Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Volkswagen Tiguan Limited

The Volkswagen Tiguan has needed a redesign for some time now, and the German automaker obliged in 2018 with a newer, more modern example. While the new Tiguan, which grew by more than 10 inches in length and added an available third row, was a welcome sight, VW wasn’t ready to let its smaller predecessor go just yet (a smart business decision, considering its lack of an offering below the Tiguan).

Instead, it rebadged the previous-generation Tiguan as the Tiguan Limited and decided to sell it alongside the larger Tiguan.

Which of these similarly badged models is the better option for the average crossover buyer? We took a deep dive to find out.

See a side-by-side comparison of the Tiguan & Tiguan Limited »

What the Tiguan Gets Right

Being a larger crossover – more than 10 inches longer than the Limited model – the Tiguan gives buyers a lot more space. It’s got three rows of seating, 0.7 inches more second-row legroom, 9.2 cubic feet more cargo room with the two rows of seats up, and 9.6 extra cubes of cargo room with the rear seats all folded.

Despite being larger, the Tiguan is actually more fuel efficient than the Tiguan Limited at 22 miles per gallon city, 27 highway, and 24 combined. This trumps the Tiguan Limited by 2 mpg city and combined, and 3 highway.

Finally, the new Tiguan has all the latest and greatest content, including Volkswagen's new design language, standard Apple CarPlay, an eight-inch center screen, an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and available automatic emergency braking. We can't say the same of the Tiguan Limited, which is over a decade old at this point.

What the Tiguan Limited Gets Right

For buyers who prefer a little more personality, the Tiguan Limited’s styling may be more up their alley. Additionally, this smaller model starts out at just $22,890 (including the $865 destination charge), which is $3,205 cheaper than the base Tiguan with its $900 destination charge.

When compared to the Tiguan, the Limited model is a bit more athletic. Not only is its 200-horsepower 2.0-liter engine more potent than the Tiguan’s 184-hp 2.0-liter, but its handling is a touch more precise, and its smaller size makes it more tossable. Its size also makes it easier to drive in busy cities with tight traffic and limited parking.

Want small? Go Limited

There wasn’t much hope for the Tiguan Limited in this head-to-head battle, but for buyers looking for a smaller crossover, the Tiguan Limited is the way to go. It can also work better for buyers on a tighter budget, but there are likely better options to consider in this price range.

Verdict: Volkswagen Tiguan

It’s no secret the Tiguan needed a redo, badly. And the all-new model fits the bill nicely. With three rows of seating, respectable fuel economy, and more comfort than before, it's easily the better pick over its rebadged predecessor.

Take a closer look at the Volkswagen Tiguan »

Take a closer look at the Volkswagen Tiguan Limited »

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, photos and more!

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