If you’re considering buying a new small SUV, you’re likely to consider the following: Honda CR-V. The CR-V is one of the most popular models in the United States, and for good reason. Practical, comfortable and very good at getting you to your destination with minimal fuss. But this isn’t the only small SUV that’s garnering attention.
Volkswagen also wants you to check out its new products. Tiguan. Redesigned for 2026, the Tiguan gets a fresh look, updated technology and more power without increasing price. Each model represents a best-selling model from its brand, but which one is the best choice for you? Edmunds’ automotive experts compare them to find out.
Performance and fuel economy
The redesigned Tiguan has reduced weight and added power. This is always a good thing. All Tiguans are equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower. In Edmunds testing, a Tiguan accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds. That’s OK, but the Tiguan can sometimes feel unresponsive when you first press the accelerator. The automatic transmission isn’t particularly quick to shift either.
The CR-V has two available engines. The cheaper CR-V has a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, while the more expensive CR-V versions have a four-cylinder with the addition of a hybrid powertrain. The CR-V Hybrid produces 204 horsepower. In Edmunds testing, the Hybrid was slightly faster than the Tiguan, taking 8 seconds to reach 60 mph.
The front-wheel-drive Tiguan gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Opting for the Tiguan with all-wheel drive drops the combined rating to 25 mpg. The gas-only CR-V outperforms the Tiguan across the board, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 28 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. The CR-V Hybrid’s top fuel economy is 40 mpg combined, 37 mpg with all-wheel drive.
Advantages: Honda CR-V
Comfort and cargo space
The Tiguan used to have a small third-row seat, but Volkswagen has eliminated the third-row seat starting with the 2026 Tiguan. To be honest, we haven’t missed it. The Tiguan’s front seats are comfortable for long drives, especially when they come with the optional massage function. This is an unusual but welcome option for this class. The Tiguan’s back seat easily fits occupants as tall as 6 feet and has 1.5 inches more headroom than the CR-V.
The CR-V doesn’t have the premium feature options of the Tiguan, but its spacious cabin has comfortable seats and large windows, creating an open and airy feel. Rear seat legroom is slightly more spacious than the Tiguan. Final cargo specs haven’t been released, but we suspect the Tiguan’s cargo volume behind the rear seats will be slightly less than the gas-only CR-V’s 39.3 cubic feet of space.
Advantage: tie
Technology and safety
Tiguan standard features include a large 12.9-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity and a wireless smartphone charger. It also features VW’s excellent 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Honda offers a digital cluster as an option 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 luxury Tiguan SEL has a larger 15-inch touchscreen.
Honda has upgraded the CR-V for 2026 with a larger 9-inch touchscreen with standard wireless smartphone connectivity and a wireless smartphone charger. The Tiguan’s size advantage is undeniable, and the screen is easy enough to use.
Both models come standard with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. Although the new Tiguan has not yet been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2025 Honda CR-V received a Top Safety Pick award.
Advantage: Tiguan
price and value
The base 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan S is well-equipped and priced starting 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 a price of $41,930.
Prices for the gas-only 2026 Honda CR-V LX start at $32,370. The least expensive CR-V with a hybrid powertrain is the Sport Hybrid. Price is $37,080. All-wheel drive also costs $1,500 for both gas-only and hybrid lineups, but is standard on the top-of-the-line $43,700 Sport Touring Hybrid.
In terms of price alone, the Tiguan is better. But it’s also better equipped and, even in hybrid form, significantly better than the CR-V.
Advantages: Volkswagen Tiguan
Edmunds says
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan outperforms the 2026 Honda CR-V in terms of overall value. It has more space and is more stylish. The main reason to consider the CR-V is its hybrid powertrain, which helps reduce fuel costs over time.
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This story was brought to you by Associated Press According to the automotive website edmunds. Robert Duffer is an Edmunds contributor.
