Volkswagen Tiguan (2015) vs. Toyota Highlander (2012) Specs

vs.

◆

2015 Volkswagen Tiguan and 2012 Toyota Highlander Specifications

Model Year	2015	2012
Model	Volkswagen Tiguan	Toyota Highlander
Engine	turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 200 hp@5100 207 lb-ft@1700	3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700
Transmission	6-speed shiftable automatic	5-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD
Body	4dr SUV	4dr SUV
			Difference
Wheelbase	102.5 in	109.8 in	-7.3 in
Length	174.5 in	188.4 in	-13.9 in
Width	71.2 in	75.2 in	-4 in
Height	65.6 in	68.1 in	-2.5 in
Curb Weight	3591 lb.	4266 lb.	-675 lb.
Fuel Capacity	16.8 gal.	19.2 gal.	-2.4 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	39.1 in	40.6 in	-1.5 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	56.2 in	59.7 in	-3.5 in
Hip Room, Row 1	0.0 in	56.7 in	-56.7 in
Legroom, Row 1	40.1 in	43.2 in	-3.1 in
Headroom, Row 2	39.0 in	40.1 in	-1.1 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	55.0 in	59.5 in	-4.5 in
Hip Room, Row 2	0.0 in	56.5 in	-56.5 in
Legroom, Row 2	35.8 in	38.3 in	-2.5 in
Headroom, Row 3	0.0 in	36.3 in	-36.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 3	0.0 in	55.0 in	-55 in
Hip Room, Row 3	0.0 in	42.3 in	-42.3 in
Legroom, Row 3	0.0 in	29.2 in	-29.2 in
Total Legroom	75.9 in (over 2 rows)	110.7 in (over 3 rows)	-34.8 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum	23.8 ft³	10.3 ft³	13.5 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind R2	23.8	42.3 ft³	-18.5
Cargo Volume, Maximum	56.1 ft³	95.4 ft³	-39.3 ft³

2015 Volkswagen Tiguan Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Comment
2014	Based on the specs, the Tiguan suffers from insufficient dimensions. It's 3.6 inches less lengthy than the Escape, and as a result has an inch less legroom. And the Ford falls near the bottom of the segment in this spec. In the real world, though, the Tiguan's rear seat feels roomier and more comfortable than the Escape's and in the ballpark with the class leaders. A relatively large seat bottom is high enough off the floor to provide adults with thigh support. The rear seat back is more comfortably shaped than the compact crossover norm, and reclines. One nit: hard plastic isn't the most comfortable surface for a rear armrest. see full Volkswagen Tiguan review

None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan.

2012 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2013	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Perfect for two car seats. Really neat trick - the middle seat for the 2nd row rolls up into the center console. I did not remove it nor attempt to sit in it but that does make the 3rd row more likely to be used for those with car seats. I did not attempt to sit in the 3rd row (looked at it before folding into the floor for cargo space for the entire trip) so cannot opine on it. Use at your own risk. see full Toyota Highlander review
2012	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	I am 6 foot tall, and there is plenty of head and leg room in the driving position. Easy access as well. see full Toyota Highlander review

2012 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2012	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	3rd row seats are useless to me. Too little room for adults. Should have been an option for families with small children. With 3rd row seating, you lose storage space. see full Toyota Highlander review
2011	4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD	Third row minimal legroom see full Toyota Highlander review

See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs

See TrueDelta's information for all Volkswagen models.