Tucson III (TL) vs Tiguan II: which is better?
Hyundai Tucson III (TL) (2015–2021) vs Volkswagen Tiguan II (2016–2024): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Tucson III (TL)
Volkswagen Tiguan IISpecifications
| Hyundai Tucson III (TL) | Volkswagen Tiguan II | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2015–2021 | 2016–2024 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 | 1.4 TSI |
| Power, up to | 150 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque, up to | 192 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | dual-clutch (DCT) |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 475 mm | 4 486 mm |
| Width | 1 850 mm | 1 839 mm |
| Height | 1 645 mm | 1 673 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 670 mm | 2 681 mm |
| Ground clearance | 172 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 62 L | 58 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 8 650 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Hyundai Tucson III (TL)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Nu 2.0 engine (G4NA, G4NB): cylinder scoring
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Nu 2.0 (G4NA, G4NB)): cylinder scoring; increased oil consumption; catalytic converter debris.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
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
- Tucson III (TL) — if you care more about: fuel tank.
- Tiguan II — if you care more about: 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: Tucson III (TL) or Tiguan II?
Tucson III (TL): up to 150 hp, Tiguan II: up to 150 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Tucson III (TL) — about 16 475 ₸, 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.