Renault Captur MK1 vs Volkswagen Tiguan CT1

Renault Captur

MK1 · 2013 – 2019

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

CT1 · 2024 – 2026

The third-generation Tiguan (CT1), on the MQB Evo 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 eTSI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol vs 1.5 eTSI 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	9,1 s Winner
Top speed	171 km/h	210 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	83,3 hp/t	101,4 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	105 g/km Winner	128 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,7 L/100km Winner	5,6 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Renault Captur	Volkswagen Tiguan
Boot	377 L	652 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.235 L	1.650 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,61 m	2,68 m Winner
Length	4,12 m	4,54 m
Ground clearance	—	19,5 cm
Turning circle	10,4 m Winner	11,7 m
Towing capacity (braked)	900 kg	2.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Captur	Volkswagen Tiguan
Platform	B (modified)	MQB Evo (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 Evo 1.5 eTSI · EA888 2.0 TSI · EA288 Evo 2.0 TDI · eHybrid PHEV
Transmission	5-speed manual	7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6e
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

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

Pros

Renault Captur

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

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

Renault Captur

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

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

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, 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.