Volkswagen offers two key SUVs in its lineup: the Tiguan and the Touareg. These two family-size SUVs may have a similar appearance, but there are differences that drivers should take into account. If you’d like to know whether the Tiguan or Touareg is right for you, read on to see the key differences between the 2017 version of each model.

The Basics

The VW Tiguan is a compact SUV that adds all the refined engineering of modern VW cars in a more utilitarian package. The Touareg, by contrast, is bigger inside and out, has higher powertrain specs, and has more ritzy and luxurious standard features among its trim levels. Both models are capable at off-roading without feeling too sluggish on the road.

Comparing both to the competition, the Tiguan is generally rugged and capable for its smaller class, and the Touareg is swift and agile for its larger class, so both deliver an exceptional performance.

Power and Strength

The Touareg is likely the more appealing model to anyone who wants to tow a lot of weight, as it uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower, 266 pound-feet of torque, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It has a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds when properly equipped.

If you never see yourself needing that much force, however, the Tiguan is the more affordable option. It uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque paired to a six-speed automatic. It has a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds, which out-performs many competing compact SUVs.

Space and Comfort

The 2017 Tiguan has 23.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 56.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Touareg has a bit more room, with 32.1 cubic feet in just the cargo area and 64 cubic feet total. While the jump in cargo space for the Touareg isn’t very large, most of the difference in interior space goes to the amount of head, leg, hip, and shoulder room.

Both models fit up to five people, but the Touareg’s seats have an open, first-class feel. Some versions of the Touareg benefit from wood trim and other impressive interior design touches as well.

Feature Specifics

The Touareg boasts 4Motion all-wheel-drive, bi-xenon headlights, a larger infotainment touchscreen, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Touareg also offers a wide suite of automatic driver assistance systems, from adaptive cruise control to lane-departure warnings. Many of these features are available on the Tiguan’s higher trim levels, but some aren’t standard. However, the Tiguan is not Spartan. Both vehicles come with a rearview camera, keyless entry, push-button start, and heated side mirrors; the Tiguan also has a smaller, more durable touchscreen.

The Touareg is a large and luxurious SUV, while the Tiguan is more focused on affordability and efficiency. However, that description alone doesn’t describe the subtle differences between them. Take the information above into account when shopping around, and feel free to contact us with questions about specific Tiguan or Touareg models.

Image via Volkswagen.com