Volkswagen Polo vs Volkswagen Tiguan

What's the difference?

VS
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo

$30,790 - $41,790

2026 price

Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen Tiguan

$36,990 - $80,690

2025 price

Summary

2026 Volkswagen Polo
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 3, 1.0L

Turbo 4, 1.4L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
5.4L/100km (combined)

7.7L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Too expensive, not enough kit for the money
  • Some turbo/DCT lag
  • Firm ride on less-than-smooth roads

  • Hybrid? Look elsewhere
  • One too many touch controls
  • Ride harsher than expected
2026 Volkswagen Polo Summary

The Volkswagen Polo is about to turn 30 in Australia but, by 1996, it was already 21-years and three generations old in Europe.

As the least-expensive jumping-on point for the brand here today (RIP VW Up!), the Polo has deftly juggled affordability with the premium pricing that its German engineering demands.

But, at nine-years old, and in an era of newer, hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) and often cheaper alternatives from China and elsewhere, is the ageing Polo as convincing?

We test the mid-spec CityLife to find out.

View full pricing & specs
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.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Volkswagen Polo 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

Change vehicle