The compact SUV market is fiercely competitive, and the latest comparison between the redesigned 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan and the updated 2026 Honda CR-V highlights a significant shift. While the CR-V maintains its reputation for practicality and fuel efficiency (especially with its hybrid powertrain), the Tiguan emerges as a compelling alternative, offering superior value, advanced technology, and a more refined design, according to detailed analysis by Edmunds’ automotive experts.
For years, the Honda CR-V has been a cornerstone of the small SUV segment in the United States, lauded for its unwavering reliability, comfortable ride, and practical design. Its consistent popularity makes it a default consideration for many buyers. However, the landscape is constantly evolving, and Volkswagen is making a bold statement with its fully redesigned 2025 Tiguan, positioning it as a significant challenger to the CR-V’s long-held dominance. This isn’t just a minor refresh; the new Tiguan aims to redefine expectations, offering a fresh aesthetic, enhanced technology, and more power—all without a prohibitive price increase.
The latest generation of these two best-selling models brings a host of updates, forcing buyers to weigh traditional strengths against cutting-edge innovations. Automotive experts at Edmunds conducted a thorough comparison to determine which of these popular compact SUVs offers the best choice for today’s discerning consumer.
A Look Back: Evolution of the Tiguan and CR-V
The rivalry between the Volkswagen Tiguan and Honda CR-V is not new. A comparison of the 2020 models highlighted distinct differences that have since informed their evolution. The 2020 Honda CR-V, with its 190 horsepower gasoline engine, demonstrated superior fuel efficiency compared to the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan’s 184 horsepower offering, achieving 8.1 L/100 km combined versus the Tiguan’s 9.8 L/100 km. However, the Tiguan offered a better comprehensive warranty and more cargo space with the rear seats down, while the CR-V boasted a higher NHTSA overall safety rating (5.0 vs 4.0).
These earlier iterations set the stage for the current models. The CR-V continued to emphasize practicality and efficiency, while the Tiguan worked to refine its offerings, particularly in technology and design. The 2025 Tiguan’s redesign and the 2026 CR-V’s updates show both manufacturers responding to consumer demands for more power, better tech, and enhanced safety features, while grappling with the ever-present need for fuel economy.
Performance and Fuel Economy: The CR-V’s Hybrid Edge
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan arrives lighter and more powerful, packing a 201-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. During Edmunds testing, it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 8.7 seconds. While decent, initial throttle response and transmission shifts can feel somewhat sluggish.
In contrast, the 2026 Honda CR-V offers two engine choices. The less expensive models feature a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, while premium versions boast a 204-horsepower hybrid powertrain. The CR-V hybrid proved marginally quicker in testing, reaching 60 mph in 8 seconds. Where the CR-V truly pulls ahead is in fuel efficiency:
- Tiguan FWD: EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined
- Tiguan AWD: 25 mpg combined
- Gas-only CR-V FWD: 30 mpg combined
- Gas-only CR-V AWD: 28 mpg combined
- CR-V Hybrid FWD: 40 mpg combined
- CR-V Hybrid AWD: 37 mpg combined
For buyers prioritizing fuel cost savings and environmental impact, the CR-V’s hybrid option presents an undeniable advantage, making it the clear winner in this category.
Comfort and Cargo Space: A Surprising Tie
The 2025 Tiguan bids farewell to its previously available, albeit small, third-row seat. This decision allows for a more optimized two-row configuration, enhancing overall comfort. The Tiguan’s front seats are designed for long-haul comfort, with an optional massaging function that is a welcome rarity in this class. Rear passengers benefit from ample space, with 6-foot individuals fitting comfortably and enjoying 1.5 inches more headroom than in the CR-V.
The 2026 CR-V, while lacking some of the Tiguan’s premium feature options, provides a highly spacious cabin. Its comfy seats and large windows contribute to an open and airy feel. Rear passengers in the CR-V gain a slight edge in legroom compared to the Tiguan. While final cargo specifications for the new Tiguan are pending, initial assessments suggest its cargo volume behind the rear seats will be slightly less than the gas-only CR-V’s 39.3 cubic feet. Given the balanced offerings in passenger comfort and comparable cargo capabilities, this category is deemed a tie.
Technology and Safety: The Tiguan Takes the Lead
Volkswagen has significantly upgraded the Tiguan’s tech suite for 2025. Standard features include a substantial 12.9-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity and charging. Additionally, VW’s excellent 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is standard, a feature that Honda makes optional on the CR-V. While the Tiguan’s touch-sensitive climate sliders require a learning curve, its large display and intuitive interface contribute to an overall premium feel. The upscale Tiguan SEL further enhances this with an even larger 15-inch touchscreen.
For 2026, Honda has also upgraded the CR-V with a larger 9-inch touchscreen, now featuring standard wireless smartphone connectivity and charging. While easy to use, the Tiguan’s larger screen real estate offers a more immersive experience. Both SUVs come equipped with comprehensive standard driver-assist systems, including lane keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. Although the 2025 Tiguan has yet to be tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2025 Honda CR-V proudly earned a Top Safety Pick award, a testament to its robust safety performance.
Price and Value: Tiguan’s Compelling Proposition
The base 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan S is well-appointed and starts at $31,670, including destination charges. Adding all-wheel drive costs an additional $1,500 for the S, SE, and SE R-Line Black trims. The top-tier SEL R-Line, which comes standard with all-wheel drive, is priced at $41,930.
The gas-only 2026 Honda CR-V LX starts slightly higher at $32,370. For those interested in the hybrid powertrain, the least expensive option is the Sport Hybrid at $37,080. All-wheel drive also costs $1,500 across both gas-only and hybrid lineups, with the top-end Sport Touring Hybrid coming standard with AWD at $43,700. When comparing prices and standard features, the Tiguan presents a stronger value proposition, offering more equipment at a competitive price point, even against the CR-V’s hybrid variants.
The Evolving Compact SUV Market: Broader Context
The competition between the Tiguan and CR-V is part of a larger trend in the compact SUV market, where manufacturers are pushing boundaries in design, technology, and powertrain options. Publications like Car and Driver consistently rank these models among the best, with the 2025 Honda CR-V often taking a top spot (ranked #1 in some lists) and the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan also highly regarded (ranked #3). Other strong contenders like the Mazda CX-50, Toyota RAV4, and Kia Sportage offer their own unique appeals, from sporty dynamics to diverse hybrid options, showcasing the incredible variety available to consumers.
The emphasis on hybrid and plug-in hybrid options across the segment, as seen with the CR-V hybrid and the Toyota RAV4 Prime, reflects a growing consumer demand for fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Meanwhile, models like the Tiguan double down on luxury features and advanced infotainment systems to differentiate themselves.
Edmunds’ Verdict: A Close Race with Clear Strengths
The detailed comparison by Edmunds concludes that the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan narrowly surpasses the 2026 Honda CR-V in overall value. Its refreshed styling, roomier interior (especially in the rear headroom), and advanced standard technology give it a significant edge. The optional massaging seats and larger touchscreens further enhance its appeal as a premium offering in the segment.
However, the Honda CR-V remains a formidable contender, especially for those prioritizing long-term fuel cost savings. Its highly efficient hybrid powertrain is a compelling reason to choose it, offering significantly better combined mpg figures. Ultimately, the choice between these two excellent compact SUVs will hinge on individual priorities: value, tech, and style for the Tiguan, or unparalleled hybrid fuel economy for the CR-V.
