VS
At a Glance
Power
83kW@4000
147kW@5100
Torque
245Nm@2000
280Nm@1700
Fuel
9.2
9.9
Towing
1600
2500
0-100 km/h
14.7
8.5
Engine
1991
1984
Choosing between the HYUNDAI TUCSON and the VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The HYUNDAI TUCSON delivers 83kW@4000 while the VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN produces 147kW@5100. On fuel, the TUCSON returns 9.2 while the TIGUAN uses 9.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R295 900 for the TUCSON and R438 310 for the TIGUAN. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
83kW@4000
147kW@5100
Torque
245Nm@2000
280Nm@1700
0-100 kph
14.7
8.5
Top Speed
191
207
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991
1984
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
4
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.2
9.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
10.1
13.5
Fuel Consumption Highway
7.1
7.7
Fuel Tank Capacity
58
64
CO2 Emissions
—
234
Dimensions
Length
4325
4457
Width
1830
1809
Height
1730
1686
Wheelbase
2630
2604
Ground Clearance
195
200
Kerb Weight
1781
1609
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600
2500
Load Capacity
1856
1510
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✗
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✗
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
—
Bluetooth
✗
✗
Satellite Navigation
✗
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✗
Optional
Park Distance Front
✗
Optional
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✗
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
36
Warranty Distance
150000
120000
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
HYUNDAI TUCSON
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
TUCSON
Value
TUCSON
Practicality
TIGUAN
Pros & Cons
HYUNDAI TUCSON
Better fuel economy (9.2)
Lower starting price (R295 900)
Few notable weaknesses
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
Higher towing capacity (2500)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.5s)
Higher fuel consumption (9.9)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the TUCSON or TIGUAN?
The TUCSON uses 9.2 and the TIGUAN uses 9.9 on the combined cycle. The TUCSON is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the TUCSON or TIGUAN?
The TUCSON produces 83kW@4000 and 245Nm@2000 of torque while the TIGUAN delivers 147kW@5100 and 280Nm@1700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the TUCSON and TIGUAN?
The TUCSON starts from R295 900 and the TIGUAN from R438 310. The TUCSON is cheaper by R142 410 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the TUCSON or TIGUAN?
The TUCSON has a braked towing capacity of 1600 and the TIGUAN can tow 2500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the TUCSON or the TIGUAN?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.