Skoda Karoq vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Which is bigger?

It’s no surprise that the Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan are quite similar in size, given they both hail from the Volkswagen Group and share numerous mechanical components. The Tiguan is slightly longer at just shy of 451cm compared to the Karoq’s 439cm. It’s also wider by about a centimetre and taller by 7cm.

A silver Skoda Karoq SUV parked on a dirt road with a scenic mountain backdrop. The car has black alloy wheels, a roof rack, and a modern, sleek design.

Skoda Karoq

A white Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line SUV parked on a dirt road with a scenic mountain backdrop. The car has black alloy wheels, a roof rack, and a modern, sleek design.

Volkswagen Tiguan

 

What Does This Mean for You?

The extra length and height of the Tiguan might give it an edge in offering more interior space, but the Karoq is still plenty roomy for most families. Whether you need extra headroom or legroom, both vehicles provide adequate space for comfortable family trips.

Skoda Karoq vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Interior and Tech

When it comes to interior quality and tech features, both SUVs perform admirably. The Tiguan has a slightly more premium feel, both in terms of materials and design. Both cars feature a stylish and easy-to-use touchscreen infotainment system in the middle of the dashboard. The switches and dials in both cars are well-placed and have a solid, reassuring feel.

The Tech Factor

Whether you opt for the Karoq or the Tiguan, you’ll enjoy a user-friendly tech interface. However, if you lean towards a more luxurious experience, the Tiguan might have a slight advantage.

 

The interior of a Skoda Karoq SUV. The car features a black dashboard with a large central touchscreen display, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and comfortable-looking front seats. The view outside the windshield shows a rural landscape with rolling hills and green fields.

Skoda Karoq

The interior of a Volkswagen Tiguan. The car features a black dashboard with a large central touchscreen display, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and comfortable-looking front seats. The view outside the windshield shows a rural landscape with rolling hills and green fields.

Volkswagen Tiguan

 

Skoda Karoq vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Which is more practical?

Both the Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan are spacious inside and can comfortably seat five adults. Headroom and legroom are generous in both vehicles, with the Tiguan offering slightly more space to stretch out. Higher-spec Karoqs allow you to slide the rear seats forward to maximise boot space, but this feature is standard in the Tiguan.

Clever Storage Solutions

The Skoda Karoq excels in interior storage, featuring a lidded compartment on the dashboard, large door pockets, foldable tables on the front-seat backrests, and a storage bin between the front seats. Unique features include an ice scraper stored in the fuel filler flap and an umbrella under the passenger seat. The Tiguan offers a foldable front passenger seat allowing for longer items in the boot.

 

The backseat of a Skoda Karoq SUV. The seats are upholstered in black leather with diamond stitching and are split-folding. The headrests are adjustable and there are door pockets with cup holders.

Skoda Karoq

The backseat of a Volkswagen Tiguan with black leather seats and diamond stitching. The seats are reclined and there is a large panoramic sunroof above, allowing for natural light to enter the cabin.

Volkswagen Tiguan

 

Skoda Karoq vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Which has the larger boot?

The boot space in both models is nearly identical, with the Skoda Karoq offering 521 litres compared to the Tiguan’s 520 litres. The Tiguan eHybrid’s boot space dips to 476 litres due to the electric motor’s battery pack. Both models allow you to slide the back seats forward to prioritise either luggage or legroom. The Tiguan’s rear seats fold down in a 40/20/40 split for extra versatility, while some Karoq models feature a 60/40 split.

Maximising Storage

If you need to transport larger items frequently, the Tiguan with 

its 40/20/40 split rear seats might offer better flexibility. However, both models provide excellent boot space that can adapt to various needs.

 

The boot of a red Skoda Karoq SUV. The trunk is empty and has a carpeted floor. The rear seats are folded down to create a flat loading area.

Skoda Karoq

 

The boot of a dark green Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. The rear seats are folded down to create a large, flat loading space. The taillights are visible in the background.

Volkswagen Tiguan

 

Skoda Karoq vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Which is the better drive?

