2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Review

Picture of the 2025 Ford Explorer

2025 Ford
Explorer

MSRP*: $40,050 to $56,770
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Picture of the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

2025 Volkswagen
Tiguan

MSRP*: $29,495 to $39,755
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MPG - City 18 - 20 MPG 22 - 23 MPG
MPG - Hwy 25 - 29 MPG 29 - 30 MPG
Seating Capacity 6 - 7 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space Info not available 58.9 ft3
Engine
  • 300-hp, 2.3-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 400-hp, 3.0-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 201-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain Four Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 300 - 400 hp 201 hp
Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs 1,500 - 1,800 lbs
Exterior Length 198.8 in 184.4 in
Exterior Width 78.9 in 73.0 in
Leg Room Front 42.9 - 43.0 in
Rear 38.3 - 39.0 in
Front 40.2 in
Rear 40.2 in
Head Room Front 38.9 - 40.7 in
Rear 38.2 - 40.5 in
Front 38.2 - 39.5 in
Rear 38.4 - 39.7 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
The Ford Explorer offers rear passengers about the same room to stretch out as the Volkswagen Tiguan, with comparable head- and legroom. The Ford Explorer will be popular with taller drivers and passengers in the front seat, due to its greater front head- and legroom than the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Ford Explorer as you will with the Volkswagen Tiguan, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Ford Explorer will definitely make more of a dent in your wallet than the Volkswagen Tiguan, which has a much lower MSRP.

Dimensions
Since the Ford Explorer is much wider than the Volkswagen Tiguan, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. If you go with the Ford Explorer, you may be circling the block looking for a space large enough to park more often than with the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Ford Explorer is clearly the choice over the Volkswagen Tiguan for pulling heavy loads. When it comes to horsepower, the Ford Explorer greatly out-muscles the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Powertrain
Due to its much higher torque, the Ford Explorer does a much better job of transmitting its engine's horsepower to its wheels than the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Utility
The Ford Explorer offers greater seating capacity than the Volkswagen Tiguan, making it a better choice for those who find themselves chauffeuring others around.