Volkswagen Tiguan v Hyundai Tucson 2016 Comparison

Volkswagen Tiguan 110TDI Comfortline 4MOTION v Hyundai Tucson CRDi Highlander AWD
Comparison Test

Closing the Gap

The second-generation Tiguan has been eight years in the waiting, while Hyundai’s most recent Tucson (formerly the ix35) launched in Australia in 2015. In a market where SUVs are likely to soon outsell traditional passenger cars, the battle is fierce.

A few years ago, the Tiguan would have romped it in, the cheaper Korean brand offering having little chance against its stylish and well-equipped rival. But that was then, and this is now.

Over time, the Korean car manufacturer has been closing the gap on its European rivals – not only in the ride/handling department, but fit and finish, too. It’s fair to say that this is one of the closest comparisons that the motoring.com.au team have judged in some time.

Both Hyundai and Volkswagen’s Medium SUV offerings include the choice of petrol or diesel engines, manual or automatic transmissions (well, dual-clutch in the Volkswagen), front or all-wheel drive and multiple trim grades. There’s something for everyone.

As the newest kid on the block, it’s only natural we were keen to seen how the polished German SUV stands up when pitched against the cheaper, Czech-built Tuscon… which has won pretty much every test we’ve thrown at it, including our most recent medium SUV comparison.
We’re not suggesting the Tucson is perfect, but it does a long list of things incredibly well, and offers the best value for money in this segment – to date…

Who will they appeal to?
The Medium SUV segment lends itself to a variety of buyers, including the elusive modern family; and while our test vehicles add off-road capability to the mix, it’s not their key selling point.

They’re a fantastic multi-tasker fit for five occupants armed with the usual onslaught of drink bottles, smart phones, child seats and oversize baggage. For the driver, it’s the Hyundai that offers better ergonomics – although entry and egress is slightly easier in the Volkswagen.

For the all important family buyer, focus turns to second-row amenities – where the Tiguan reigns supreme. For its thoughtful space, equipment levels and functionality – adjustable rear-seat tray tables, six cup holders, a 12-volt outlet, 40:20:40 split-fold seats with fore-aft adjustment, dual temperature-controlled ventilation outlets, better visibility, 80mm extra knee room and 35mm more head room.

Both feature two ISOFIX child-seat anchors, three top-tether points and four coat hooks. Three-point seatbelts are common, the Tucson’s centre belt roof mounted. The Tucson’s seats, however, are better cushioned.

Dimensionally, just millimetres divide cargo space but the Tiguan’s 615 litres trumps the Tucson’s 488-litre boot. Numbers being what they are, in the flesh it actually seems much closer. The Tiguan has remote fold levers for rear seats and robust metal tie-down points, compared to the Tucson’s plastic ones, but has no spot to store the cargo cover when not in use.

The Tiguan outdoes the Tucson on braked towing capacity (2500kg v 1600).

How much do they cost?
The Hyundai Tucson range is priced from $27,990 - $47,450, closely mimicked by the new Tiguan which is priced from $28,990 - $47,450.

On test are the top-spec Tucson Highlander (from $45,490 plus ORCs) and mid-spec Tiguan 110TDI Comfortline (from $42,990 plus ORCs).

The Tucson comes with far better standard kit, including leather heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and push-button start, auto tailgate and blind-spot monitoring.

Options further level the playing field, with some of the safety features found as standard in the Tucson (rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure assist ) part of an option pack on the Tiguan. Reversing cameras area standard on each, with the Tiguan’s 360-degree parking camera part of the optional Driver Assistance Package (fitted, $2250). The Tiguan is also available with a $5000 Luxury Package while metallic paint costs $700 (it’s $595 on the Tucson).

The Hyundai shines brightly when it comes to its warranty and after sales support, offering a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, ten-year/unlimited-kilometre capped-price servicing program, and service intervals of 12 months/15,000km. The Volkswagen offers a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and six-year/90,000km capped-price servicing plan.

Hyundai’s roadside assistance program lasts ten years, compared to three for the Volkswagen.

After three years of ownership the Hyundai will be worth 60.7 per cent of its new price come trade-in time, compared to just 54.0 per cent for the Volkswagen, RedBook says.
The Tiguan wins favour when it comes to everyday fuel economy, a claimed 5.9L/100km versus 6.8L/100km of the Tucson. Our test we managed 6.8L/100km for the Tiguan and 8.4L/100km in the Tucson.

What do they do well?
The Tiguan’s fit, finish and overall in-cabin amenity was a highlight, particularly the space and thoughtful inclusions for younger second-row passengers – and its generous cargo area – making it an attractive proposition for prospective family buyers. It was quieter on-road, too.

The Tucson on the other hand offered better levels of equipment as standard – and better after-sales prospects – strengthening its value for money proposition.

But it was the Tucson’s drivetrain that both judges praised the most – the punchy turbo-diesel (136kW/400Nm) delivering better throttle response and more decisive gear selection than the Tiguan’s. A tighter turning circle (10.6m v 11.5) also gave it the edge, particularly for city-based driving.

Our cars performed equally well on the gravel, with each vehicle’s stability control passing the test with flying colours.

What could they do better?
The Tiguan’s driver ergonomics drew criticism from both judges – the seating position, high brake pedal position, limited steering wheel adjustability all slightly poorer than the Tucson’s.

The Tucson, however, fell short on in-cabin refinement – being a little noisier and not quite the tactile delight the Tiguan is. But it’s fair to say that both vehicles bring a lot of goodness to the table. The ‘do better’ list is a short one.

These incredibly capable vehicles offer great value for money. They really are the best in their class, and in picking a winner, we’re pleased to say there’s not much in it.

Given the segment’s broad appeal, the rival’s distinct personalities and individual strengths will most likely divide buyers quite evenly.

However, the points stack in favour of the Hyundai Tucson when it comes to driveability, equipment levels and after-sales considerations. Yep, it’s our winner, again.

The gap between Korea and Germany has officially closed.

2016 Volkswagen Tiguan 110TDI 4MOTION pricing and specifications:
Price: $42,990 (plus ORCs) / $45,940 (as tested, plus ORCs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 110kW/340Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 5.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 155g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

2016 Hyundai Tucson Highlander CRDi AWD pricing and specifications:
Price: $45,490 (plus ORCs) / $46,085 (as tested, plus ORCs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 138kW/400Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 178g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP