Renault Captur vs Volkswagen Tiguan
What's the difference?

Renault Captur

$15,500 - $23,950

2023 price

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Volkswagen Tiguan

$36,990 - $75,990

2025 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2023 Renault Captur

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.3L

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.6L/100km (combined)

7.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Appealing design
Premium cabin
Invigorating driving experience

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

Dislikes

Expensive
Fiddly gear selector
Requires 95 RON premium petrol

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

2023 Renault Captur Summary

One of Renault’s most successful models globally with over 1.5 million sales of the original, the Captur has nevertheless struggled in Australia since its 2015 launch.

Last year, it was Europe’s 11th bestseller outright, outselling stalwarts like the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan. Only the Peugeot 2008 and VW T-Roc were more popular amongst SUVs. In contrast, only 533 found homes over here in 2011.

However, with the largely all-new second-generation Captur launched locally last year now gaining market traction with a 200 per cent-plus sales spike, the 123-year-old brand’s VW T-Cross rival may yet finally fly Down Under.

We take a look at the recently-released RS Line range-topper, to see just how well the Captur shapes up in urban Australia.

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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 Renault Captur 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

Verdict

There’s no denying the Captur RS Line is expensive.

But it’s also sophisticated, cultured, comfy, friendly and fun, possessing a quality and capability normally expected – but rarely delivered as roundly – in more premium-branded small SUVs. Seen in this light, the Renault’s value is relative.

Better still, if the price is just too rich for you, there are three cheaper grades offering equal promise. Which is why the charming Captur deserves to succeed in Australia.

$40,800 before on-road costs

Based on new car retail price

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.

Renault Captur vs Volkswagen Tiguan What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Renault Captur vs Volkswagen Tiguan
What's the difference?