Renault Captur MK1 vs Volkswagen Tiguan AD1

Renault Captur

MK1 · 2013 – 2019

The first Captur (MK1), on a modified B platform.

Volkswagen Tiguan

AD1 · 2016 – 2024

The second-generation Tiguan (AD1), on the MQB platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Renault Captur

Pick the MK1 for an affordable, flexible early Captur with a clever sliding rear bench.

Best engine: The 0.9 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 dCi (diesel).

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 TSI (150 hp) or 2.0 TDI (150 hp).

Read the full guide

Performance

0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol

	Renault Captur	Volkswagen Tiguan
Power	90 hp	150 hp Winner
Torque	135 Nm	250 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	12,7 s	9,2 s Winner
Top speed	171 km/h	200 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	83,3 hp/t	102,0 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	105 g/km Winner	139 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,7 L/100km Winner	6,1 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Renault Captur	Volkswagen Tiguan
Boot	377 L	615 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.235 L	1.655 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,61 m	2,68 m Winner
Length	4,12 m	4,49 m
Ground clearance	—	19,0 cm
Turning circle	10,4 m Winner	11,5 m
Towing capacity (braked)	900 kg	2.200 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Captur	Volkswagen Tiguan
Platform	B (modified)	MQB (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	0.9 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 dCi	EA211 1.4/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI (R) · EA288 2.0 TDI · eHybrid PHEV
Transmission	5-speed manual	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Renault Captur

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC: jerky shifts at low speed
Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes

Volkswagen Tiguan

Water pump/thermostat module on EA211
Haldex 4MOTION service (fluid/clutch)
Software/infotainment glitches pre-facelift

Pros

Renault Captur

Flexible sliding rear bench
Affordable and plentiful used
Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel

Volkswagen Tiguan

Very roomy boot (615–1,655 l) with sliding rear bench
Allspace variant with 7 seats (option)
Towing up to 2,500 kg on 4MOTION diesels

Cons

Renault Captur

1.2 TCe carries chain risk
Boot and rear legroom smaller than MK2

Volkswagen Tiguan

Pre-facelift interior looks more dated
1.4 TSI (early) less smooth than the later 1.5 TSI

Driving experience

Renault Captur

Light and easy to place in town with a reasonably high driving position, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is acceptable but the ride is firmer than a conventional supermini, especially on larger wheels. The 0.9 TCe and 1.2 TCe feel responsive for daily use when healthy, while the 1.5 dCi is stronger on the motorway. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but often shows low-speed hesitation or judder. Overall a competent compact crossover of its era rather than a driver's car.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Comfortable, easy to drive and predictably competent. The Tiguan II rides with good isolation over broken surfaces, stays quiet at a cruise, and steers lightly and accurately without much feedback. Front-drive versions are easy and economical; 4MOTION adds useful traction in poor weather and on loose surfaces. The 1.5 TSI is the sensible pick — smooth and efficient — the 2.0 TDI is the long-distance choice, and the 2.0 TSI is brisk if unremarkable. The DSG is smooth in traffic. Body control is fine for a family SUV, but the Tiguan is set up for comfort and space, not cornering entertainment.