Kia Sportage vs VW Tiguan: which is better?
The battle between the Tiguan vs. Sportage is fierce – see how they measure up in our guide
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There’s a massive collection of SUVs to pick from these days, and the Kia Sportage vs. VW Tiguan debate that many buyers get stuck on.
If you’re on the market for an SUV and are stuck between the Tiguan and Sportage – you've narrowed it down to two really impressive options.
Most people love a Volkswagen, but the Kia Sportage is also hugely popular on UK roads, so how do you know which one to pick?
We’re weighing up the VW Tiguan vs. Kia Sportage in our review below, so you can find the SUV that suits you.
Kia Sportage vs VW Tiguan
Our guide will answer:
Is the Kia Sportage or VW Tiguan better to drive?
Does the Kia Sportage or VW Tiguan have better tech?
Which car has the better styling?
Is the Kia Sportage or VW Tiguan more reliable?
What are the Kia Sportage vs VW Tiguan dimensions?
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Kia Sportage vs VW Tiguan: styling
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Visually, the Sportage and Tiguan aren’t that dissimilar. They’re both classy, high-riding SUVs with plenty of chrome detailing.
The Tiguan is instantly recognisable as a Volkswagen, with the stacked grille and snouty front end, so you might be a fan if you like a brand statement.
Kia hasn’t always been at the forefront of snazzy styling, but modern models like the latest Sportage change that. The arrow-like headlights stand out in particular and feel more modern than the classically handsome Tiguan.
We’d say the Sportage also feels slightly more aggressive. It has sharp edges and creases, plus a bit more heft to it than the elegant Tiguan. The performance-focused Tiguan R model catches up with sporty appeal though.
It’ll ultimately come down to personal preference.
Kia Sportage vs VW Tiguan: what are they like to drive?
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You have plenty of engines to choose from across both cars, including some hybrid picks, and they drive just as well around town as they do on the motorway.
For the Tiguan, you’re looking at a comfortable and practical car that doesn’t aim to set lap records. Still, the 264hp plug-in hybrid still never feels sluggish and gets up to 60 miles of electric-only driving.
The Sportage doesn’t disappoint in comparison. There’s a 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid engine with 229hp that we’d recommend for power and fuel savings, and it has a smaller electric-only range of up to 43 miles.
For the rest of the range, both options have petrol, diesel, hybrid and other plug-in hybrid engines to choose from. Since they’re both popular cars, you shouldn’t struggle to find your ideal setup on the used market either.
Plus, you can choose four-wheel drive options in both cars – ideal if you want a proper SUV experience and want a bit more traction in tricky conditions.
Kia Sportage vs VW Tiguan: interior and technology
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The interior of the VW Tiguan is pretty wild when it comes to screens. You can get a whopping 15-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash in the latest models and a 10.3-inch digital instrument display.
The Sportage screen set-up is still impressive, but the pair of 12.3-inch screens (one for infotainment, one as a driver’s display) in the latest models feel more integrated. The VW essentially gets a massive iPad perched on the dash – so you’ll need to decide if that’s a look you’re a fan of.
If you want a proper ‘vibe’ inside your car, the Tiguan offers a great ambient lighting set-up that includes ‘atmospheres’ such as ‘Lounge’ and ‘Joy’.
The Kia isn’t quite as fussy in that sense, but the premium feel inside the Korean brand’s cars is catching up to leading brands like Audi and VW.
Kia Sportage vs VW Tiguan: bootspace and practicality
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If you’re opting for an SUV, you likely want something practical and spacious. When it comes to boot space, the VW Tiguan leads with a boot space of 652 litres, and the Sportage not too far behind with 591 litres.
Both the Tiguan and the Sportage can offer more space if you fold the seats down completely, stretching to 1,650 litres and 1,751 litres respectively.
They each offer a spacious and comfortable cabin as well, with plenty of head and legroom, and a backseat that even adults will feel comfortable in.
Exactly what you’d expect from two well thought out SUVs.
Kia Sportage vs VW Tiguan: safety and reliability
You’d expect nothing less than top quality safety from these two cars, and that’s definitely what you get.
The Tiguan scored a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2024 with a nice 83% adult occupant and 88% child occupant rating.
The Sportage nabbed its own five-star rating in 2022, with a similar 87% adult and 86% child rating – so they’re on pretty level playing fields for keeping you and your family safe.
Feedback in the forums for reliability is also looking good for both cars, though the Tiguan seems to get the highest praise.
It’s worth noting that all Kias get an impressive seven-year warranty from new, and these warranties are transferable to new owners if you pick a used one up.
Kia Sportage vs VW Tiguan: dimensions
Kia Sportage
Width: 1,865mm
Length: 4,515mm
Height: 1,645mm
Boot space: 591 litres (1,751 litres with the rear seats folded)
VW Tiguan
Width: 1,842mm
Length: 4,539mm
Height: 1,660mm
Boot space: 652 litres (1,650 litres with the rear seats folded)
Verdict: Kia Sportage vs VW Tiguan: which should you buy?
So, you’re stuck between two great SUVs. One from a premium brand that’s packed with tech and feels quality behind the wheel, or a fresher face competing with the top brands and offering something sporty and a bit more modern.
It’s worth noting that a Sportage is typically a bit cheaper to buy, especially if you go for the older models.
Also, if you’re opting for the plug-in hybrid models we recommended, you’re going to get more electric mileage from the Tiguan.
Either way, they’re both seriously ideal SUVs and you’re not going to go wrong with either model.
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