Kia Sportage vs Volkswagen Tiguan (2024) What should you buy?
An all-new Volkswagen Tiguan recently arrived in Mzansi. How well does it stack up against the 2023/24 #CarsAwards family-car category champion: the Kia Sportage? Which one should you buy? This article will help you make the best buying decision!
If you are shopping for a new family car, the chances are that you’re considering cars such as the Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The family-car segment is hugely competitive and, with a recent influx of new products, particularly from fledgling Chinese brands such as Chery and GAC, legacy carmakers such as Kia, Volkswagen, Hyundai (Tucson), Mazda (CX-5) and Toyota (RAV4) are under significant pressure to maintain sales momentum.
In the 2023/24 #CarsAwards, sponsored by Absa, the Kia Sportage 1.6CRDi EX scooped the win in the Family Car category and was recognised as the best medium SUV in the new-car market for a myriad of reasons, including performance and efficiency, interior build quality, standard features and overall value.
The hugely popular previous-gen Tiguan was struggling to remain competitive in the company of newer products but, now that the new 3rd-gen Tiguan has arrived in South Africa, the Wolfsburg-based brand is once again in a strong position to reclaim its market share in the family-car segment.
How does the new Volkswagen Tiguan stack up against the award-winning Kia Sportage? The article should provide you with need-to-know information to help you make an informed buying decision.
This article will cover key aspects including Performance & Efficiency, Interior Features & Safety, Dimensions & Practicality and Pricing & Warranty details.
If, at the end of this article, you are still undecided about what to buy, you are more than welcome to reach out to us for advice via X, Facebook or Instagram. Let’s find what moves you.
What To Buy: Kia Sportage vs Volkswagen Tiguan
Performance and Efficiency
Derivatives in the Kia Sportage range are powered by either a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol or -turbodiesel engine. The petrol engine is offered in conjunction with GT Line, GT Line Plus and GT Line S trim grades, while its turbodiesel equivalent is available with the LX, EX and GT Line Plus trim grades.
The new VW Tiguan is offered with a 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine (September 2024) and in base, Life and R-Line guises. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel version is available to order but is only expected to join the range in November 2024, with a more potent 2.0-litre turbopetrol set to join the range in 2025.
| Kia Sportage | Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Powertrain | ||
| Petrol | 1.6L turbopetrol 132 kW / 265 Nm | 1.4L turbopetrol 110 kW / 250 Nm |
| Diesel | 1.6L turbodiesel 100 kW / 320 Nm | 2.0L turbodiesel 110 kW / 340 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Fuel Consumption(Claimed) | ||
| Petrol | 6.3 L/100 km | 6.6 L/100 km |
| Diesel | 5.0 L/100 km | 7.6 L/100 km |
Kia Sportage
The Sportage’s 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol (which is paired, and well-calibrated with a 7-speed automatic ‘box) is a strong performer that delivers good in-gear acceleration. While Kia claims an average consumption figure of 6.3 L/100 km, expect real-world returns of around 9.0 L/100 km.
The Korean model delivers impressive on-road refinement thanks to good sound insulation (engine-, wind- and road noises are sufficiently suppressed). Over and above a pleasant and premium driving experience, the Sportage also offers solid and surefooted handling dynamics. The suspension setup is on the firm side, but the ride quality is still adequately comfortable, which befits a premium family car.
If you are looking for an even better balance between performance, efficiency and price, perhaps consider the diesel-powered Sportage 1.6 CRDi EX (our #CarsAwards champion) or the GT Line Plus.
Not only is this powertrain powerful enough to perform daily family-car duties, it’s surprisingly efficient too! When we reviewed the turbodiesel variant, the test unit indicated consumption figures of around 6.0 L/100 km (compared with Kia’s claim of 5.0 L/100km) – that’s an excellent return for a vehicle of this size.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan’s 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine, which has been detuned to 110 kW, might have a lower power output than the Sportage’s turbopetrol 1.6-litre 4-pot, but rest assured that the former delivers excellent overall performance in conjunction with a smooth-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Not only is the Tiguan quick off the mark, but its mid-range acceleration (which is useful for executing quick overtakes) is strong – the VW can cruise effortlessly at the highway speed limit and beyond.
