Mid-size crossover shoot-out
The mid-size crossover SUV segment is a big business in SA, and many families are opting for these elevated station wagons. As of January 2025, there are more than 35 options available, which is great for consumers who are spoilt for choice regarding these types of vehicles.
Related: Hyundai Tucson N Line vs Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-60: Here's our winner
Two of the segment's top performers are the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan, both brilliant vehicles in their own right, but for consumers, the choice can be difficult. Let's take a look at what the top AWD models from these brands look like stacked up against one another.
Omoda C9 vs Volkswagen Tiguan vs Hyundai Tucson: Which one has the lowest running costs?
Engine and Drivetrain
| Hyundai Tucson N Line AWD | Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI Life 4Motion | |
| Engine | 2.0 turbo diesel | 2.0 turbo diesel |
| Transmission | 8-Speed auto | 7 -Speed DSG |
| Power figures | 137kW / 416Nm | 110kW / 340Nm |
| Top speed | 201km/h | 207km/h |
The Tucson N Line offers better performance figures, but the Tiguan ultimately just pips it with a higher top speed and a DSG transmission that can be operated by steering-column-mounted paddle shifters.
Fuel consumption
| Hyundai Tucson N Line AWD | Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI Life 4Motion | |
| Fuel tank size (litres) | 54 | 55 |
| Claimed consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Actual consumption | 8.0 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Distance on a tank | 730km | 833km |
The Volkswagen Tiguan is the clear winner here, with much better fuel economy figures than the N line. This is crucial for those who spend much time in traffic and cover greater distances daily.
Safety
| Hyundai Tucson N Line AWD | Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI Life 4Motion | |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
| Hill hold assist | Yes | Yes |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | Rearview | Rearview |
| PDC (Park Distance Control) | Yes | Yes (Optional 360 degree camera) |
| Airbags | 6 | 8 |
| Cruise control | Adaptive | Optional Adaptive |
| Lane Keep Assist | Yes | Yes |
| HUD (Heads Up Display) | No | Yes |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Remote (Optional Keyless) |
| LED Lighting | Yes | Matrix LED |
Hyundai has always prided itself on offering a complete package with no options. Volkswagen still offers some features as options that you will have to pay extra for.
The Drive
Having driven both vehicles at separate times in 2024, they both had standout features with the Tucson obviously being the sportier drive of the two. Although the N Line is a magnificent drive the VW just pips it in overall drive and comfort levels.
| Hyundai Tucson N Line AWD | Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI Life 4Motion | |
| Boot Space (litres) | 539l -1860l(seats down) | 652l / 1650l(seats down) |
Pricing
| Hyundai Tucson | Price | Volkswagen Tiguan | Price |
| Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Premium | R 598 900 | ||
| Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Executive | R 655 500 | Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI | R 651 500 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI Life | R 702 800 | ||
| Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI R-Line | R 766 300 | ||
| Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Elite | R 729 900 | Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI Life 4Motion | R 755 700 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI R-Line 4Motion | R 834 800 | ||
| Hyundai Tucson 2.0D Elite | R 799 500 | Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TSI R-Line 4Motion | R 835 900 |
| Hyundai Tucson 2.0D AWD N Line | R 836 500 | Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TSI R-Line 4Motion | R 835 900 |
Volkswagen offers a 3-year / 120 000 km warranty and a 5-year 90 000km service plan, whereas Hyundai offers a 7-year / 200 000km warranty and a 6-year / 90 000km service plan.
Verdict
Although the Volkswagen Tiguan has a slightly better drivetrain and wins out in the fuel economy stakes, the N Line is a great value proposition that will offer you a better price and warranty for similar money and you wont have to option anything.
