Renault Kadjar KAD vs Volkswagen Tiguan CT1

Renault Kadjar

KAD · 2015 – 2022

The Kadjar (KAD), a compact SUV on the CMF-CD 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 Kadjar

Pick the Kadjar for a roomy, comfortable compact SUV with an affordable used supply.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 Blue 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

1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol vs 1.5 eTSI 150 · Petrol

	Renault Kadjar	Volkswagen Tiguan
Power	140 hp	150 hp Winner
Torque	240 Nm	250 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	9,6 s	9,1 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h	210 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	100,0 hp/t	101,4 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	125 g/km Winner	128 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,6 L/100km	5,6 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Renault Kadjar	Volkswagen Tiguan
Boot	472 L	652 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.478 L	1.650 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,65 m	2,68 m Winner
Length	4,45 m	4,54 m
Ground clearance	—	19,5 cm
Turning circle	10,9 m Winner	11,7 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	2.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Kadjar	Volkswagen Tiguan
Platform	CMF-CD	MQB Evo (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.6 TCe · 1.5 dCi/Blue dCi · 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi	EA211 Evo 1.5 eTSI · EA888 2.0 TSI · EA288 Evo 2.0 TDI · eHybrid PHEV
Transmission	6-speed manual · EDC7	7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6e
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Renault Kadjar

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC/X-tronic: juddery 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 Kadjar

Roomy boot and comfortable ride
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 Kadjar

1.2 TCe (early years) carries chain risk
Interior less modern than newer rivals

Volkswagen Tiguan

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

Driving experience

Renault Kadjar

A relaxed long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use, ride quality is generally compliant on smaller wheels and becomes firmer on 19-inch alloys, and body control is adequate. The 1.3 TCe feels responsive once moving, while the diesels are refined and strong for motorway use. The EDC dual-clutch is smooth at higher speeds but can show low-speed hesitation or judder, especially on early cars and in town. AWD versions add a modest amount of traction in slippery conditions.

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.