Value for money showdown: jeep cherokee vs vw tiguan – which suv offers the best bang for your buck?
What To Know
- In terms of fuel economy, the Cherokee with the Tigershark engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the V6 engine gets 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
- The Cherokee offers superior off-road capabilities and a more spacious interior, while the Tiguan provides better fuel economy and a more advanced infotainment system.
- Whether you’re seeking an adventure-ready SUV or a comfortable daily driver, the Jeep Cherokee and VW Tiguan offer a compelling blend of capabilities and features.
In the competitive realm of compact SUVs, the Jeep Cherokee and Volkswagen Tiguan stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a blend of ruggedness, comfort, and advanced features. But which one is the right choice for you? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Jeep Cherokee and VW Tiguan, helping you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Jeep Cherokee comes with a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 engine producing 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 engine generating 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque. The Tiguan, on the other hand, offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that delivers 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel economy, the Cherokee with the Tigershark engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the V6 engine gets 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Tiguan, meanwhile, boasts an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Jeep Cherokee is renowned for its legendary off-road prowess. It comes standard with Jeep’s Active Drive I system, which provides all-wheel drive with a 4×4 Low gear ratio for tackling challenging terrains. The available Trailhawk trim further enhances its off-road capabilities with features such as skid plates, a rear locking differential, and an increased ground clearance.
The VW Tiguan, while not as rugged as the Cherokee, still offers decent off-road performance. It comes with an all-wheel drive system called 4Motion, which distributes power between the front and rear wheels as needed. The Tiguan also features an optional off-road mode that adjusts the vehicle’s settings for improved traction on rough surfaces.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Cherokee and Tiguan offer spacious interiors with comfortable seating for five passengers. The Cherokee provides 35.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 54.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Tiguan has a slightly larger cargo capacity of 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 61.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
In terms of comfort, the Cherokee features cloth seats as standard, with leather seats and heated front seats available as options. The Tiguan comes with standard cloth seats, but offers leather seats, heated front and rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof as options.
Safety Features
The Jeep Cherokee and VW Tiguan come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Both vehicles received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features on both models include airbags, stability control, and a rearview camera.
The Cherokee offers additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning as options. The Tiguan, meanwhile, comes standard with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and offers adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring as options.
Technology and Infotainment
The Jeep Cherokee features a user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as voice recognition and navigation. The Tiguan, on the other hand, comes with Volkswagen’s MIB III infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen display. The system also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and a premium Fender audio system as options.
Pricing and Availability
The 2023 Jeep Cherokee has a starting price of $28,995, while the 2023 VW Tiguan has a starting price of $26,490. Both vehicles are available at dealerships nationwide.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The Jeep Cherokee and VW Tiguan are both excellent choices in the compact SUV segment. The Cherokee offers superior off-road capabilities and a more spacious interior, while the Tiguan provides better fuel economy and a more advanced infotainment system. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Final Note
Whether you’re seeking an adventure-ready SUV or a comfortable daily driver, the Jeep Cherokee and VW Tiguan offer a compelling blend of capabilities and features. By carefully considering the key differences outlined in this comparison, you can make an informed decision that will lead you to the perfect SUV for your lifestyle.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which SUV has better off-road capabilities?
A: The Jeep Cherokee has superior off-road capabilities with its standard all-wheel drive system and available Trailhawk trim.
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The VW Tiguan has slightly more cargo space than the Jeep Cherokee, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats compared to the Cherokee’s 35.6 cubic feet.
Q: Which SUV has a better infotainment system?
A: The VW Tiguan has a more advanced infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen display and a premium Fender audio system as an option.