SUV Comparison – VW Tiguan vs. Volvo XC40 vs. Honda CR-V

By Lawrence Minnie

The mid-size SUV segment is a very competitive area and more so in the upper reaches amongst the premium brands. This can lead to quite a lot of confusion regarding who is offering the best deal.

With Volkswagen often cited as being the leader in many segments, we decided that the Tiguan would be our base test comparison and set about pulling two other models that were as close to the Tiguan as possible

Here’s how they stack up.

	Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 Comfortline R-line	Volvo XC40 T3 Inscription	Honda CR-V 2.0 Elegance
Engine Size Transmission	1.4l Turbo Auto DSG	1.5l Turbo Manual	2.0 N/A CVT
Power	110kW / 250Nm	115kW / 265Nm	113kW / 189Nm
Kerb Weight (kg)	1988	1733	2100
Length (cm)	4486	4425	4591
Load Space (l)	438	460	522
Airbags	6	6	6
Avg. Consumption	6.1l / 100km	6.2l / 100km	7.3l / 100km
Warranty	3-year / 100 000km	5-year / 100 000km	5-year / 150 000km
Price	R 509 750	R 521 336	R 482 800

 

Analysis

Styling

The Tiguan represents the best of both ends of the spectrum in this segment. While all three vehicles have beautiful styling, the R line package gives the Tiguan a real sense of sportiness. The Volvo has slightly more eccentric styling cues that lean towards an almost concept car image, while the Honda comes across as quite generic.

Performance

The Volvo is the outright winner here with the best engine. In terms of power delivery and sound from its 3-cylinder power plant, the other two fall slightly short but not by much. All three of these SUVs are within a hair's breadth of each other with very comparable power outputs - but the Honda is heaviest on fuel.

Practicality

The Honda is the most practical of the lot. Not only is it very refined, it is also the most family friendly of the trio. With the largest load space and overall dimensions, the CR-V is made for transporting. The Volvo XC40 would need to be specified with dark leather, instead of Volvo's 'Blond' off-white leather seats that show dirt easily.

Final thoughts

 

This small comparison shows and proves just how competitive this segment is and how difficult it is to choose the vehicle that is right for you. Before buying, you should always consider things such as your family size, hobbies, and your lifestyle in general - but much of it comes down to personal taste.