Used test: Ford Kuga vs Volkswagen Tiguan

Our Verdict

It isn’t hard to see the appeal of the Ford Kuga. It’s a car that appeals to the heart very much – before you even get behind the wheel, even, thanks to its sharp styling. And once you’re in it and driving, it’s still tugging at your heartstrings, because it's far more fun to drive than an SUV has any right to be.

The trouble is, an SUV has to do more than that; it has to be practical, too, and that’s really where the Kuga is all at sea. The cramped rear seats only really work for kids, while the small boot means you won’t be able to fit as much luggage in when holiday time comes around. And that’s without discussing the Kuga’s other problems: its hard, shiny dashboard, or the amount of wind and road noise it produces.

It may not be as much fun, then, but the Volkswagen Tiguan is the more polished product of the two. Not only is it more relaxing on a long journey, but it’s also a good deal more practical; with its larger boot and spacious, sliding rear seats, it knocks the Kuga into a cocked hat.

The trade-off is that the Volkswagen is rather bland; its handling won’t give you as much pleasure as the Ford’s and its dashboard is really rather dour. But these aren’t significant compromises to make. The Tiguan is not only the more appealing family car of the two, but it’s also the better all-rounder, and with prices so close to those of the Kuga, that means it has to take the win here.

Read our review of the all-new VW Tiguan

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Also consider:

1st – Volkswagen Tiguan

For Practical interior; cheap to run; relaxing way to travel

Against Not much fun to sit in or drive

Verdict A used SUV that demands few compromises

Rated 4 out of 5

Read the full used Volkswagen Tiguan review

Find a used Volkswagen Tiguan for sale in the What Car? Classifieds

2nd – Ford Kuga

For Good to drive; punchy engine; simple controls

Against Cramped rear seats; small boot; wind and road noise

Verdict Good as a sporty SUV; bad as a practical one

Rated 3 out of 5

Read the full used Ford Kuga review

Find a used Ford Kuga for sale in the What Car? Classifieds

Specifications: Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 140 Bluemotion Tech SE 4WD

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

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

**[