2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Comparison Overview
The most significant disparity between the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is the $9,955 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Tiguan starting at $30,245 against the Pilot’s $40,200. Performance metrics heavily favor the Pilot, which boasts 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Tiguan's 201 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. However, the Tiguan secures a substantial efficiency lead, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Pilot's 22 MPG combined—a 7 MPG advantage. Dimensionally, the Pilot is larger, measuring 199.9 inches long compared to the Tiguan’s 184.4 inches. Conversely, the smaller Tiguan offers superior utility with 26.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, overshadowing the Pilot's 18.6 cu ft. This comparison pits raw power and size against cost-efficiency and compactness.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is the superior choice for commuters due to its 29 MPG combined rating, which is 7 MPG better than the Pilot.
2025 Honda Pilot
The 2025 Honda Pilot offers a larger overall footprint (199.9 inches long) and superior brute strength for hauling, despite having slightly less dedicated cargo space than the Tiguan.
2025 Honda Pilot
The Pilot is significantly more powerful, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque compared to the Tiguan's 201 hp and 207 lb-ft.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan offers better fuel economy and a substantial $9,955 lower starting MSRP, resulting in a stronger initial value proposition.
Choose the Honda Pilot if...
- You require maximum acceleration provided by the 285 horsepower engine.
- You need the increased exterior dimensions, such as the 78.5-inch width.
- You prefer a more robust power delivery system utilizing a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Volkswagen Tiguan if...
- Minimizing fuel stops is critical, given its 34 MPG highway rating.
- Your budget is prioritized, with an MSRP that is nearly $10,000 lower than the competition.
- You prioritize usable storage, as the Tiguan provides 26.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats versus 18.6 cu ft in the Pilot.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda Pilot | Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.9" | 184.4" |
| Width | 78.5" | 73.0" |
| Height | 71.0" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 109.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 285 hp @ 6100 rpm | 201 hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 207 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable 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) | 19/27 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.5/499.5 mi. | 377.0/493.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 12.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 240W | — |
| Speaker System | 7 | 7 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| 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 | 4 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.5 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.4 in. | 54.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.8 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.7 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.4 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 20 x 8.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/50R | 215/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
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./ 24000 mi. | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot and 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan.
What is the primary difference in performance specs between the 2025 Pilot and Tiguan?
The 2025 Honda Pilot significantly outperforms the Tiguan in power output, generating 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan offers a more modest 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Tiguan compared to the Pilot?
The Volkswagen Tiguan maintains a substantial fuel economy advantage, achieving 29 MPG combined, whereas the larger Honda Pilot is rated for only 22 MPG combined. This equates to a 7 MPG difference on the EPA cycle.
Which vehicle offers more interior storage capacity?
Despite being the physically larger vehicle overall, the 2025 Honda Pilot trails in specific cargo metrics, offering 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row. The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan offers a more accommodating 26.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
What is the price gap between the two base models?
The difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $9,955, with the Pilot starting at $40,200 and the Tiguan starting at $30,245.
Are there differences in their primary drive configurations?
Both standard configurations listed utilize front-wheel drive (FWD) and run on regular unleaded gasoline. However, the Pilot employs a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission while the Tiguan uses an 8-speed automatic.
How does the overall size of the Pilot compare to the Tiguan?
The Pilot is substantially larger, measuring 199.9 inches in length, 78.5 inches in width, and 71.0 inches in height. The Tiguan is more compact across all metrics, measuring 184.4 inches long and 66.1 inches tall.
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