VW Tiguan vs Audi Q5: Which is Better?

We’ve written about the VW Atlas vs Audi Q7, so figured we would go into the most popular VW and Audi SUVs. In this article, we’ll be going over the similarities and differences between the VW Tiguan vs Audi Q5. We’ll be touching on size, performance, common problems, price, reliability, and more for both models.

VW Tiguan vs Audi Q5 – The Basics

The Tiguan was first introduced in 2007 and is still being produced today. The Volkswagen Tiguan is the best-selling vehicle worldwide for Volkswagen. Since its inception, there have been two generations: 5N and AD/BW. The first generation Tiguan was built on the PQ46 platform, while the second generation Tiguan was built on the MQB platform. The Tiguan is positioned between the Taos and the Atlas. The trims available for the Tiguans are S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line.

The Audi Q5 was first introduced in 2008 and is still being produced today. Since its inception, the Q5 has had two generations: B8 Q5 and B9 Q5. The first generation Q5 was built on the MLB platform, while the second generation Q5 was built on the MLB Evo platform. This positions the Audi Q5 between the Q4 e-Tron and the Q7. There are four different Q5s available: Q5, Q5 Sportback, SQ5, and SQ5 Sportback. There are 3 different trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.

Volkswagen Tiguan Generation

• 5N Tiguan (2007-2015)
• AD/BW Tiguan (2016-Present)

Audi Q5 Generations

• 8R Q5 (B8) (2008 – 2017)
• FY Q5 (B9) (2018 – Present)

VW Tiguan vs Audi Q5 Price

In this portion, we will be going over brand new 2022, as of this writing, model prices and used prices for the Tiguan and Q5. This will be one of the biggest differences when it comes to these two models.

New Volkswagen Tiguan Price

In this portion, we will be going over the new Tiguan 2022, as of this writing, model year prices. There are 4 different trims: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line. A Tiguan S starts at $27,685, with a 4motion upgrade starting at $29,185. The Tiguan SE starts at $31,315, with a 4motion upgrade starting at $32,185. While the Tiguan SE R-Line Black starts at $34,145, with a 4motion upgrade starting at $35,645. Lastly, the Tiguan SEL R-Line comes with 4motion standard and it starts at $38,515.

New Audi Q5 Price

In this portion, we will be going over the new Q5 2022, as of this writing, model year prices. There are 3 different engines for the Q5: 40 TFSI, 45 TFSI, and 55 TFSI e Plug-in hybrid. A Premium Q5 40 TFSI quattro® starts at $43,300, a Premium Plus Q5 40 TFSI quattro® starts at $48,300, and a Prestige Q5 40 TFSI quattro® starts at $54,000. While a Premium Q5 45 TFSI quattro® starts at $45,800, a Premium Plus Q5 45 TFSI quattro® starts at $50,800, and lastly, a Prestige Q5 45 TFSI quattro® starts at $56,500. Lastly, a Premium Q5 55 TFSI hybrid quattro® starts at $55,400, a Premium Plus Q5 55 TFSI hybrid quattro® starts at $59,500, and lastly, a Prestige Q5 55 TFSI hybrid quattro® starts at $64,800.

An Audi Q5 Sportback only has the 45 TFSI engine with all three trims: Premium ($50,100), Premium Plus ($53,500), and Prestige ($58,800). And lastly, the SQ5. The sport variant of the Q5 only has a 3.0T TFSI with all three trims: Premium ($55,800), Premium Plus ($60,000), and Prestige ($65,200).

Used Volkswagen Tiguan & Audi Q5 Prices

When it comes to used VW Tiguans vs Audi Q5s, pricing is pretty much consistent with new prices. With that, we mean that since the Q5 is a luxury vehicle, it tends to be a bit more expensive. Since the Tiguan and the Q5 have been around for a decade and a half, we will be basing prices on recent generation Tiguans and Q5s. Therefore, a used AD/BW Tiguans price ranges from $17,998 – $39,998* with an average price overall of $29,000, depending on model year and mileage. A used B9 Q5s price ranges from $26,998 – $54,998* with an average price overall of $39,000, depending on model year and mileage. The Q5 is more expensive on the new and used side. So, is the Audi Q5 worth the extra money?

*At the time of writing this article, we believe we are in a market where used vehicles are inflated, so consider that when seeing the used prices above. 

General Tiguan & Audi Q5 Topics

VW Tiguan vs Audi Q5 Size

Below are some basic details about the size and weight differences seen between the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan and the 2022 Audi Q5.

When it comes to size, there aren’t very many differences between the VW Tiguan and the Q5. Across the board, there aren’t any differences that are more than 2″. Except when you go into cargo space and seating capacity. This is where the big differences come out. The Tiguan, although similar in size, has 3 rows of seats and can seat 7 passengers. This is a big selling point for the Tiguan, especially with the lower price range. With that said, with the third-row seat up in the Tiguan, there isn’t a lot of cargo space, 12ft³. While the Q5, without any seats down, starts at 25.8ft³. So, the Q5 has more cargo space without sacrificing seats. But, with the Tiguans third row folded down, it gets 33ft³, and 65.3ft³ with both rows down.

VW Tiguan vs Audi Q5 Performance

For consistencies sake, we will be using the 2022 VW Tiguan and 2022 Audi Q5 factory performance specs.

