Compare the2026 Volkswagen TiguanVS 2026 Honda HR-V

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Payload and Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics

Safety

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The Tiguan has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The HR-V doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Volkswagen Tiguan achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, outperforming the Honda HR-V which scored only an “Acceptable” in these critical safety features.

The Tiguan has a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The HR-V doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The Tiguan SEL has a standard Area View to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The HR-V only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

The Volkswagen Tiguan’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Honda HR-V does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

The Tiguan has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. Only the HR-V Sport/EX-L offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Tiguan has standard Rear Traffic Alert and automatically engage the brakes. Only the HR-V Sport/EX-L offers Cross Traffic Monitor and the HR-V’s Cross Traffic Monitor does not include automatic braking.

Both the Tiguan and the HR-V have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

Warranty

The Tiguan comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck. The HR-V’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The Tiguan’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the HR-V’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Tiguan for 1 year and 8000 miles longer than Honda pays for maintenance for the HR-V (2/20,000 vs. 1/12000).

Reliability

The Volkswagen Tiguan’s engines use a cast iron block for durability, while the HR-V’s engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

Engine

The Tiguan’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 43 more horsepower (201 vs. 158) and 69 lbs.-ft. more torque (207 vs. 138) than the HR-V’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Tiguan’s optional 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 43 more horsepower (201 vs. 158) and 83 lbs.-ft. more torque (221 vs. 138) than the HR-V’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 110 more horsepower (268 vs. 158) and 120 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 138) than the HR-V’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Volkswagen Tiguan turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the Honda HR-V:

	Tiguan	HR-V
Zero to 60 MPH	7.7 sec	9.8 sec
Quarter Mile	15.8 sec	17.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	91.6 MPH	83 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Tiguan S FWD gets better fuel mileage than the HR-V FWD (26 city/34 hwy vs. 26 city/32 hwy).

Regenerative brakes improve the Tiguan’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The HR-V doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Tiguan’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The HR-V doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Tiguan AWD’s standard fuel tank has 1.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the HR-V (15.6 vs. 14 gallons).

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the HR-V:

	Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo	HR-V
Front Rotors	13.4 inches	12.3 inches

The Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the HR-V are solid, not vented.

The Tiguan stops much shorter than the HR-V:

	Tiguan	HR-V
60 to 0 MPH	111 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Tiguan’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the HR-V (255/40R20 vs. 225/55R18).

The Tiguan’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the HR-V Sport/EX-L’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Tiguan offers optional 20-inch wheels. The HR-V’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

Suspension and Handling

The Tiguan has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The HR-V doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Tiguan’s wheelbase is 5.4 inches longer than on the HR-V (109.9 inches vs. 104.5 inches).

The Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo handles at .85 G’s, while the HR-V EX-L AWD pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.5 seconds quicker than the HR-V EX-L AWD (27 seconds @ .67 average G’s vs. 28.5 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

Passenger Space

The Tiguan has 5.1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the HR-V (103.8 vs. 98.7).

The Tiguan has .1 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more front hip room, .4 inches more front shoulder room, 1.7 inches more rear headroom, 2.5 inches more rear legroom, 5.9 inches more rear hip room and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the HR-V.

Cargo Capacity

The Tiguan has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the HR-V with its rear seat up (33.8 vs. 24.4 cubic feet). The Tiguan has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the HR-V with its rear seat folded (69.8 vs. 55.1 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Tiguan’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The HR-V doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Tiguan SE/SEL has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or on the Tiguan SEL, by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The HR-V doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Payload and Towing

The Tiguan has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The HR-V has no towing capacity.

Standard trailer stability control on the Tiguan uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The HR-V doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Tiguan has a much higher standard payload capacity than the HR-V (959 vs. 538 lbs.).

The Tiguan has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the HR-V (1014 vs. 538 lbs.).

Servicing Ease

The Tiguan uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The HR-V uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

When three different drivers share the Tiguan SEL, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver and front passenger’s seat positions and outside mirror angle. The HR-V doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Tiguan SEL’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The HR-V doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Tiguan R-Line has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, infotainment and driver assistance information readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The HR-V doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The power windows standard on both the Tiguan and the HR-V have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Tiguan is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The HR-V prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Tiguan’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The HR-V’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically. With the HR-V Sport/EX-L’s power windows, only the front windows open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Tiguan the driver can close all of them from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the HR-V can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Tiguan’s standard KESSY Keyless Access allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Push Button Start standard on the HR-V only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle. Push Button Start is not available on the HR-V Sport/EX-L.

The Tiguan’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The HR-V’s power window (except driver window) and power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Tiguan’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The HR-V’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Tiguan to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The HR-V doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Tiguan’s headlights were rated “Good” to “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the HR-V’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Tiguan SEL has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The HR-V doesn’t offer cornering lights. The Tiguan also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The Tiguan’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Honda only offers heated mirrors on the HR-V Sport/EX-L.

When the Tiguan SEL is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The HR-V’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

Both the Volkswagen Tiguan and Honda HR-V offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The Tiguan offers available power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the HR-V’s foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

The Tiguan has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats are only available on the HR-V Sport/EX-L. The Tiguan SEL also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the HR-V.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Tiguan SEL keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The HR-V doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Tiguan SEL’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The HR-V doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Tiguan has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The HR-V doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

The Tiguan SEL has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the HR-V.

The Tiguan has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the HR-V EX-L.

Both the Tiguan and the HR-V offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Tiguan has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The HR-V doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Compared to traditional radio, the Volkswagen Tiguan’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the HR-V EX-L.

The Tiguan SEL’s Park Assist Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The HR-V doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

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