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Dimensions

On paper, the Tayron is the bigger brother. It measures 4.77 meters in length, making it 22 centimeters longer than the Tiguan, which remains just a bit more compact at 4.54 meters. The wheelbase of the Tayron is also longer, measuring 2.79 meters versus 2.68 meters on the Tiguan. This translates directly into more interior space, especially at the very rear. Those who regularly carry a lot of luggage already have a decent 652 liters at their disposal in the Tiguan, which decreases to 490 liters in the plug-in hybrid version – the eHybrid. The Tayron takes that up a notch and offers 885 liters, or 705 liters in the plug-in hybrid variant. Within the Volkswagen Group, there is really only one SUV that offers just a bit more luggage space: the Skoda Kodiaq, with around 900 liters.

Seven-seater SUV

Yet the Tayron is not just about luggage space. Volkswagen also offers the option of a third row of seats, turning the SUV into a seven-seater. Useful for families with more than three children. The third row of seats is not suitable for adults. The legroom is really geared toward children.

Friendly vs. tough

In terms of design, at first glance the Tiguan and Tayron do not seem vastly different. Volkswagen claims that hardly any sheet metal is shared, but you have to look closely to see the differences. The Tiguan has been given a rounder and friendlier appearance compared to the previous generation Tiguan, while the Tayron has some tighter lines reminiscent of that previous Tiguan. The angular wheel arches in particular give the Tayron a more robust look, making it look just a bit tougher than the Tiguan.

Interior

Inside, it becomes an even greater challenge to spot the differences. This is because the interior of the Tayron and Tiguan are identical. This is not surprising, as Volkswagen is obviously not going to invest millions in developing a completely new interior when they have already developed one for the Tiguan. Both models have a large reclining touchscreen in the center. Volkswagen has got the software right by now, so it runs smoothly. A nice touch is that the physical buttons on the steering wheel are back with Volkswagen. The previous generation had touch controls on the steering wheel and that didn’t exactly prove a success. Now, fortunately, you can press a button the old-fashioned way without accidentally turning the volume to tinnitus mode.

engines

Even under the hood, the differences are minor. Both models are on the MQB Evo platform and share the same powertrains. Volkswagen offers a choice of a 1.5 eTSI mild hybrid, available in the Tiguan with 95 or 110 kW (130 or 150 hp), while the Tayron only gets the 150 hp version. There are also the plug-in hybrid versions, which deliver 150 or 200 kW (204 or 272 hp). In the Netherlands, the plug-in hybrid will undoubtedly be the most popular version, as it has favorable CO2 emissions and is therefore more financially attractive. The range on electricity is also nice for the wallet, because in the Netherlands, thanks to a true range of 100 kilometers (130 km WLTP), you can take almost all your trips with the Tiguan and Tayron PHEV on electricity. Anyone with a charging station at home can therefore drive miles very economically.

Driving experience

Another reason to choose the PHEV versions is the chassis: the plug-in hybrids of the Tiguan and Tayron get adaptive chassis as standard. Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is what they call it at Volkswagen. This allows you to adjust the driving experience to your liking. In comfort mode, the suspension absorbs bumps effortlessly, while sport mode puts the car just a bit tighter on the road and you can take a turn without feeling like you’re driving a ship.

Behind the wheel, the Tiguan feels just a bit more agile than the Tayron, simply because it is more compact and lighter. Due to its larger size, the Tayron feels a little more logical as a long-distance travel car, although of course the Tiguan is no small boy either. The difference in handling is not huge, but if you do a lot of city driving, the Tiguan’s smaller turning radius can be an advantage.

Tiguan and Tayron prices

In terms of price, however, there is a marked difference between the two. The entry-level version of the Tiguan (130-hp mild hybrid) starts at 46,990 euros, while the 150-hp mild hybrid Tayron costs 57,490 euros. For the plug-in hybrid versions, however, prices are close together. The Tiguan eHybrid with 204 hp starts at 49,990 euros, while the Tayron eHybrid with the same engine costs 52,490 euros. So the extra space and standard equipment of the Tayron come with a price tag, but one that we are happy to pay. For 2,500 euros, you simply get considerably more space in the Tayron. Note that the Tayron PHEV does not come as a seven-seater, as the battery pack takes up too much space for that.

So what the best choice is depends mainly on your needs. Do you have a large family or simply need more space? Then the Tayron is a logical choice. But if you don’t necessarily need that extra space and prefer to drive something more compact and agile, then the Tiguan is an excellent choice. But don’t forget that Skoda has the Kodiaq in the showroom for less money. In the video, we tell you more: