VS
At a Glance
Power
174hp @ 5000
201hp @ 5000
Torque
206lb-ft @ 3000
207lb-ft @ 1500
Fuel
28 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
1500lbs
Engine
1.5 L/91ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mitsubishi Outlander delivers 174hp @ 5000 while the Volkswagen Tiguan produces 201hp @ 5000. On fuel, the Outlander returns 28 mpg est. while the Tiguan uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $39,645 for the Outlander and $30,805 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.
Specification
Mitsubishi OutlanderTrail Edition S-AWC 2026 - From $39,645
Volkswagen Tiguan2.0T S FWD 2026 - From $30,805
Performance
Power Output (hp)
174hp @ 5000
201hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
206lb-ft @ 3000
207lb-ft @ 1500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.5 L/91ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
34mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
185.8in
184.4in
Width (in)
84.4in
73in
Height (in)
68.8in
66.4in
Wheelbase (in)
106.5in
109.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3962lbs
3563lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
1500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Tiguan
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Tiguan
Fuel Economy
Tiguan
Value
Tiguan
Practicality
Outlander
Pros & Cons
Mitsubishi Outlander
Higher towing capacity (2000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Tiguan
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($30,805)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Outlander or Tiguan?
The Outlander gets 28 mpg est. and the Tiguan gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Tiguan is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Outlander or Tiguan?
The Outlander produces 174hp @ 5000 and 206lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Tiguan delivers 201hp @ 5000 and 207lb-ft @ 1500 of torque. The Tiguan is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Outlander and Tiguan?
The Outlander starts from $39,645 and the Tiguan from $30,805. The Tiguan is cheaper by $8,840 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Outlander or Tiguan?
The Outlander has a braked towing capacity of 2000lbs and the Tiguan can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Outlander or the Tiguan?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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.