Which SUV should I buy: Volkswagen Tiguan vs Skoda Kodiaq

The Kodiaq engine feels more eager and responsive at low revs. The Tiguan needs to be revved a bit more.

BHPian urban legend recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I have been having a dilemma choosing between the Tiguan vs Kodiaq.

I did a longish back to back test drive of both today morning. Over bad roads, narrow alleys and a highway like run on the Worli sea face. Here are my observations:

• The Tiguan is much more easier to drive in the city. Visibility is much better too. The Kodiaq is definitely more difficult to drive, especially in traffic and while parking. Park Assist works only in ideal situations.
• In the Tiguan, I reduced the tyre pressure from the standard 36 to 32 psi and then the ride quality became much better. It’s still not soft but not jarring and totally acceptable. At speed, the car is nimble and corners like a car. The ride quality in the Kodiaq in comfort mode is awesome. In Sport mode it handles really well too. But not as agile as the Tiguan.
• But the cost of replacing those adjustable dampers is going to be really high and they are not covered under warranty or any service package. Unlike regular dampers which last at least 50-60000 kms, these might give in sooner. Can someone shed more light on this ?
• The Kodiaq engine feels more eager and responsive at low revs. The Tiguan needs to be revved a bit more.
• The interior quality of the Kodiaq is better than the Tiguan. The Tiguan itself has good interiors with a long list of features at par with entry level luxury cars except the BMW X1 which is not that great. Black interiors work for me.
• On paper the the Tiguan has 200 mm vs the Kodiaq’s 192 mm of ground clearance. But a few You Tube videos say the Kodiaq is a better off roader. Maybe others can clarify.
• The rear seat space for two adults seems similar in both. I couldn’t test it with three adults.
• The additional features and bigger boot space might justify the price difference but in the Style variant only. It’s around 4 lakhs more than the Tiguan. The L&K is way too expensive. But if price is not an issue and the usage is not mostly in congested city traffic, the kodiaq L&K is the model to go for. It seems most of the bookings are for the L&K version.
• The resale value of the Kodiaq will most likely be better than the Tiguan.

I was really tempted to book the Kodiaq Style. But because I drive myself always and most of my usage is in the city with highway runs having only four passengers on board, I am going ahead with the Tiguan. To me it’s the perfect blend of a daily drive , family car and fun to drive tourer with all the features and luxury one needs.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Here's what BHPian sunikkat had to say about the matter:

If in your place even I would have gone for Tiguan, mainly because I do not need the additional space. Also the Tiguan will be more agile than the Kodiaq. I really loved the exterior and interiors of Tiguan, though Kodiaq is equally good too. Lack of features in Tiguan is not a deal breaker for me either.

However Skoda is more consistent with their models in India than VW. Other than the Fabia, they have not stopped any of their regular models in India. But VW has the history of phasing out a lot of products - Jetta, Passat etc.

Here's what BHPian EaurougeatSpa had to say on the matter:

I just posted about my experience on the VW Tiguan page. I reached a similar conclusion as you as my requirements are quite similar too. The extra features in the Kodiaq are not a deal breaker for me especially given that the L&K variant is going to be 7-8 lakhs more than the Tiguan.

It drives well, is safe has mostly everything I need although I do feel a little shortchanged by VW, but I can live with it as the quality of whatever has been offered is really top notch.

Here's what BHPian solaris007 had to say on the matter:

Even I have been grappling with the same Tiguan vs Kodiaq question. However, if you compare the Tiguan Elegance variant with the Kodiaq Sportline - for just an additional 4L ex-showroom you get:

• Much better Canton audio system: No contest here. I am not an audiophile but the Tiguan sounds very bland in comparison - a deal breaker for me. In terms of rating, I would give the Kodiaq - 8.5/10 and the Tiguan - 5/10.
• More premium black Alcantara interiors: The Tiguan's interiors are ok for a 38L+ car but the Sportline's interiors makes you feel special when you sit inside.
• Beautiful alloy wheels: Sorry the Tiguan's alloys are just another deal breaker for me - huge eyesore. It is no surprise that most of VWs product brochures/images show the sweet R-line alloys instead. The Sportline's alloys are something special.
• Optional 7 seats: Which you can transform into a larger boot when not required.
• Slightly bigger size: Keep in mind that the 7-seater Kodiaq is just 20cm longer than the 5-seater Tiguan. I have test driven both and while the Tiguan does "feel" lighter, there really is not much difference in city conditions. Both are big cars and both have to be driven with care.
• More creature comforts: To name a few - wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, much better ambient lighting, passenger side electrically adjustable seats with memory (manual passenger seats on a 38L+ car is blasphemy).
• Higher safety: 9 airbags on the Kodiaq vs 6 on the Tiguan.
• Higher resale value: Remains to be seen, but I really doubt the watered down petrol Tiguan will hold its value better than an equipped-to-the-gills Kodiaq.

Are the above differences worth the 4L extra? For me, absolutely! This is a car that will be with you for the next 5-6 years - the cost difference impact will just be <75K/year.

The Tiguan is a good car but not at 38L+ on road when you consider the competition and the numerous feature deletions.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.