Audi Q5 FY vs Volkswagen Tiguan CT1

Audi Q5

FY · 2016 – 2024

The second-generation Q5 (FY), on MLB Evo.

Volkswagen Tiguan

CT1 · 2024 – 2026

The third-generation Tiguan (CT1), on the MQB Evo platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q5

Pick the FY for the refined, roomy Q5 with quattro and the strong 40 TDI diesel — ideally a well-kept example.

Best engine: The 40 TDI (diesel) or 40 TFSI (petrol).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen Tiguan

Pick the Tiguan for a roomy, practical family SUV with strong towing and a wide engine range.

Best engine: The 1.5 eTSI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA888 45 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.5 eTSI 150 · Petrol

	Audi Q5	Volkswagen Tiguan
Power	245 hp Winner	150 hp
Torque	370 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,3 s Winner	9,1 s
Top speed	237 km/h Winner	210 km/h
Power-to-weight	136,5 hp/t Winner	101,4 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	183 g/km	128 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	8,1 L/100km	5,6 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q5	Volkswagen Tiguan
Boot	550 L	652 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.550 L	1.650 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,82 m Winner	2,68 m
Length	4,66 m	4,54 m
Ground clearance	20,0 cm	19,5 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	11,7 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.000 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q5	Volkswagen Tiguan
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal)	MQB Evo (transverse)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45/50/55 TFSI e PHEV	EA211 Evo 1.5 eTSI · EA888 2.0 TSI · EA288 Evo 2.0 TDI · eHybrid PHEV
Transmission	7-speed S tronic	7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6e
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q5

S tronic (DSG) mechatronics on early cars
AdBlue/SCR issues on 2.0 TDI diesels
Early MMI infotainment quirks

Volkswagen Tiguan

New-generation software (MIB4) may need campaigns
Higher weight/reinforced suspension on eHybrid
4MOTION diesels: AdBlue/DPF on short trips

Pros

Audi Q5

Refined, composed ride (quattro)
Efficient, torquey EA288 diesel
High-grade interior

Volkswagen Tiguan

Even bigger boot (652 l) with a flat load floor
Modern MIB4 infotainment and driver assistance
eHybrid with ~19.7 kWh battery and low CO2

Cons

Audi Q5

Firm ride on S line / big wheels
Pricier than most rivals

Volkswagen Tiguan

eHybrid loses boot space (490 l)
Touch-slider controls take getting used to

Driving experience

Audi Q5

Refined, effortless and supremely polished. Steering is light and accurate rather than talkative, the ride is supple and isolating, and the Q5 settles into a calm, confident lope. quattro ultra shuffles torque seamlessly for all-weather security, though it favours safe, neutral grip over playful engagement. Adaptive suspension keeps it composed and hushed on rough roads. The 40/45 TFSI petrols are smooth and willing, the 2.0 TDI pulls strongly and sips fuel, and the 55 TFSI e plug-in glides on electric power. The 7-speed S tronic is quick and smooth; the V6 8-speed tiptronic even more so. Overall a quiet, tech-rich SUV that puts long-distance comfort and easy confidence ahead of outright driver involvement.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Comfortable, quiet and more car-like than the old Tiguan. The CT1 rides with better body control and noise isolation than the AD1, steers accurately, and feels lighter on its feet despite similar dimensions. Front-drive versions are easy; 4Motion adds traction in poor conditions. The 1.5 eTSI is smooth and efficient with its 48-volt assistance, the 2.0 TDI is the long-distance pick, and the eHybrid covers short trips on electric power. The DSG is smooth; there is no manual. It is a more polished, more digital version of the same formula — comfortable and competent, if still not exciting.