2026 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. 2026 Honda CR-V

You’re on the hunt for a compact SUV that’s stylish, comfortable, enjoyable to drive, and equipped with advanced technology — but with all of the makes, models, and trim levels out there, how do you know which one is right for you?

At Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen, we want you to help you find an SUV you love. And a favorite model in our lineup is the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan. Popular for a reason, this compact SUV brings sharp style, dynamic performance, and smart technology to every drive.

But it’s not without its rivals. Want to find out how the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan fares among one of its competitors? Learn more about the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. 2026 Honda CR-V below and see which one checks more of your boxes!

Engine Options and Performance Features

Let’s start with the engines. The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan lineup offers two engines: a 2.0-liter TSI® 16-valve DOHC turbo 4-cylinder engine, which delivers 201 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter TSI® EA888 EVO5 16-valve DOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which boasts 268 horsepower.

The first Volkswagen Tiguan engine is standard in the S, SE, and SE R-Line Black trims, while the second, more powerful engine is standard in the top trim level, the SEL R-Line Turbo. Both engines are matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

You’ll get to choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive on the first three trim levels, while the top trim level comes standard with 4MOTION® AWD with Active Control and Driving Mode Selection, boosting confidence in more challenging driving conditions.

While the 2026 Honda CR-V also offers two engine options, including a Honda CR-V hybrid option, it trails behind the Tiguan in terms of horsepower. The CR-V’s hybrid powertrain delivers 204 horsepower, while its turbocharged engine delivers 190 horsepower. The CR-V offers the option of two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and non-hybrid models are equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission.

If you want extra excitement in your daily drive, the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan’s available turbocharged engine delivers, while the CR-V can’t quite keep up. From running errands to cruising along the highway, you can expect a dynamic driving experience every time you get behind the wheel of the Tiguan.

Interior Space & Comfort Features

A comfortable cabin is essential, especially when you travel frequently. You won’t have any trouble settling into the Volkswagen Tiguan’s interior. This compact Volkswagen SUV offers the creature comforts you crave: impressive tech, heated front seats, and stylish touches.

A 10.25-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro comes standard, and you’ll have a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen multi-function center display at your fingertips. And, as if that wasn’t impressive enough, the top trim level upgrades you to a 15-inch touchscreen multi-function center display with navigation. Wireless AppConnect® and wireless charging for compatible devices are also standard, keeping you connected no matter where the road takes you.

You’ll find ample room throughout the adaptable cabin, which offers seating for five, and you can take advantage of up to 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space when you fold the 60/40 split second-row seats down. Plus, there’s a convenient cargo under-floor storage solution whenever you need it.

Standard Climatronic® touch dual-zone automatic climate control with second-row air vents allows for two different temperature preferences, while an available power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof and available 10- or 30-color adjustable ambient lighting make drives feel even more special.

If you opt for the top trim level, you’ll get comfort on another level. The SEL R-Line Turbo boasts perforated varenna leather seating surfaces with heated, ventilated, and 10-point full back massage front seats, heated rear outboard seats, three-zone automatic climate control, and a ClimaCoat® heated, heat-insulated, and sound-insulated front windshield with 100% UV protection.

Plus, you’ll get a Harman Kardon® 12-speaker premium sound system with a center speaker, subwoofer, and an amplifier. How’s that for luxury?

Let’s see if the 2026 Honda CR-V can say the same.

While the five-seater 2026 Honda CR-V does offer more cargo room than the Tiguan — 76.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split rear seatback down — it leaves out some of the comforts that the Tiguan offers.

For one thing, although heated front seats are offered in the rest of the CR-V’s trim levels, you won’t get them in the base trim level, but you will in the Tiguan’s base trim level. The CR-V also doesn't offer available heated second-row outboard seats like the Tiguan does. And don’t expect to find available ventilated, 10-point, full-back massage front seats in the CR-V either.

The Honda CR-V does offer a dual-zone automatic climate control system, just not in the base trim. In contrast, the Tiguan not only offers dual-zone automatic climate control starting in the base trim, but it also offers three-zone automatic climate control in the top trim.

Not only that, the CR-V gives you one touchscreen size — 9 inches — which is far smaller than both of the touchscreens offered in the Tiguan. However, you can still enjoy a premium audio system in the CR-V’s top trim level like you can in the Tiguan’s top trim level. The CR-V offers a Bose Premium Sound System with 12 speakers, including a subwoofer — plus, you’ll also get standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ as well as a wireless phone charger.