In terms of real-world efficiency, the new Tiguan is on par with the equivalent Sportage, with realistic returns of about 9.0 L/100 km (Volkswagen claims an average fuel consumption of 6.6 L/100 km).
And, as far as refinement and comfort are concerned, Volkswagen has hit the mark with the new model. Not only does the new Tiguan offer surefooted handling with sharp and positive responses to steering inputs, it also exhibits an excellent ride quality thanks to a forgiving, comfort-oriented suspension setup.
In our experience, Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine and 7-speed automatic transmission is a well-balanced powertrain that delivers punchy performance, while also returning good fuel economy. When that variant arrives in November 2024, we suspect that many buyers will opt for it. Volkswagen, however, still expects the 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine to be the best-seller in the range.
Much like the range-topping turbopetrol Sportage, the incoming 2.0-litre turbopetrol Tiguan derivative (expected in 2025) will most likely be a rather pricey proposition…
Interior Execution and Features
For this comparison, we will examine the similarly priced Kia Sportage 1.6T-GDi GT Line Plus (R766 995, September 2024) and the Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI R-Line (R766 300, September 2024).
See the full specification comparison here
| Kia Sportage 1.6T-GDi GT Line Plus | Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI R-Line | |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch curved touchscreen | 12.9-inch touchscreen (15-inch optional) |
| Instrument Cluster | 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster | 10-inch digital instrument cluster |
| Apple CarPlay, Android Auto capability | Yes, both | Yes, both (wireless) |
| Bluetooth, voice control, USB | Yes. Front and rear USB ports | Yes. No voice control. 2 Front USB-C ports |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | No (optional) |
| Surround View Camera | Yes, rear | No (optional) |
| Front and Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) | Yes, front and rear | Yes, front and rear |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Yes | No (optional) |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Yes, dual-zone | Yes, dual-zone |
| Upholstery / Electric Seats | Partial cloth + leather Front and rear heated / cooled seats Lumbar support | Leather Front heated seats Lumbar support Massage functions |
| Safety Features | 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, vehicle stability control, hill start assist, hill descent control, blind spot assist, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance, trailer stability assist | 8 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, vehicle stability control, park assist plus, matrix LED headlights with high-beam assist, tyre pressure monitoring. Additional safety features are optional |
Kia Sportage
In a bid to make the 5th-gen Kia Sportage more competitive against highly-specced new rivals (most of which hail from China), Kia has moved the interior execution of the 5th-gen Sportage notably upmarket.
As such, the Sportage (as highlighted in the table above) is generously equipped with standard features with the highlight being its large, curved touchscreen and digital instrument cluster.
GT-Line Plus spec includes a panoramic sunroof, larger 19-inch alloy wheels, reverse-view camera, front and rear heated seats and a comprehensive list of active and passive safety features.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The new Tiguan’s interior has also moved upmarket and a major highlight is the MIB4 operating system paired with a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system (a larger 15-inch system is optional).
In standard guise, the Tiguan R-Line lacks a few key features compared with its Korean rival, such as a panoramic sunroof, reverse-view camera (optional) and wireless charging (optional with the 15-inch infotainment system). The Tiguan, however, hits back with 8 airbags (versus 6 in the Sportage) and tyre-pressure monitoring.
It’s also well worth mentioning that the new sports seats are equipped with a massage function (standard in R-Line guise) – it’s a feature that elevates the Tiguan’s interior comfort considerably.
In terms of feature value, it’s evident that the Sportage pips the Tiguan in terms of the standard kit but the Tiguan’s comparative feature deficit is hardly a deal breaker.
