2013 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Its Competition
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The Tiguan isn't the best value, the most fuel-efficient, or the most stylish in its crowded class of compact crossovers, but its brand appeal and superior cabin fit and finish—as well as its refined performance—leave much to like.
And most of its rivals play it safe with respect to styling, too.
The Honda CR-V was redesigned this past year but remains conservative in look and feel—though it has a very clever second-row seat mechanism and better styling, but inferior performance to the VW.
The Toyota RAV4 remains a strong seller, but it's ready for a major makeover, and seems dated inside, with styling, materials, and packaging.
Chevy's Equinox is really a half-size larger, yet it has a comfortable ride and good fuel economy.
The new Ford Escape is the looker of the group; it's also one of the best for fuel economy, with its new turbocharged four-cylinder engines, as well as in-vehicle tech.
One other model worth serious consideration is the Kia Sportage, which is a little more stylish than the VW, and lower-priced, but not quite as well-finished for ride comfort, space, and interior appointments.
 2013 Volkswagen TiguanGet FREE Price Quote |  2013 Chevrolet EquinoxGet FREE Price Quote |  2013 Ford EscapeGet FREE Price Quote |  2013 Kia SportageGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Honda CR-VGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Toyota RAV4Get FREE Price Quote |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
| Meta Rating | |||||
The 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan is a little conservative in look and feel, but otherwise it has everything that urban crossover shoppers want. | The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is a good, affordable choice for cost-conscious families, but it doesn't skimp on comfort, safety, or the latest connectivity features. | After eleven years, a change-up: the 2013 Ford Escape drops the faux-SUV pitch and reels off authentically athletic looks and performance. | A rakish crossover with a 260-horsepower four on tap, the Kia Sportage reboots its image on a few levels all at once. | The 2012 Honda CR-V is a great family vehicle, with a thoughtfully designed and comfortable interior, and improved refinement, but it lacks the confident, sprightly feel present in past CR-Vs. | The 2012 Toyota RAV4 remains a strong, refined choice for families, even though some of its design might be a blast from the past. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $22,995 | $24,155 | $22,470 | $19,000 | $22,495 | $22,650 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas/Ethanol I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| 2WD Sport Utility Vehicles | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Style Name | |||||
| 2WD 4-Door Man S *Ltd Avail* | FWD 4-Door LS | FWD 4-Door S | 2WD 4-Door Base | 2WD 5-Door LX | FWD 4-Door I4 (Natl) |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door | Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Automatic | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Manual | Automatic | Automatic w/OD |
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