Buying used: Ford Kuga v Volkswagen Tiguan

Used SUVs with a bit of flair – but which has substance as well as style?
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Graham Scott|Whatcar1 August 2017

It’s a commonplace observation that family-sized SUVs are a commonplace sight on our roads. So that’s a boring start to a test, but we’re aiming to warm things up by focusing on a couple of SUVs that you can buy used which are a notch up from the commonplace. The Ford Kuga is certainly a looker while the VW Tiguan looks the classier of the two. But which of these would make you smile even more as you take the children to school for their foreign trip, or take the dog to the kennels?

Both vehicles come with 2.0-litre diesels but the more powerful Ford unit feels the friskier of the two by a margin. Despite the fact that both engines have the same torque figure, it’s the Ford that feels quicker and more responsive throughout the rev range. There’s a useful midrange shove that makes overtaking a relaxing affair, whereas in the Tiguan it’s all remorselessly linear, meaning you need more revs to really get a wiggle on. It does deliver a decent performance, it’s just overshadowed by the Kuga.

There’s the same ‘good, but’ quality to the VW’s handling too. It’s not bad at all, and you do get a fairly refined performance, but it certainly isn’t involving. And it is in the Ford. The Kuga handles in a far sportier manner, and even gives you some feedback, which is a mercy. Add in a pretty comfortable ride, and you’re definitely ahead so far in the Ford.

However, to achieve all this you have to put up with a fair amount of racket, mostly from wind and road noise – and it’s here where the VW starts to make ground back up, with a far quieter and more serene experience on the motorway.

The Tiguan makes up more ground when you get inside. The cabin is well made as you’d expect although, compared to the most recent VW Group cabins, this first generation Tiguan can seem just a trifle disappointing. But taken as itself, it’s a fine place to sit, particularly as you have tons of room up front, in the rear and in the sensibly-shaped boot.

This is where the Ford loses ground, with a distinct shortage of rear room for everything from heads to legs. The boot is a bit small, there’s no sliding rear bench seat as there is in the VW, and generally those in the rear are not going to be chuffed over any distance.

The Ford, as you’d expect, is the cheaper vehicle, and will be cheaper to repair if it goes wrong- and it’s a bit less likely to malfunction than the VW. The Kuga will use a bit more fuel, and consequently will cost £35 more a year in tax, but the sums either way aren’t huge.

If you’re looking to buy a used SUV that can accommodate the family, your personal driving thrills are probably a bit further down the agenda. You need a practical, spacious vehicle that’s safe and easy and accommodating. So that’s the VW Tiguan then. It’s not a thrill to drive or look at, but it’s the sensible all-rounder.

Which makes it all a bit more commonplace, the quality we were trying to get away from. But there’s no getting away from what a complete package the Volkswagen Tiguan is. The Ford Kuga, by contrast, looks more fun, is more fun to drive and generally promises a fun-filled experience. But that promise isn’t really backed up by the more mundane demands of every day. The lack of space is impossible to overlook, as is the racket you listen to when driving.

Nope, since they’re about the same price we’re going for the commonplace every time, out here in the real world. It’s a solid win for the VW Tiguan.

Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 140 Bluemotion Tech SE 4WD (4 stars)

Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price when new £25,645
Price today £9000
Power 138bhp
Torque 236lb ft
0-60mph 10.2sec
Top speed 116mph
Fuel economy 48.7mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 150g/km

Specifications: Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 163 Titanium 4WD (3 stars)

Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price when new £25,645
Price today £8500
Power 160bhp
Torque 236lb ft
0-60mph 9.3sec
Top speed 121mph
Fuel economy 47.1mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 159g/km

Price today is based on a 2011 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing

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