Kuga or Tiguan have better tech?
Is the Tiguan or Kuga more reliable?
What are the Kuga vs. Tiguan dimensions?
Kuga vs. Tiguan: styling
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The Kuga feels a bit sportier where the Tiguan is grown-up, with a sharp design that feels fresh. It’s got a subtle honeycomb grille and a smirking front end, with plenty of sharp angles and curves.
The VW Tiguan is a handsome SUV that’s happy to fly under the radar. You know it’s premium at first glance, and it has all the classic chrome details you expect from VW.
Kuga vs. Tiguan: what are they like to drive?
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The beauty of a smaller SUV is that they’re easier to drive and you don’t feel like you’re shifting around a bus.
Both the Tiguan and Kuga are easy to manoeuvre, while still smoothing out bumps in the road.
There are a few engine options to consider with both models, including the plug-in hybrid Kuga that has a 43-mile electric-only range.
The Tiguan also has a plug-in hybrid model that’s been available to order since February 2024, claiming an electric-only range of up to 62 miles.
You can also get both with the petrol and diesel engines you’d expect, such as 1.5-litre petrol units that have plenty of poke but won’t blow your socks off.
Kuga vs. Tiguan: interior and technology
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Inside both cars is an impressive place to be, with plenty of tech as standard.
All Ford Kuga models get a 12.3-inch digital drivers display, plus a 13-inch infotainment screen. Both are easy to get to grips with and include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Tiguan is pretty similarly kitted out. There’s a 12.9-inch infotainment screen and 10.3-inch drivers display. Plus, you get the option to upgrade to a 15-inch infotainment screen with Infotainment Package Plus.
The quality of both interiors measures up, as well. There’s plenty of soft touch plastics, cushy seats, stylish trims.
Kuga vs. Tiguan: bootspace and practicality
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It doesn’t get much more practical than a spacious SUV, and these two are ideal for family life.
The Tiguan is seriously impressive with space. Models sold between 2016 and 2024 get a 520-litre boot (615 litres with the rear seats pushed forward), or 1,655 litres with the rear seats folded down.
The eHybrid Tiguan gets less space, offering 476 litres.
The Kuga is slightly behind, with a 412-litre boot that extends to 1,534 litres. You can push the seats forward and get a 553-litre space if your rear passengers don’t mind cramped legs.
Choose a plug-in hybrid Kuga to cut back your boot to 475 litres.
Kuga vs. Tiguan: safety and reliability
Both the Tiguan and Kuga scored a full five-star Euro NCAP rating on their last test (in 2019 and 2022 respectively) so you know they’re safe cars.
All Tiguan models get rear-cross traffic alert, lane keep assistance, and blind-spot monitoring.
And the Kuga comes with bind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and rear-cross traffic alert as well.
Plus, they both get praise for reliability and perform well on the popular surveys. Drivers in the forums also generally say they’ve had a trouble-free experience with these cars.
Kuga vs. Tiguan: dimensions
Ford Kuga
Length: 4,604mm
Width: 1,882mm
Height: 1679mm
Boot: 520 litres
VW Tiguan
Length: 4,539mm
Width: 1,842mm
Height: 1,660mm
Boot: 412 litres
Verdict: Ford Kuga vs. VW Tiguan: which should you buy?
If you’re considering the Ford Kuga vs. VW Tiguan, you’re in a pretty good position.
Both of these SUVs are reliable, spacious, comfortable to drive and easy to live with. Their interiors are similar and they have similar safety credentials as well.
You might be swung by the Ford’s lower price point or sold on the VW’s slightly superior build quality, but it’ll likely come down to looks or brand loyalty.
Take a look at our full range of used VW Tiguan and Ford Kuga cars to learn more about each model.