Engines, Drivetrain, & Fuel Economy

VW Tiguan Performance

The Tiguan only has one engine option for all trims: a 2.0T TFSI. This engine puts out 184hp and 221 lb-ft of torque and offers an upgraded option for VW’s AWD 4motion technology. The 2.0T engine features an 8-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission. When it comes to fuel economy, depending on the drivetrain, the gas mileage is different. A FWD 2.0T gets 23mpg in the city and 30mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 26.5 with a 15.3gal fuel tank. And the 4motion 2.0T gets 22mpg in the city and 29mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 25.5 with a 15.3gal fuel tank.

Audi Q5 Performance

Unlike the Tiguan, the Q5 has three different engine options: 40 TFSI (2.0T TFSI), 45 TFSI (2.0T TFSI), and 55 TFSI e-plug in hybrid (2.0T Hybrid). All 3 engines can be found in all trims. The 40 TFSI engine puts out 201hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The 45 TFSI engine puts out 261hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. And lastly, the 55 TFSI hybrid engine puts out 362hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.  Quattro®, Audi’s AWD system, and a 7-speed S Tronic automatic transmission come standard on all engines.

The 40 TFSI engine gets 23mpg in the city and 29mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 25 with an 18.5gal fuel tank. The 45 TFSI gets 23mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 25 with an 18.5gal fuel tank. And lastly, the 55 TFSI hybrid gets 390 total miles on electric and fuel for a combined mpg of 61mpge. On gas only, it gets 26mpg with a 14.3gal fuel tank.

VW Tiguan & Audi Q5 Reliability and Common Problems

Volkswagen Tiguan

Is the Volkswagen Tiguan reliable? Honestly, it is not very good. RepairPal has the Tiguan rated at 3 out of 5 for reliability. Usually, this would be an average rating. But, it is below the average 4 out of 5 for CUVs and the Tiguan happens to be last (26 out of 26) for all CUVs when it comes to reliability. The average annual ownership cost for a VW Tiguan is $730, which is much higher than the $521 average seen on other CUVs. Even though the Tiguan gets a bad reputation, consumer satisfaction is very high since there have been 6,000,000 units sold.

Common problems that are seen in VW Tiguans are as followed: premature timing chain tensioner failure, plastic intake manifold issues, water pump failure, ignition coil and spark plug failure, clock spring failure, and VW subframe clunk. We’ve seen some Tiguans last over 150,000 miles if maintained properly. If anyone is in the market for a used Tiguan, avoid the 2009-2012 model years. If anyone plans on buying a 2022 model year, make sure to get the best warranty package. See below for a more in-depth guide on the VW Tiguans reliability and common problems.

The 7 Most Common Volkswagen Tiguan Problems

Audi Q5

Is the Audi Q5 reliable? It is average. A big reason the Q5s reliability gets a bad rep is because of the excessive oil consumption seen in the Gen2 EA888 engines. RepairPal rated the Audi Q5 3 out of 5. This ranks the Q5 11th out of 14 for all luxury midsize SUVs. If anyone is in the market for a used Q5, avoid the 2010-2014 model years. The average annual ownership cost for an Audi Q5 is $928, which is slightly higher than the average $805 for luxury midsize SUVs.

Common problems that are seen in Q5s are as followed: excessive oil consumption, DRL failure, leaking fuel pump flanges, start-stop system malfunction, and timing chain tensioner failure. If they are maintained properly, we’ve seen Q5s last over 150,000 miles, and TDIs (diesel engines) can last up to 300,000 miles. See below for a more in-depth guide on the Audi Q5s reliability and common problems.

The 5 Most Common Audi Q5 Engine Problems

VW Tiguan vs Audi Q5 – Which is Better?

The question you’ve all been waiting for, which is better the VW Tiguan vs Audi Q5? Unfortunately, we feel this is rather subjective. It’s hard for us to say which one is better for every consumer. However, we believe the Tiguan provides the best bang for your buck. Not only is it cheaper, but it also gets better gas mileage and can seat 7. If your budget can stretch a little more, and you don’t need 3 rows of seats, the Q5 might be the one for you. Both have similar tech and safety features. Both have 5-star safety ratings. The Q5 has a sportier/cleaner aesthetic on the interior and exterior. The Q5 also has more standard bells and whistles because it is a luxury vehicle. However, a more expensive vehicle tends to be more expensive to maintain. As far as towing capacity, the Q5 has 4,400 lbs, while the Tiguans have only 1,600 lbs.

Something we always recommend is getting your hands on both if money isn’t a factor. There’s nothing better than seeing them in person to assist in decision-making. So, schedule a test drive at your local VW/Audi dealer or used lot if you are serious about purchasing either vehicle.

VW Tiguan vs Audi Q5 Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope the information above will assist you in your purchasing decision. We know that purchasing any vehicle, especially a luxury vehicle, is not an easy decision. Both vehicles have many pros and cons depending on what the consumer is looking for. To summarize, the Tiguan is a budget-friendly option that has three rows of seats and gets better gas mileage. While the Q5 is a more luxurious model with more powerful engine options and more bells and whistles. If you happen to have first-hand experience with either vehicle, please let us know your experience in the comments below. This will assist in our research and will help future readers in their decisions.