In previous years, the Kia Sportage was somewhat of an afterthought compared to its crossover SUV rivals, including the Volkswagen Tiguan. However, this all recently changed after the Sportage received an impressive redesign for the 2023 model year. With its many advantages, the Sportage beats the Tiguan in this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 VW Tiguan comparison.

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 VW Tiguan

In this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 VW Tiguan comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes design, performance, efficiency, passenger and cargo space, and technologies.

Sportage vs. Tiguan: Design 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, compared to the more conservative and outdated styling of the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, the 2023 Kia Sportage has a more standout design. This includes the unique boomerang daytime running lights, with their distinctive outward shape. Another notable feature is the new version of the iconic tiger nose grille, with its floating design and technical look. Also, the Sportage has futuristic notch-shaped taillights.

Sportage vs. Tiguan: Performance and efficiency

On the performance front, the 2023 Sportage outmuscles the 2022 Tiguan. It offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 hp) and a hybrid engine (226 hp). In comparison, the Tiguan has a 184-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

The Sportage also has the advantage for efficiency. The gas-powered Sportage gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 28 combined mpg, and the Sportage Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 39 mpg. In comparison, the Tiguan gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 26 combined mpg.

Sportage vs. Tiguan: Passenger and cargo space

The 2023 Sportage experienced a significant growth spurt, resulting in a more interior space. It has 41.4 inches of front legroom and a best-in-class 41.3 inches of rear legroom. In comparison, the 2022 Tiguan has 40.2 inches of front legroom and 38.7 inches of rear legroom.

Also, the Sportage has more storage space than the Tiguan. It has a class-leading 39.6 cu-ft of rear storage space and a maximum cargo capacity of 74.1 cu-ft. In comparison, the Tiguan has a rear cargo capacity of 37.6 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 73.4 cu-ft. 

Sportage vs. Tiguan: Technologies

Another advantage of the 2023 Sportage is its technologically-sophisticated interior. A highlight is the dual panoramic curved display, which features a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. In comparison, the largest screen that the 2022 Tiguan offers is 10.3 inches. Also, it doesn’t offer a dual panoramic curved display.

Additionally, the Sportage has a plethora of standard safety-enhancing driving assistance technologies. This includes driver attention warning and rear occupant alert, which the 2022 Tiguan doesn’t offer. Available driving assistance features for the 2023 Sportage includes speed limit assist, highway driving assist, and safe exit warning. The 2022 Tiguan doesn’t offer any of these features, either.

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 VW Tiguan: Many advantages of the redesigned Sportage

If we made a comparison between the two crossover SUVs last year, the 2022 Sportage might not have stacked up very well against the 2022 Tiguan. However, as you can see in this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2022 VW Tiguan comparison, the redesigned 2023 Sportage has many advantages. This includes a standout design, more horsepower, higher fuel economy, more passenger and cargo space, and advanced technologies.