Volkswagen Tayron vs Tiguan: Similarities and differences explained

German carmaker Volkswagen has finally launched the India-spec Tayron R-Line, while customer bookings have already been underway. The new 7-seater SUV sits above the Tiguan in VW’s line-up, becoming the brand’s flagship SUV in India. Akin to the Tiguan, Volkswagen has chosen the top-spec R-Line trim for the Tayron as well. Having said that, let us now look at how these two stack up against each other on the grounds of their shared commonalities and also on aspects that set them apart.

Volkswagen Tayron vs Tiguan: Exterior

Both SUVs get the ‘R-Line’ treatment for the Indian market.

At nearly 4.8 metres in length, the Tayron R-Line is 253mm longer with 109mm more wheelbase than its Tiguan equivalent. It is also taller and wider, though the differences here are marginal. Both models get a sleek grille and angular, Matrix LED headlamps, but the Tayron R-Line’s look more aggressive and sleek. The sporty design of the Tiguan R-Line’s deep front bumper is comparable to the Tayron’s, but the latter’s bigger size makes for a more intimidating stance.

Apart from being longer than the Tiguan, the Tayron has squared-off wheel arches and an extended roofline. Its broader shoulder line adds to the muscular stance. Further differentiating this side profile is a stylish chrome strip that gets thicker towards the rear, though the 19-inch alloy wheels and prominent side skirts look sportier on the Tiguan R-Line. Also, it is the Tiguan that gets the taller roof rails.

While the overall shape of the tail-lamps is similar in both SUVs, the Tayron R-Line’s LEDs are more intricate in their design. Its tailgate is of a slightly different design to the Tiguan’s too, with Volkswagen having tweaked the rear bumper for the Tayron R-Line while also adding a faux diffuser.

Volkswagen Tayron vs Tiguan: Interior and features

Those wanting 7 seats will have to opt for the Tayron.

The biggest difference between the Tayron and Tiguan on the inside is the inclusion of the third-row seats. This adds a layer of practicality to the Tayron R-Line, especially for family buyers wanting a 7-seater option. However, accessing this last row is not easy, and the seats themselves are best reserved for children, as highlighted in our review.

While the Tiguan R-Line uses part-fabric seats, the Tayron’s seats are fully upholstered in leatherette. For the most part, there are no major design changes to the interior of the Tayron over the Tiguan. This means that the two share the same modern-looking dashboard and centre console layout, except that the Tayron’s shrouded dash looks sportier and has satin silver and leatherette trim. There is also a suede-like material on the lower portion of this dashboard and on the doors, which the Tiguan R-Line misses out on.

The Tayron R-Line gets a few extra convenience features over the Tiguan R-Line.

Apart from being heated, the massaging front seats of the Tayron R-Line are electrically powered, ventilated and boast a memory function. VW’s larger 7-seater SUV also gains a powered tailgate with gesture activation, while the Tiguan R-Line’s tailgate has to be manually operated. Common features between the two cars include multi-colour ambient lighting, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, an 11-speaker Harman Kardon rig, a massive 15-inch infotainment head unit and three-zone automatic climate control. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with multiple display modes and wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto are common features, too.

Meanwhile, Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) is offered in the Tayron as well as the Tiguan. This bundles together useful tech such as adaptive cruise control, auto-emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and driver-drowsiness warning into one active safety suite. Standard fitment further includes 9 airbags, a head-up display, hill-hold assist, hill-descent control, electronic stability control and a tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). However, it is only the Tayron R-Line that comes with a surround-view camera system.

Volkswagen Tayron vs Tiguan: Powertrain and prices

Both models get VW’s EA888 turbo-petrol engine.

Under the bonnet of the Tayron R-Line is the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI engine that does duty in the Tiguan R-Line. This EA888 mill makes 204hp and 320Nm of torque and drives all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) transmission. The carmaker claims a top speed of 224kph and a 0-100kph time of 7.3 seconds, making the Tayron R-Line about 0.2 seconds slower to the tonne-mark than its Tiguan counterpart. It also lacks adaptive dampers, which the Tiguan R-Line gets.

The Tayron R-Line costs slightly more than the Tiguan R-Line.

The Tayron R-Line is being assembled locally using CKD (completely knocked down) kits at the brand's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) facility, whereas the Tiguan R-Line is a full import. Despite benefiting from local assembly, and therefore lower attached costs, Volkswagen does not appear to have priced the Tayron R-Line very competitively. In fact, it is actually Rs 1.26 lakh more expensive than its 5-seater Tiguan R-Line sibling, which is priced at Rs 45.73 lakh.

Prices mentioned are ex-showroom.