Dimensions and Practicality
| Kia Sportage 1.6TGDi GT Line | Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI R-Line | |
| Length | 4 515 mm | 4 539 mm |
| Width | 1 865 mm | 1 843 mm |
| Height | 1 650 mm | 1 631 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 680 mm | 2 676 mm |
| Ground clearance | 170 mm | 201 mm |
| Load Capacity | 591-1 780 L | 652-1 650 L |
| Towing capacity | 1 650 kg | 1 900 kg |
| Kerb weight | 1 497 kg | 1 384 kg |
Practicality Summary
Both models offer ample rear legroom and passenger comfort is further enhanced with rear ventilated seats in the Sportage GT Line (as highlighted in the feature section of this article).
The new Tiguan does feature a larger load bay (652 litres, which is 37 litres more than the outgoing model) than the Sportage (591 litres). The Sportage, however, offers marginally more utility space (load capacity when its rear seatback is folded down) than its German rival.
Note that the Tiguan also has a higher ground clearance than the Sportage, which is useful if you intend to take your family on gravel-travel adventures, even if only occasionally.
For those families that require moderate towing capability, the Volkswagen trumps its Korean rival in this regard with a towing capacity of 1 900 kg for the front-wheel drive Tiguan, while the upcoming turbodiesel-powered and all-wheel-drive (4Motion) variant will be able to tow 2 300 kg!
Price and warranty
Note that pricing is accurate as of September 2024.
| Kia Sportage | Price | Volkswagen Tiguan | Price | |
| Base | Sportage 1.6CRDi LX Sportage 1.6T-GDi GT Line | R662 995 R738 995 | Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI | R651 500 |
| Mid | Sportage 1.6CRDi EX | R716 995 | Tiguan 1.4TSI Life | R702 800 |
| Tiguan 2.0TDI Life 4Motion | R755 700 | |||
| Top | Sportage 1.6T-GDi GT Line Plus | R766 995 | Tiguan 1.4TSI R-Line | R766 300 |
| Sportage 1.6CRDi GT Line Plus | R790 995 | Tiguan 2.0TDI R-Line 4Motion | R834 800 | |
| Sportage 1.6T-GDi GT Line S | R823 995 | Tiguan 2.0TSI R-Line 4Motion | TBC | |
| Warranty | 5-year / unlimited km | 3-year / 120 000 km | ||
| Service Plan | 6-year / 90 000 | 5-year / 90 000km |
Buy a Kia Sportage on Cars.co.za
Buy a Volkswagen Tiguan on Cars.co.za
Verdict
The Kia Sportage remains a formidable offering in the family-car segment and represents good value, especially in EX, GT Line and GT Line Plus guises. The Sportage is not only a practical family car, but it also strikes a good balance between performance and economy. We recommend the diesel-powered Sportage if you want to maximise value and efficiency over time. It’s worth pointing out that Kia also offers a longer warranty and service plan than Volkswagen, which you should factor into your buying decision.
If your budget isn’t able to stretch to acquiring a new Sportage, we suggest that you browse for a used Sportage on Cars.co.za as there are many worthwhile used (second-hand) options to consider.
With that said, the new Volkswagen Tiguan’s vastly improved cabin and added comfort features are compelling. The 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine punches above its weight/performs better than its outputs suggest, but, as is the case with the Sportage, we suspect that the incoming Tiguan diesel derivative will be the sweet spot in the range. Meanwhile, the detuned 140 kW 2.0TSI R-Line 4Motion, which is due in early 2025, is very likely to deliver good performance, but will come at a premium price (pricing is TBC).
Suffice it to say, the Volkswagen Tiguan is an excellent choice as a used car too and if you’d like to check out the outgoing model, feel free to browse for a used Volkswagen Tiguan on Cars.co.za.
Be sure to also read (and watch) our VW Tiguan Buyer’s Guide!
Will the Kia Sportage be able to defend its Family Car title in the 2025 #CarsAwards? We’ll have to see! The semi-finalists of the Cars.co.za Awards sponsored by Absa were recently announced and both the Sportage 1.6CRDi GT Line and Volkswagen 1.4TSI R-Line are in the running to claim the family car title.
The Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan are excellent choices in the family-car segment and both deserve to be on your family car shortlist! Which one would you pick?