There are numerous reasons to purchase a new compact SUV. The majority of late-model SUVs are spacious, fuel-efficient, loaded with safety and infotainment technologies, that make some midsize SUVs seem bloated and over-priced. Two of the best current crop are the 2020 Honda CR-V and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan.

Both of these SUVs are fairly recent, the CR-V especially with considerable fresh upgrades along with a new version, which explains why they can be equipped with the latest is active safety features. Two powerful turbocharged engines are the cherry on the sundae.  

Both vehicle rely on turbocharging. The Honda CR-V’s engine is a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder unit which delivers 190 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft of torque. By contrast, the Volkswagen Tiguan has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder which develops 184 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque. Despite the displacement differences and transmissions, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for Honda and an 8-speed automatic for VW, combined average fuel consumption for both is on par at 8.1L/100km, when set up with the optional AWD system. That said, the 2020 Honda CR-V has the advantage when it comes to fuel economy in the city.

The 2020 Honda CR-V looks compact on the outside, but it remains extremely spacious. Despite a shorter wheelbase than the Volkswagen, the Honda’s trunk capacity is rated at an impressive 1,110 litres compared to 1,065 liters. Seating and interior space are superior in the CR-V.   

Both SUVs are well-equipped from the most basic trims with standard 7-inch (6.5-inches in the VW) touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a number of other infotainment technologies. That said, the 2020 CR-V gets a range of advanced safety technologies right off the bat while the Volkswagen Tiguan doesn’t.

Features that come standard in the 2020 Honda CR-V include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and prevention, and lane departure mitigation as well as automatic braking. These features are available in the Tiguan, but you will pay a lot more for them.

There’s another major difference between the two SUVs and that’s the fact that the CR-V is a Honda. A Honda product is a promise of durability, reliability and a very cost-efficient ownership experience.