These Two Suvs Have Major Differences: Ford Explorer Vs. Vw Tiguan

What To Know

In the realm of sport utility vehicles (SUVs), the Ford Explorer and the VW Tiguan stand out as two formidable contenders, each offering a unique blend of performance, versatility, and style.
The Explorer offers a range of comfort and convenience features, including heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free liftgate, and a 10.
The Tiguan provides a comfortable and well-equipped cabin with features such as heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Volkswagen’s MIB3 interface.

In the realm of sport utility vehicles (SUVs), the Ford Explorer and the VW Tiguan stand out as two formidable contenders, each offering a unique blend of performance, versatility, and style. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of these two automotive powerhouses, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and distinctive features to help you make an informed decision when choosing your next SUV.

Performance Prowess

1. Engine Options and Power Delivery:

Ford Explorer: The Explorer boasts a range of engine options, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6, and a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6. Power outputs vary from 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque to 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.

VW Tiguan: The Tiguan offers two engine choices: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 4Motion all-wheel drive. The base engine generates 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the upgraded version produces 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

2. Fuel Efficiency and Range:

Ford Explorer: Fuel economy estimates for the Explorer vary depending on the engine option and drivetrain. The most efficient configuration, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost with rear-wheel drive, achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The 3.0-liter EcoBoost with all-wheel drive delivers 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

VW Tiguan: The Tiguan offers impressive fuel efficiency, with the base engine returning an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive version achieves 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

Interior Space and Comfort

1. Passenger and Cargo Capacity:

Ford Explorer: The Explorer provides ample seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. Behind the third row, it offers 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down.

VW Tiguan: The Tiguan accommodates five passengers in two rows. With the rear seats up, it offers 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 73.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

2. Comfort and Convenience Features:

Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers a range of comfort and convenience features, including heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free liftgate, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Ford’s SYNC 4A interface.

VW Tiguan: The Tiguan provides a comfortable and well-equipped cabin with features such as heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Volkswagen’s MIB3 interface.

Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies

1. Standard and Optional Safety Features:

Ford Explorer: The Explorer comes standard with a suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features include adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

VW Tiguan: The Tiguan offers a comprehensive range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. Optional features include adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and a surround-view camera system.

Off-Road Capabilities

1. Terrain Management Systems:

Ford Explorer: The Explorer features an advanced terrain management system with seven selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, Trail, Sand, Slippery, Tow/Haul, and Eco. These modes adjust the vehicle’s powertrain, suspension, and traction control systems to optimize performance on various surfaces.

VW Tiguan: The Tiguan offers a 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with Active Control, which automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels to enhance traction and stability on slippery or uneven surfaces. However, it lacks dedicated off-road drive modes like the Explorer.

Towing and Payload Capacity

1. Towing and Payload Ratings:

Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers impressive towing and payload capacities. Properly equipped models can tow up to 5,600 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,800 pounds.

VW Tiguan: The Tiguan has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,225 pounds. While these figures are lower than the Explorer’s, the Tiguan is still capable of handling light towing and hauling tasks.

Pricing and Value Proposition

1. Starting Prices and Trim Levels:

Ford Explorer: The Explorer has a starting price of $33,245 for the base XLT trim level. It offers a range of trim levels, including the Limited, Timberline, King Ranch, and Platinum, with prices ranging up to $63,645.

VW Tiguan: The Tiguan has a starting price of $26,495 for the base S trim level. It also offers a variety of trim levels, including the SE, SEL, SEL Premium R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line Black, with prices ranging up to $41,295.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV for Your Needs

The Ford Explorer and VW Tiguan are both compelling SUV options with unique strengths and characteristics. The Explorer offers more powerful engine options, greater towing and payload capacities, and a more advanced terrain management system for off-road enthusiasts. However, it has a higher starting price and lower fuel efficiency compared to the Tiguan.

The VW Tiguan, on the other hand, provides excellent fuel efficiency, a comfortable and well-equipped interior, and a range of safety and driver assistance technologies. It is also more affordable than the Explorer. However, it has less powerful engine options, lower towing and payload capacities, and lacks dedicated off-road drive modes.

Ultimately, the choice between the Ford Explorer and VW Tiguan depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. If you prioritize power, towing capability, and off-road performance, the Explorer is a strong contender. If you seek fuel efficiency, affordability, and a comfortable daily driver, the Tiguan is a compelling option.