Volkswagen Taigo CS1 vs Volkswagen Tiguan AD1

Volkswagen Taigo

CS1 · 2021 – 2026

The first-generation Taigo (CS1), on the MQB A0 platform.

Volkswagen Tiguan

AD1 · 2016 – 2024

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

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen Taigo

Pick the Taigo for a stylish coupé crossover with low running costs and city-friendly dimensions.

Best engine: The 1.0 TSI (110 hp) — the sweet spot.

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

1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol

	Volkswagen Taigo	Volkswagen Tiguan
Power	110 hp	150 hp Winner
Torque	200 Nm	250 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	10,5 s	9,2 s Winner
Top speed	191 km/h	200 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	93,6 hp/t	102,0 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	123 g/km Winner	139 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,4 L/100km Winner	6,1 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Volkswagen Taigo	Volkswagen Tiguan
Boot	440 L	615 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.222 L	1.655 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,57 m	2,68 m Winner
Length	4,27 m	4,49 m
Ground clearance	16,0 cm	19,0 cm
Turning circle	10,9 m Winner	11,5 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg	2.200 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Volkswagen Taigo	Volkswagen Tiguan
Platform	MQB A0 (transverse)	MQB (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.0 TSI · EA211 Evo 1.5 TSI	EA211 1.4/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI (R) · EA288 2.0 TDI · eHybrid PHEV
Transmission	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Volkswagen Taigo

Timing belt (wet belt) on some 1.0 TSI
Plastic water pump/thermostat module
Infotainment glitches (MIB3) on early cars

Volkswagen Tiguan

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

Pros

Volkswagen Taigo

Coupé roofline sets it apart from the T-Cross
Thrifty 1.0 TSI with low CO2 (Euro 6d)
Generous standard kit (LED, digital cockpit)

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

Volkswagen Taigo

Less rear headroom due to the sloping roof
No diesel or all-wheel-drive options

Volkswagen Tiguan

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

Driving experience

Volkswagen Taigo

Light, easy and aimed squarely at town driving. The Taigo steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and slips through city streets with little effort. The sloping roofline looks good but trims rear headroom, and it is front-wheel drive only. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth. It is a style-led small crossover that prioritises looks and ease of use over outright practicality or driving involvement.

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.