Are you in the market for a classic, compact crossover, with the capability to challenge any competition it goes up against? Then you should take a look at the emerging winner of our comparison of the 2017 VW Tiguan vs 2017 Kia Sportage near Gaithersburg, MD, which will clearly be the Tiguan. If you stop by Pohanka VW of Capitol Heights, you’ll be able to get behind the wheel of the Tiguan as soon as today, so you can experience all of its enhancements for yourself!
The most important part about any vehicle, is what it’s hiding under the hood. You’ll find a 2L 4-cylinder base engine in the Tiguan, which puts out 200 horsepower and expels 207 lb.-ft. of torque. The Kia Sportage carries a 2.4L 4-cylinder base engine, which barely carries its weight with 181 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque. Though the Sportage admittedly does have a better fuel economy of 22/29 MPG city/hwy1 against the Tiguan’s 20/24 MPG city/hwy2, the Tiguan has an amazing 16.9-gallon fuel tank capacity over the Sportage’s mere 16.4-gallon tank, which puts the Volkswagen brand in the lead.
You’ll keep warm during the winter months and cool in the heat of summer, when you select the Tiguan with standard heated/cooled front seats. The Sportage only has this function as optional, meaning you have to spend a little more to get it. Though both the Tiguan and the Sportage boast keyless entry, only the Tiguan comes equipped with a Push-Button Start, which makes it that much more convenient to get going down North Frederick Avenue. You’ll find the leatherette 8-way power-adjustable front seats in the Tiguan extremely comfortable, while the cloth upholstery in the Sportage disappoints, and only has a multi-adjustable driver’s seat available as an added amenity.
The Tiguan allows just a little bit more room above you, with its 67.1-inch high ceiling. In our comparison of the 2017 VW Tiguan vs 2017 Kia Sportage near Gaithersburg, MD, the Sportage falls short with only a 64.4-inch high ceiling, which means it can get a little cramped in there. If you’re worried about speed bumps or any other dips in the road that might compromise the underbelly of your crossover, then opt for the Tiguan, with its 6.9 inches of ground clearance, as opposed to the Sportage’s mere 6.4 inches of space beneath.
If you’re thinking about taking any kind of road trip, or are planning to haul your boat or trailer behind your new crossover, then consider the Sportage’s 2,000-lb. towing capacity3 against the Tiguan’s massive 2,200-lb. towing capacity3. The Tiguan clearly has a huge advantage, being able to haul 200 lbs. more than the Sportage, and still comes out with a smaller gross weight of 4,806 lbs. in competition with the Sportage’s 4,872 lbs. of gross weight.
If you settle for a lesser compact crossover, you’ll regret not being able to indulge in all of the massive capabilities of the 2017 Tiguan. In our comparison of the 2017 VW Tiguan vs 2017 Kia Sportage near Gaithersburg, MD, the Tiguan is the clear winner, and will not disappoint you when you stop into Pohanka VW of Capitol Heights, for a test drive!