@ Renault Group Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Renault Espace vs VW Tiguan – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Renault Espace or VW Tiguan?

Espace @ Renault Group Media

Renault Espace vs VW Tiguan: A Clash of SUV Titans

As the SUV market continues to expand, two formidable competitors have emerged in the form of the Renault Espace and Volkswagen Tiguan. Each vehicle brings its own unique set of features, technical prowess, and innovative attributes to the table. In this article, we delve deep into the specifics of these two models, aiming to offer clarity for any potential buyer caught in the crossfire of this automotive choice.

Tiguan @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Exterior Dimensions and Design

The Renault Espace stretches to 4722 mm in length, 1843 mm in width, and stands at a height of 1645 mm. It conveys a robust appearance typical of an SUV, with a subtle elegance that Renault is known for. On the other hand, the VW Tiguan measures slightly shorter at 4539 mm in length but offers a varied width of up to 1859 mm. Its design leans on more modernistic cues, with sharp lines creating a dynamic visual presence.

Espace @ Renault Group Media

Under the Hood: Engine and Performance

The Renault Espace is powered by a full hybrid system, generating 200 HP (147 kW) from its 1199 cm³ engine. It achieves a fuel consumption of 4.7 L/100km and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in approximately 8.8 seconds, making it quite efficient for an SUV of its size. In contrast, the VW Tiguan offers multiple engine choices catering to various preferences, including a remarkable plugin hybrid variant with a consumption as low as 0.4 L/100km. Its power outputs range from 130 to a strong 272 HP, with maximum speeds reaching up to 242 km/h, ensuring an adaptive and impressive performance line-up.

Tiguan @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Interior Space and Comfort

Renault Espace provides flexibility in its seating arrangement, accommodating either 5 or 7 passengers. Its trunk capacity ranges from 159 to a capacious 581 liters, depending on seat configuration, ensuring ample space for cargo. The VW Tiguan, typically seating 5, offers slightly more trunk room, ranging from 490 to 652 liters—ideal for family trips or adventure-packed weekends.

Espace @ Renault Group Media

Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Both vehicles respectably factor in efficiency and emissions. The Espace holds a CO2 emission level of 107 g/km, accentuating its hybrid advantage. Despite the variance in engine and powertrain options, the Tiguan's CO2 emissions differ broadly, ranging from 8 to 193 g/km, aligning with its broader spectrum of engine types. Thus, it provides choices conforming to diverse efficiency needs.

Tiguan @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Innovations and Technology

With advancements being the soul of modern vehicles, both SUVs incorporate cutting-edge technology. The Renault Espace includes driver assistance systems integrated seamlessly with hybrid tech, enhancing road safety and energy efficiency. The VW Tiguan impresses with its modern dual-clutch automatic transmission, seamlessly merging power and precision, alongside optional all-wheel drive for those desiring more control.

Espace @ Renault Group Media

Conclusion

In the grand scheme, choosing between the Renault Espace and VW Tiguan boils down to individual preferences and needs. The Espace thrives with its hybrid efficiency and flexibility, while the Tiguan lures with its wide array of engine options and enhanced driving dynamics. Both SUVs symbolize the epitome of modernity in their respective ways, assuring a rewarding driving experience.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Tiguan @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Tiguan has a to a small extent advantage in terms of price – it starts at 32800 £, while the Renault Espace costs 37500 £. That’s a price difference of around 4757 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Tiguan manages with 1.40 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Renault Espace with 4.90 L. The difference is about 3.50 L per 100 km.

Espace @ Renault Group Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Tiguan has a clearly perceptible edge – offering 272 HP compared to 200 HP. That’s roughly 72 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Tiguan is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.90 s, while the Renault Espace takes 8.80 s. That’s about 2.90 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Tiguan performs clearly perceptible better – reaching 242 km/h, while the Renault Espace tops out at 174 km/h. The difference is around 68 km/h.

Tiguan @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Renault Espace offers clearly perceptible more seating capacity – 7 vs 5.

In curb weight, VW Tiguan is hardly perceptible lighter – 1599 kg compared to 1673 kg. The difference is around 74 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Renault Espace offers minimal more room – 692 L compared to 652 L. That’s a difference of about 40 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Renault Espace performs clearly perceptible better – up to 2224 L, which is about 574 L more than the VW Tiguan.

When it comes to payload, Renault Espace slight takes the win – 581 kg compared to 533 kg. That’s a difference of about 48 kg.

Who wins the race?

The VW Tiguan proves to be is largely superior and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW Tiguan is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £32,800
Tiguan @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Tiguan

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 130 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.4 - 8.4 L
  • Electric Range : 118 - 126 km

Renault Espace

4 (1)
rate

The Renault Espace is the sort of roomy, clever family cruiser that makes long journeys feel effortless, its interior prioritising comfort and practical thinking without drifting into blandness. It won't pretend to be a sports car, but its composed ride, smart packaging and a whisper of French flair make it a sensible and subtly stylish choice for buyers who value space and versatility.

details

VW Tiguan

3.3 (3)
rate

The VW Tiguan blends sensible family practicality with a dash of German polish, delivering a calm, reassuring ride and a cabin that never feels like an afterthought. For buyers who want an SUV that’s easy to live with yet still nicely dressed, the Tiguan is the grown‑up choice that keeps a cheeky wink in reserve.

details
Renault Espace
VW Tiguan
Espace @ Renault Group Media
Tiguan @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
37500 - 41400 £
Price
32800 - 51900 £
Consumption L/100km
4.90 L
Consumption L/100km
1.4 - 8.4 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
118 - 126 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
110 g/km
co2
32 - 190 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
55 L
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 58 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5 - 7
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1673 - 1783 kg
Curb weight
1599 - 1890 kg
Trunk capacity
212 - 692 L
Trunk capacity
490 - 652 L
Length
4746 mm
Length
4539 mm
Width
1830 mm
Width
1842 - 1859 mm
Height
1645 mm
Height
1656 - 1658 mm
Max trunk capacity
2054 - 2224 L
Max trunk capacity
1486 - 1650 L
Payload
404 - 581 kg
Payload
460 - 533 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
200 HP
Power HP
130 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.80 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.9 - 10.6 s
Max Speed
174 km/h
Max Speed
198 - 242 km/h
Torque
-
Torque
220 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
147 kW
Power kW
96 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1199 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, D, E, F, B
Brand
Renault
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Renault Espace have?

The Renault Espace is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.