Honda Pilot Vs Vw Tiguan: Uncovering The Best Suv For Adventure And Comfort

When it comes to choosing a three-row SUV, two popular options that often come to mind are the Honda Pilot and the VW Tiguan. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, versatile seating configurations, and a range of features that make them ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. However, there are also key differences between these two SUVs that may influence your decision. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the details of the Honda Pilot vs. VW Tiguan, examining their performance, features, comfort, safety, and more, to help you make an informed choice.

Performance and Efficiency:

1. Engine Options and Power:

• Honda Pilot: The Pilot offers two engine options: a 3.5L V6 engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L V6 engine with a hybrid system that produces a combined 322 horsepower and 367 lb-ft of torque.
• VW Tiguan: The Tiguan comes with a single engine option: a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.

2. Fuel Efficiency:

• Honda Pilot: With the 3.5L V6 engine, the Pilot achieves an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The hybrid version offers improved fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
• VW Tiguan: The Tiguan delivers an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, making it more fuel-efficient than the Pilot with the 3.5L V6 engine.

Interior and Comfort:

1. Seating and Cargo Space:

• Honda Pilot: The Pilot provides seating for up to eight passengers with three rows of seats. It offers ample cargo space, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 83.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.
• VW Tiguan: The Tiguan offers seating for up to seven passengers with three rows of seats. It has a smaller cargo capacity compared to the Pilot, with 12 cubic feet behind the third row, 37.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 73.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

2. Comfort and Convenience Features:

• Honda Pilot: The Pilot comes standard with features like tri-zone automatic climate control, a 5-inch touchscreen display, and a rearview camera. Higher trims offer upgrades such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free tailgate.
• VW Tiguan: The Tiguan also features tri-zone automatic climate control and a rearview camera as standard. It offers options like a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, a digital instrument cluster, and a premium audio system.

Safety and Driver Assistance:

1. Safety Features:

• Honda Pilot: The Pilot comes standard with a suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control. It also offers available features like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
• VW Tiguan: The Tiguan also offers a range of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control. Available safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist.

2. Crash Test Ratings:

• Honda Pilot: The Pilot has received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
• VW Tiguan: The Tiguan has also earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS.

Technology and Infotainment:

1. Infotainment Systems:

• Honda Pilot: The Pilot comes standard with a 5-inch touchscreen display and a four-speaker audio system. Higher trims offer upgrades like an 8-inch touchscreen, a premium audio system, and navigation.
• VW Tiguan: The Tiguan features a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen display and a six-speaker audio system. Available upgrades include an 8-inch touchscreen, a premium audio system, and navigation.

2. Connectivity and Convenience:

• Honda Pilot: The Pilot offers Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and an auxiliary input jack as standard. It also offers available features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
• VW Tiguan: The Tiguan also comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity, USB and auxiliary inputs, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It offers additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and a wireless charging pad.

Takeaways:

The Honda Pilot and VW Tiguan are both capable three-row SUVs with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Pilot offers more powerful engine options, a more spacious interior, and better fuel efficiency with the hybrid version. The Tiguan, on the other hand, has a more fuel-efficient standard engine, a smaller size that may be easier to maneuver in tight spaces, and a more affordable price point. Ultimately, the choice between these two SUVs depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Which SUV has a more powerful engine?

• The Honda Pilot offers more powerful engine options, with the 3.5L V6 producing 280 horsepower and the hybrid system delivering 322 horsepower.

2. Which SUV has a more spacious interior?

• The Honda Pilot has a more spacious interior, with more seating and cargo space compared to the VW Tiguan.

3. Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?

• The VW Tiguan is more fuel-efficient with its standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine compared to the Honda Pilot’s 3.5L V6 engine. However, the Pilot’s hybrid version offers improved fuel economy.

4. Which SUV has a higher safety rating?

• Both the Honda Pilot and VW Tiguan have received 5-star overall safety ratings from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ designations from IIHS, indicating similar safety performance.

5. Which SUV has a better infotainment system?

• The Honda Pilot and VW Tiguan offer similar infotainment systems with standard touchscreen displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration. However, the Pilot offers a larger touchscreen and more available features in higher trims.