Atlas I (NL-3) vs Tiguan II: which is better?
Geely Atlas I (NL-3) (2016–2023) vs Volkswagen Tiguan II (2016–2024): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Volkswagen Tiguan IISpecifications
| Geely Atlas I (NL-3) | Volkswagen Tiguan II | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2016–2023 | 2016–2024 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.4 | 1.4 TSI |
| Power, up to | 148 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque, up to | 226 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | dual-clutch (DCT) |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 519 mm | 4 486 mm |
| Width | 1 831 mm | 1 839 mm |
| Height | 1 694 mm | 1 673 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 670 mm | 2 681 mm |
| Ground clearance | 190 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 60 L | 58 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 28 750 ₸ | ≈ 8 650 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Geely Atlas I (NL-3)
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- All-wheel-drive versions available
Cons
- Geely (1.5T, 2.0T, 2.4) engine: the 2.0T (JLH-4G20) is based on the Volvo Drive-E engine
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Engine (Geely (1.5T, 2.0T, 2.4)): data limited; the 2.0T (JLH-4G20) is based on the Volvo Drive-E engine.
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Volkswagen Tiguan II
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine VW EA211 (1.2–1.4 TSI): water pump and thermostat module leaks
- Gearbox DSG/S tronic with wet clutch: clutch and mechatronics wear at high mileage
Engine (VW EA211 (1.2–1.4 TSI)): water pump and thermostat module leak; turbo wastegate rattle.
Gearbox (DSG/S tronic with wet clutch): clutch and mechatronic wear at high mileage; wears quickly without oil changes.
Which one to choose
- Atlas I (NL-3) — if you care more about: fuel tank.
- Tiguan II — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Atlas I (NL-3) or Tiguan II?
Atlas I (NL-3): up to 148 hp, Tiguan II: up to 150 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Atlas I (NL-3) — about 28 750 ₸, Tiguan II — about 8 650 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.