Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Fortuner [COMPARED!]

So the new 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is here! As expected, the new VW model retails in Rs 28 lakh – Rs 32 lakh bracket, which means the SUV becomes an indirect rival to the rather invincible Toyota Fortuner. This simply means the new Volkswagen needs to be really good to attract prospective premium SUV buyers away from its Japanese rival. Here, in this post, we compare the Tiguan SUV with the Fortuner to see how these two fare against each other. So read on for our Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Fortuner comparison-

Now, the Fortuner has proven its mettle by being as capable off the road as it is on it. While the Tiguan SUV boasts enough off-road hardware, it remains to be seen if it would be as capable on the rough terrains. However, the VW does make a lot of sense if you’re looking for a world-class SUV that offers plenty of creature comforts and a luxurious cabin. Come to think of it, at this price point, the Tiguan could become the most desirable premium SUVs on sale in India.

Also See- Volkswagen Tiguan vs Jeep Compass | Volkswagen Tiguan vs Ford Endeavour | Volkswagen Tiguan vs Hyundai Tucson

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Fortuner Price Comparison

While VW India is known to price its cars higher than most of its rivals, same is the case with Toyota Kirloskar Motor. Hence, in terms of price, alone, the two SUVs here are pretty evenly matched. Petrol variants of the Fortuner are cheaper than the Tiguan.

Also See- Toyota Fortuner vs Ford Endeavour

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Fortuner Specifications Comparison

There’s no clear winner if you compare the specifications of the VW Tiguan SUV and the Toyota Fortuner. While the Fortuner comes to us with a Petrol and a Diesel engine, the Tiguan gets just one Diesel option. It comes with the 2.0 TDI Turbo Diesel engine, which makes 141 BHP and 340 Nm. While the Fortuner offers both FWD and AWD layouts, the Tiguan comes with an AWD setup as standard. However, the Tiguan misses out on manual transmissions, while the Fortuner’s 6-speed Automatic is over-shadowed by the Tiguan’s 7-speed DSG. The Fortuner is clearly more powerful than the Tiguan, but let’s not forget that the German SUV here weighs a lot less.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Fortuner Mileage Comparison

The Tiguan, thanks to its smaller engine and lower weight, offers higher mileage according to ARAI testing figures.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Fortuner Dimensions Comparison

The Fortuner clearly outclasses the Tiguan if you compare both in terms of dimensions. It may be noted that India gets the 5-seater version of the Tiguan, which even means it has less number of seats than the Fortuner. Apart from this, thanks to larger dimensions, the Fortuner offers much more interior space. Also, the Tiguan doesn’t enjoy the daunting stance of the Fortuner.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Fortuner Design Comparison

This is one area where these two models are poles apart. While the Fortuner looks every bit like a full-fledged medium-sized SUV should, the Tiguan has a more crossover-ish look. Compared to the clean, Teutonic look of the Tiguan, the Fortuner offers a rather loud design that doesn’t have the timeless appeal of the Volkswagen. That said, thanks to larger dimensions and many muscular bits, the Fortuner does enjoy a great road presence.

The interiors of these two models are reflections of their exterior. While the Tiguan gets clean surfaces, neat layouts and a typical VW cabin, the Fortuner’s interior setup offers you a flashy design that has a slightly futuristic look to it. In terms of features, the Tiguan edges ahead. However, thanks to larger dimensions, the Fortuner offers more interior space. Also, compared to 5 seats in the VW Tiguan SUV for India, the Fortuner offers 7 seats.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Fortuner Comparison Verdict

• Price: Volkswagen India has priced the Tiguan in the same bracket as the Fortuner. .
• Specifications: While the Fortuner offers a Petrol and a Diesel engine, the Tiguan SUV for India comes with only one Diesel engine option. Also, the Tiguan misses out on a manual transmission, but its 7-speed DSG Auto ‘box is definitely better than the Fortuner’s 6-speed unit. Also, even though the Fortuner is more powerful on paper, the Tiguan weighs a lot less. Basically, it’s hard to pick a clear winner here.
• Mileage: The Tiguan offers higher average mileage.
• Dimensions: The Fortuner is the clear winner here. It’s longer, wider and taller. It also offers more seats.
• Design: Compared to the loud, rather futuristic design of the Fortuner, the Tiguan offers clean, fuss-free design typical of a VW. It’s a matter of personal tastes, really.

VERDICT: Well, it’s tough to pick a clear winner here. While the two models are evenly matched in aspects like pricing, the Fortuner is clearly a bigger car with more seats. The Tiguan, on the other hand, looks technologically more modern. Also, its smaller size is actually a boon in urban environments. It comes with a much longer list of features too. Basically, the Tiguan should suit all those who want a premium SUV for regular city use and long-distance road trips.

Stay tuned to CarBlogIndia for more comparisons like the new 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Fortuner post we have here.