2025 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
Comparison Overview
The most significant quantifiable difference is the power output, where the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan produces 201 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, noticeably exceeding the 2025 Honda CR-V's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft. Despite this performance edge, the CR-V maintains a marginal fuel economy advantage, achieving 30 MPG combined compared to the Tiguan's 29 MPG. Pricing shows the CR-V starting lower at $30,100 versus the Tiguan's $30,805 MSRP. In utility metrics, the CR-V offers superior cargo space at 39.3 cubic feet, significantly more than the Tiguan's 33.8 cubic feet. Dimensional comparisons are tight, with the CR-V being slightly longer at 184.8 inches versus 184.4 inches. The Tiguan's use of an 8-speed automatic transmission contrasts with the CR-V's continuously variable transmission, influencing driving feel.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG.
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V provides significantly more usable space with 39.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Tiguan's 33.8 cubic feet.
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan appeals to driving enthusiasts by offering higher output with 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V offers a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $30,100, undercutting the Tiguan by $705.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- Fuel efficiency is a primary concern, as the CR-V achieves 30 combined MPG.
- You require maximum utility, benefiting from 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
- Budget constraints favor a lower initial investment, starting at $30,100.
Choose the Volkswagen Tiguan if...
- A preference for slightly more on-road punch is desired, given its 201 hp output.
- You prefer the shift feel and ratios provided by an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- The additional 28 lb-ft of torque (207 lb-ft) over the CR-V is necessary for your driving profile.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda CR-V | Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8" | 184.4" |
| Width | 73.5" | 73.0" |
| Height | 66.2" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.3" | 109.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 201 hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 207 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/34 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.0/476.0 mi. | 377.0/493.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 12.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 160W | — |
| Speaker System | 4 | 7 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 54.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.2 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.6 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R | 215/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Which vehicle has better highway driving economics between the 2025 CR-V and 2026 Tiguan?
The 2025 Honda CR-V holds a slight advantage, rated at 34 MPG highway, matching the Tiguan's 34 MPG highway rating but achieving a better 28 MPG city rating versus the Tiguan's 26 MPG city rating.
How significant is the horsepower difference between these two crossovers?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan produces 201 horsepower, providing an 11 horsepower edge over the 2025 Honda CR-V's 190 horsepower rating.
Does the difference in transmission type affect daily driving?
Yes, the CR-V utilizes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) focused on efficiency, while the Tiguan uses an 8-speed automatic, which typically offers more distinct shift points favored by some drivers.
If I frequently haul cargo, which vehicle should I select?
The 2025 Honda CR-V is the clear winner for capacity, offering 39.3 cubic feet for storage against the 2026 Tiguan's 33.8 cubic feet, a difference of 5.5 cubic feet.
Are the exterior dimensions substantially different for parking and maneuvering?
The dimensions are very similar; the CR-V is 0.4 inches longer (184.8 in) and 0.5 inches wider (73.5 in) than the Tiguan, resulting in negligible practical differences for urban parking.
Both use regular unleaded fuel; is there a difference in base price that impacts value?
The CR-V has a $705 lower starting MSRP at $30,100 compared to the Tiguan's $30,805, slightly improving the CR-V's initial value proposition.
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