Kia Niro vs Volkswagen Tiguan
What's the difference?

Kia Niro

$28,990 - $54,990

2023 price

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Volkswagen Tiguan

$36,990 - $80,990

2025 price

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Polestar 2 Long Range

Polestar 2 Standard Range

Summary

2023 Kia Niro

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

By Emily Agar

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Fuel Type

Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

7.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Decent driving range
Pleasant interior design
Easy-to-use tech

The driver's mid-size SUV
Straightforward, well-equipped range
Super practical cabin

Dislikes

Rougher ride
Doughy acceleration from a full stop
Expensive compared to rivals

Hybrid? Look elsewhere
One too many touch controls
Ride harsher than expected

2023 Kia Niro Summary

Kia has released the newly updated Niro, which is the smaller and less sporty sibling to Kia’s popular, EV6. As far as EVs go, it has a decent driving range and specs that should entice first-time electric vehicle owners to dip their toes into the EV pool.

However, the updated model does come with a price hike… which might not excite a budget-conscious buyer, especially with such affordable competitors like the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric also available.

I’ve been hanging in it for a week with my family of three to see how it handles!

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2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Summary

The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is likely to be the most important new vehicle Volkswagen launches in 2025.

The popular mid-sizer has proven to have impressive staying power for the brand, with the outgoing version still impressing buyers despite being nearly a decade old.

What does this ground-up new version change? Does it have what it takes to maintain the nameplate’s reputation in one of Australia’s most hotly contested market segments? And what are some surprises this time around?

We went to its local launch to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Kia Niro 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

Verdict

The Kia Niro S Electric is a solid little SUV that has decent space inside and some nice specs, but it's more expensive than its nearest rivals. The EV powertrain can take a little getting used to and I would have liked a smoother ride, but the 460km driving range is good.

For first-time EV owners, this wouldn’t be a bad option if you wanted to dip your toes in the water but it will suit urban dwellers and smaller families, like mine, best. This gets a 7.5/10 from me.

My son wasn’t in love with this one. Not enough buttons for him to press and he did comment on how bumpy the ride was in the back. He gives it a 6.0/10.

Verdict

The new Tiguan is as confident as ever in its identity, even in such a crowded mid-size SUV space where there are so many models worthy of your attention.

No matter which version you choose, this is still the mid-size SUV for a driving enthusiast who doesn’t quite have premium dollars to spend.

While it may not quite expand its appeal as much as the brand hopes precluding a hybrid variant, those who are choosing this as their family hauler for the right reasons won’t be disappointed.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Kia Niro vs Volkswagen Tiguan What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Niro vs Volkswagen Tiguan
What's the difference?