Both the Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan prioritise comfort over sportiness. The Karoq’s high driving position and quiet interior make it a relaxing vehicle for short errands or long journeys. The ride quality remains comfortable even with larger alloy wheels. Engine options include a mix of petrol and diesel, offering a balance of performance and fuel economy.

The Tiguan offers a similar driving experience. The R-Line trim adds sharper steering and stiffer suspension for a hint of sportiness. The Tiguan R is a dedicated performance model with more power and enhanced driving dynamics, making it feel more like a hot hatch than an SUV.

Comfort vs Performance

If comfort is your primary concern, either vehicle will serve you well. For those seeking a touch of sportiness, the Tiguan R-Line or Tiguan R offers a more engaging drive.

 

A white Skoda Karoq SUV parked on a dirt road with a scenic mountain backdrop. The rear of the car is visible, showing the taillights, rear spoiler, roof rack, and black alloy wheels. The license plate reads "KY22 VNE"

Skoda Karoq

A silver Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line SUV parked on a dirt road with a field of grass in the background. The rear of the car is visible, showing the taillights, rear spoiler, and black alloy wheels. The license plate reads "T2 VYB"

Volkswagen Tiguan

 

Skoda Karoq vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Which costs more to run?

Purchase prices for the Skoda Karoq tend to be lower than those for the Volkswagen Tiguan, reflecting the Tiguan’s more premium status. Running costs for both models are similar as they share several engines. The performance-focused Tiguan R sacrifices fuel economy for power. Petrol Tiguan models can achieve up to 46.3mpg, while diesel models promise up to 55.4mpg. In comparison, petrol Karoqs offer up to 48.6mpg, and diesel versions up to 59.4mpg.

The Tiguan also offers a plug-in hybrid version called the eHybrid, with a battery range of up to 30 miles per charge. While it costs more upfront, it can save on fuel costs for short trips. However, depleting the battery and relying on the engine reduces its fuel efficiency.

Financial Considerations

If upfront cost and long-term savings are your priorities, the Skoda Karoq might be the better option. However, if you’re interested in hybrid technology and potential fuel savings, consider the Tiguan eHybrid.

Safety and Reliability

Both Skoda and Volkswagen are known for their reliability, with both brands typically ranking mid-pack among other manufacturers. Each vehicle comes with a three-year warranty, covering unlimited mileage for the first two years and up to 60,000 miles for the third year. Both the Karoq and Tiguan have been tested by Euro NCAP and awarded the maximum five stars.

Safety Features

Both SUVs come equipped with the latest safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. You can feel confident that both vehicles offer excellent safety standards.

 

A white Skoda Karoq SUV driving down a winding road in a rural landscape. The car has a modern and sleek design with black accents and alloy wheels. The license plate reads "KY22 VNE".

Skoda Karoq

 

A white Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line SUV driving down a winding road in a rural landscape. The car has a sporty design with black accents and alloy wheels. The license plate reads "T2 VWN".

Volkswagen Tiguan

 

Dimensions

Here are the key dimensions for both vehicles:

Skoda Karoq

  • Length: 4,390mm
  • Width (including door mirrors): 2,025mm
  • Height: 1,603mm
  • Boot space: 521 litres

Volkswagen Tiguan

  • Length: 4,509mm
  • Width (including door mirrors): 2,099mm
  • Height: 1,675mm
  • Boot space: 520 litres

While the differences in dimensions are slight, they might influence your decision based on your specific needs for space and storage.

Verdict

 

A white Skoda Karoq SUV parked on a dirt road with a scenic mountain backdrop. The front of the car is visible, showing the headlights, grille, and license plate "KY22 VNE".

The Winner: Skoda Karoq

This was a close call, as both the Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan share many features and benefits. The Tiguan stands out with its more premium feel, additional performance options, and hybrid variant. However, the Skoda Karoq offers better value for money and extra practicality features.

Unless you seek a sportier driving experience or the benefits of a plug-in hybrid, the Skoda Karoq is our recommendation. That said, you can’t go wrong with either choice, as both are excellent mid-size family SUVs.

For more insights on choosing the right car, check out our complete buying guide and safe buying advice. If you’re considering financing options, read our guide to getting a used car on finance.

Explore more about the Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan at MOTORS, where you can find a range of used cars to suit your needs.