2023 VW Tiguan vs VW Atlas: differences, specs and price

2023 VW Tiguan vs VW Atlas: differences, specs and price

If you're looking for a rugged and powerful SUV for you and your family, this head-to-head between the Tiguan vs Atlas will help you find what you need.

Complexe VW, your Volkswagen dealer in Laval on the North Shore of Montreal, located near Blainville and Boisbriand, helps you choose the vehicle that is right for you.

Take advantage of great promotions and personalized Volkswagen financing with your VW Canada dealer.


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VW Tiguan vs VW Atlas: What are their main differences?

First things first: the Tiguan vs Atlas are not competing in the same category. The larger Atlas is a mid-size SUV while the Tiguan is a compact SUV.

The Atlas is a 7-seat SUV while the latter has 5 seats. The Tiguan can seat up to 7 passengers with an optional package, but it comes at the cost of smaller cargo space.

three quarter front view of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

2022 Volkswagen Atlas

three quarter front view of the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

Both SUVs can comfortably seat a large family, but the three-row version of the Tiguan is less suitable for tall children. However, the 2-row Tiguan is very spacious and suitable for all.

Apart from their differences in size, their interiors are very similar: both versions use high-quality materials and impeccable workmanship with fine stitching, as well as several trims that vary from one version to the next.

All versions come standard with heated front seats and heated steering wheel, while heated rear seats are available on option.

view of the rear row of seats inside the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

Let’s talk about their exterior designs: the Atlas is more rugged while also managing to be more stylish. It is equipped with a wider grille and 18- to 21-inch wheels. The Tiguan offers wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches.

However, you can also choose the sportier version of the Volkswagen Tiguan, called the R-Line Black Edition. It includes plenty of sports features that make it stand out from the line-up. Read the table below to learn how their dimensions compare.

  Tiguan Atlas
Length 4,728 mm 5,097 mm
Width 1,839 mm 1,990 mm
Height 1,685 mm 1,788 mm
Wheelbase 2,790 mm 2,980 mm
lateral front view of the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

Tiguan vs. Atlas: Engines and Power

If you want power, you will be satisfied with either model: whether you crave the thrill of passing other cars on the highway or for pulling heavy loads, these SUVs boast generous capabilities.

Powertrains

Every version of the Tiguan is powered by a fiery and efficient engine: it’s a 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.

As for the Volkswagen Atlas, it can be powered by 2 available engines depending on the version you choose: either a 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft, or an impressive 3.6 L V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque!

All-wheel drive is standard on all versions of both models.


Find out more here about the differences between all-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive

If you're thinking of going electric, you might be interested in our iD.4 vs Model Y comparison.

side view of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

2022 Volkswagen Atlas

Towing and Cargo Capacity

If you need an SUV that can tow heavy loads, the powerful engine of the Tiguan allows you to tow up to 1,499 lbs.

The more robust Atlas bumps that number to 2,000 lbs. with the 4-cylinder engine, while the optional V6 engine boosts that number to an incredible 5,000 lbs.!

The Atlas has three rows of seats, but its trunk is smaller: it offers a capacity of 583 L, while the Tiguan can take 1,064 L of cargo without lowering a single seat.

The Atlas is the larger model, so you won’t be surprised to hear that it offers more cargo space: with the rear seats folded, it offers up to 2,741 L. But the Tiguan is surprisingly spacious and offers a total capacity of 2,081 L behind the first row.

Both of these SUVs have a lot to offer, so your choice between the Tiguan and the Atlas will depend on what you need.

rear view of the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan with the trunk open

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

What Are the VW Safety and Driver-Assist Technologies?

Both vehicles are very safe and include a wide range of standard driver-assist technologies, including:

  • Pedestrian detection
  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Front Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking

The newly redesigned Tiguan comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, which is optional on the Atlas, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

What’s more, both SUVs offer an intuitive infotainment system with wireless Apple and Android connectivity as well as plenty of advanced optional features.

view of the touchscreen inside of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

2022 Tiguan vs. 2022 Atlas: Different Versions and Pricing

The 2022 Tiguan vs. 2022 Atlas give you the choice between different sizes and engines, and those differences are reflected in their prices: their respective starting prices are $36,660 (2023) and $52,660 (2024 Atlas).

Both Volkswagen SUVs are available in the three versions: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. However, the Atlas offers an additional version named Execline.

lateral rear view of the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

Conclusion

The Tiguan vs. Atlas match-up ultimately comes down to your needs and those of your family. In a nutshell, we can say that the Tiguan is the more affordable little brother of the Atlas.

Find the model that meets your needs at Complexe VW 440 on the North Shore of Montreal, in Laval, near Blainville and Boisbriand: our passionate team is here to help!

three quarter rear view of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

2022 Volkswagen Atlas

Volkswagen Tiguan vs. VW Atlas: Price and Specs

Review the specs of the two Volkswagen SUVs to get a clearer picture.

  Price (2023) Engine Power / Torque Towing Cargo Space
Tiguan Trendline $36,660 2.0 L 4 cyl. 184 hp. / 221 lb-ft 1,499 lbs. 1 064 L – 2 081 L
Tiguan Comfortline $40,660
Tiguan Highline $47,160
Atlas Trendline $45,160 235 hp. 258 lb-ft. 2,000 lbs. 583 L – 1 571 L – 2 741 L
Atlas Comfortline $50,660
Atlas Highline $57,660
Atlas Execline $61,660 3.6 L V6 276 hp. 266 lb-ft 5,000 lbs.