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If you’re considering purchasing a new small SUV, there’s a good chance you’ll consider this Honda CR-V. CR-V is one of the most popular selling models United States of AmericaAnd there are good reasons for this. It’s practical, comfortable and great at getting you where you need to go with minimal fuss. But it’s not the only small SUV to grab your attention.
volkswagenOn the other hand, hope you check out its new Tiguan. Redesigned for 2026, the Tiguan gets a facelift, updated technology and more power without increasing the price. Each model represents its brand’s best-selling model, but which one is the best choice for you? Edmunds’ automotive experts compare them to find out.
Performance and fuel economy
The redesigned Tiguan lost weight and increased power, which is always a good thing. Every Tiguan comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 201 horsepower. In Edmunds testing, the Tiguan needed 8.7 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph. That’s fine, but the Tiguan can feel sluggish to respond when you first press the gas. The automatic transmission’s shifts aren’t particularly quick, either.
The CR-V has two available engines. Less expensive CR-Vs come with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, while more expensive CR-V versions come with a four-cylinder augmented with a hybrid powertrain. The CR-V Hybrid makes 204 horsepower. In Edmunds testing, the hybrid was slightly quicker than the Tiguan, which needed 8 seconds to reach 60 mph.
The front-wheel-drive Tiguan reaches an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving; Opting for the all-wheel-drive Tiguan drops it to 25 mpg combined. Gas-only CR-V beats Tiguan with 30 mpg combined EPA Estimate with 28 mpg combined with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The CR-V Hybrid tops out at 40 mpg combined, or 37 mpg with all-wheel drive.
Advantage: Honda CR-V
Comfort and cargo space
The Tiguan used to offer a small third-row seat, but Volkswagen has removed the third row for the 2026 Tiguan. Honestly, we don’t miss it. The Tiguan’s front seats are comfortable for long drives, especially if you get them with the optional massage function. This is an unusual but welcome option in this class. The Tiguan’s back seats can comfortably accommodate passengers up to 6 feet tall, with 1.5 inches more headroom than the CR-V.
The CR-V lacks the Tiguan’s premium feature options, but its spacious cabin has comfortable seats and large windows that give it an open, airy feel. Rear passengers get slightly more legroom than the Tiguan. Final cargo details haven’t been published, but we suspect cargo volume behind the Tiguan’s rear seats is only slightly less than the gas CR-V’s 39.3 cubic feet of space.
Benefit: tie
Technology and Security
Standard features on the Tiguan include a large 12.9-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity and a wireless smartphone charger. It also has VW’s excellent 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster; Honda makes its digital cluster optional on the CR-V. The Tiguan’s touch-sensitive climate slider takes some getting used to, but the large display and large tap targets make the touchscreen interface easy to use. Importantly, the pricier Tiguan SEL gets a larger 15-inch touchscreen.
For 2026, Honda upgrades the CR-V with a larger 9-inch touchscreen with standard wireless smartphone connectivity and a wireless smartphone charger. The screen is fairly easy to use, although the Tiguan’s size advantage is undeniable.
Both models have comprehensive driver assistance systems as standard, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The new Tiguan has not yet been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but the 2025 Honda CR-V has earned a Top Safety Pick award.
Advantages: Tiguan
cost and price
The base 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan S is well-equipped and starts at $31,670 (all listed prices include destination). All-wheel drive adds an additional $1,500 to the S, SE and SE R-Line Black. The SEL R-Line comes standard with all-wheel drive and tops the lineup at $41,930.
Pricing for the gas-only 2026 Honda CR-V LX starts at $32,370. The cheapest CR-V you can get with a hybrid powertrain is the Sport Hybrid. Its price is $37,080. All-wheel drive also costs $1,500 in both the gas-only and hybrid lineups, but it’s standard on the top-of-the-line $43,700 Sport Touring Hybrid.
Based on price alone, the Tiguan is a better value. But it’s better equipped, which gives it a significant edge over the CR-V, even in hybrid form.
Advantages: Volkswagen Tiguan
edmonds says
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is ahead of the 2026 Honda CR-V for its overall value. It’s also roomier and a little more stylish. The main reason to consider the CR-V is its hybrid powertrain which helps reduce your fuel costs over time.
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This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Robert Duffer is a contributor to Edmunds.