Volkswagen T-Roc vs Tiguan – which is best?

Both the Volkswagen T-Roc and Tiguan share a lot of parts with the Golf hatchback, so it might surprise you just how different these cars are – especially inside.

VW T-Roc vs Tiguan compared

Styling

Given that both of these SUVs are among VW’s best-selling models globally, perhaps it’s no surprise that the styling of both is quite conservative.

The T-Roc is a bit more angular and detailed, whereas the newer Tiguan has a smoother and cleaner design. You’ll spot definite hints of VW’s largest SUV, the Touareg, in the Tiguan – especially at the back.

Interior

Despite being from the same stable, the T-Roc and Tiguan have completely different interior designs. Chiefly, the Tiguan’s 15-inch mega-screen is nearly double the size of the T-Roc’s, and that could be the deciding factor for you all on its own. If you’re a tech lover, the eight-inch screen in the T-Roc might feel a bit small, but you might prefer the T-Roc’s more modest screen if you don’t want to feel like you’re sitting too close to the TV.

Both cars feature the must-have infotainment tech, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The T-Roc’s screen uses a simple tiled menu for its major functions, plus shortcut keys on either side of the screen. In comparison, the Tiguan focuses on personalisation, with the home menu and top nav bar both being able to be set up to show functions you want quick access to.

While the quality in the T-Roc has stepped up since its 2022 facelift, it still feels a bit plasticky inside. The Tiguan feels more premium, but then you might expect that given that you’re paying more for the Tiguan.

Dimensions and practicality

It won’t come as a shock that a bigger car is more practical than a smaller one, but the Tiguan is vastly more spacious than the T-Roc. And that’s no word against the T-Roc – it’s actually one of the most versatile small SUVs, with plenty of space for four adults and a big boot for the size of car. Unless you’re going to be frequenting Ikea or taking a lot of luggage with you on holiday, the T-Roc’s boot is likely to be big enough for most situations.

The Tiguan offers one of the biggest boots of any midsize SUV, so it’s not only more practical than the T-Roc but also beats most of its rivals too. Most of the time, the vast space won’t be anywhere near full, although it’ll be very useful for family holidays or if you moonlight as a removal person. Note that the plug-in hybrid drops to 490 litres, so it’s still bigger than the T-Roc but not quite so useful as other Tiguans.

Engines

VW has really slimmed down the T-Roc’s engine range in recent years. There’s no diesel option any more, and nothing more powerful than 150hp until you get to the range-topping T-Roc R. No hybrid choice of any kind, either. Cheaper versions of the T-Roc come with a 1.0-litre petrol engine with 114hp, which doesn’t sound particularly potent but it’s a willing engine that’s more than capable of duty in the T-Roc.

Then there’s a 1.5 petrol with 150hp and the aforementioned T-Roc R, boasting a 2.0-litre petrol engine with double that output.

The Tiguan kicks off with that 150hp 1.5 petrol, or you can choose a 2.0-litre petrol on higher-spec versions. This is broadly similar to the engine in the T-Roc R, but tuned to either 204hp or 265hp. There’s no Tiguan R version for this generation just yet.

If you’re a high-miler, you’ll appreciate that there’s still a 150hp diesel offered for the Tiguan. Meanwhile, the most efficient on paper is the Tiguan plug-in hybrid, which is reportedly capable of 700mpg. Take that figure with a pinch of salt, however, along with the claimed 77-mile electric range you get from a full battery – with the backup of a petrol engine if you happen to drive across continents on a daily basis.

Value

The T-Roc is cheaper than the Tiguan, but is that the end of the story? As we write this, a 74-plate T-Roc R-Line 1.5 is about £4,000 less than a Tiguan with the same plate, engine and trim level. But the Tiguan feels more modern inside, you’re getting much more metal and space, and it comes with more powerful engines. Because of that, the jump from the T-Roc to the Tiguan – which is about £70 per month on a PCP finance deal – doesn’t seem so big.

However, if you know you’re not going to need the Tiguan’s vast boot, picking the T-Roc means you’re not stretching your budget unnecessarily.

Which is best?

The T-Roc is slightly easier to park than the Tiguan, and slightly cheaper – although neither of these cars are among the most affordable SUVs. It still features much of the same technology and equipment, and still has plenty of space for most buyers’ needs. But if you can reach to the Tiguan, you’ll be getting a more modern-feeling car with excesses of space. Excess is luxury, after all. Because the Tiguan also comes with a wider range of engines, with something to suit every type of SUV buyer, it’s the one we’d pick.

Read our Volkswagen T-Roc review and Volkswagen Tiguan review for more details and what these cars are like to live with. Made up your mind? Shop used Volkswagen T-Roc cars for sale and used Volkswagen Tiguan cars for sale.

Volkswagen T-Roc video review

Volkswagen Tiguan video review