While the CR-V does offer available ambient lighting, the only color options are white and amber, depending on the trim. The Tiguan’s available adjustable ambient lighting gives you 10 or 30 colors to choose from, depending on the trim, allowing you to set the right vibe for your nighttime drives.

For drivers who want a little more luxury, the well-appointed Tiguan delivers.

Safety and Driver-Assist Technology Comparison

We know that every drive is easier to enjoy when it’s accompanied by extra protection. Equipped with smart safety features, the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan can keep you feeling at ease behind the wheel whenever you hit the open road.

IQ.DRIVE comes standard, offering a list of safety features that you’ll be glad to have by your side. These include:

• Travel Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Active Blind Spot Monitor
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Front Assist
• Emergency Assist (automatic transmission only)
• Lane Assist

Other features include standard Pedestrian Monitoring, an available head-up display, a standard Exit Warning System, available Dynamic Road Sign Display, and more! And with available Park Assist Plus, which comes in handy in a variety of parking situations, you’ll wonder what you ever did without it — especially in those tricky spaces.

Safety in the 2026 Honda CR-V is also impressive. Standard Honda Sensing® technologies include:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System
• Road Departure Mitigation System
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
• Lane Keeping Assist System
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition System
• Driver Attention Monitor

Available Honda Sensing® technologies include a Blind Spot Information System, Parking Sensors (front/rear), and a Cross Traffic Monitor.

Some of the features in the Tiguan that you won’t find in the CR-V include the standard Exit Warning System, a helpful feature that is designed to warn you from getting out of your vehicle when a pedestrian, cyclist, or car is approaching from behind. You’ll miss out on this feature if you go with the CR-V.

Plus, although the CR-V offers available front and rear Parking Sensors, which help you avoid hitting a car or other objects while you park, the Tiguan takes convenience further with its available Park Assist Plus, which can sense the size of a parking space and help you park your vehicle. With this feature, there’s no need to be intimidated by parallel parking! The Tiguan goes the extra mile.

Tiguan vs. CR-V Pricing and Value

So how much will the Volkswagen Tiguan and Honda CR-V cost you? The new 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan’s price starts at $30,8051 and goes up to $43,085.1 In comparison, the new 2026 Honda CR-V’s price starts at $30,9202 and goes up to $42,250.2

Here are each trim level’s starting price:

As you can see, the Honda CR-V offers a wider range of trim levels than the Tiguan — but which lineup offers the best value? Ultimately, you get to decide.

If you want a more engaging driving experience, you’ll appreciate the Volkswagen Tiguan’s turbocharged engine option which surpasses the CR-V’s engine options in terms of power.

And don’t forget that the Tiguan’s standard touchscreen — an impressive 12.9 inches — overshadows the CR-V’s 9-inch touchscreen, which is the only option you’ll get in the CR-V lineup. The Tiguan, on the other hand, offers an even larger touchscreen in the top trim — 15 inches.

Other standard Tiguan features include rain-sensing front wipers and silver roof rails. The CR-V offers rain-sensing wipers too, but only on the top trim level, and black roof rails, but only on select trim levels.

Like we mentioned earlier, the CR-V also doesn’t offer adjustable ambient lighting — just white or amber, depending on the trim. Compare that to the Tiguan’s available adjustable ambient lighting that comes in 10 or 30 colors, depending on the trim.

Features like these can really make a difference in your driving experience. The refined Tiguan adds those extra-special touches, allowing you to get more out of your ride.

Take the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan for a Test Drive Today

If you’re considering whether you should opt for a Volkswagen Tiguan for sale near you or a Honda CR-V for sale near you, we recommend test-driving both models to see which one is your ideal SUV in terms of performance, comfort, technology, style, and convenience.

Come discover what sets the new 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan apart from the competition here at your local Volkswagen dealership! We have new 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan models in stock now as well as other new Volkswagen SUV models for you to explore.

Want to learn more about this outstanding SUV or one of our other SUVs? Feel free to contact us today or stop by Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen for a test drive. Our team is here to help you find the SUV that fits your preferences and provides a driving experience you’ll look forward to every time you have somewhere to go!

1MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges and fees. Dealer sets actual price.

2MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,450 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.