The 2016 Kia Sportage and the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan were both announced during the Frankfurt Motor Show.
And while BMW, Mercedes and Audi attracted most of the attention during the Frankfurt Motor Show, it is the middle class vehicles and SUVs like the Tiguan and the Sportage that will get more sales. The reason is simple; pricing is everything in this economy and very few people can afford the likes of BMW X5. With that being said, which of the two middle class SUVs offers better design, engine and features?
The 2016 Kia Sportage is the fourth generation Sportage and received a major facelift for the exterior. With a new, sharp line on the side and a front fascia that has new grille and headlights separated from the grille, the 2016 Sportage is worthy of the name that suggests dynamic and sportier lines. The second generation of the Tiguan also receives a new design look that adds sporty lines. The grille still incorporates the headlights, but is now more aggressive, thanks to the looks borrowed from the new Passat and Golf. LED daytime running lights, is something that the Tiguan has, over the Sportage.
Under the hood, the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan features several powertrain options, including two diesel engines, 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter and two petrol units. The standard diesel engine packs 114hp, while the more powerful diesel engine is available with 148, 178 and 217 ponies inside. Additionally, Volkswagen will release a plug-in hybrid in the next two years. On the other hand, Kia hasn’t revealed yet the powertrains for the 2016 Sportage and a plug-in hybrid is nowhere near release.
Inside is where the Sportage makes its money. According to Kia, the 2016 Sportage has the most refined and highest quality cabin that we’ve seen so far from the company. The dashboard of the 2016 Kia Sportage is completely redesigned, with horizontal lines now featured for the air vents. The interface of the dashboard is more driver-oriented and a three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel is the centerpiece for most commands and functions. And while Kia focused more on the technology for the inside, Volkswagen put the emphasis on cargo capacity. The trunk capacity of the 2016 Tiguan is increased to 1655 liters with the rear seats folded. With normal seats, the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan offers 615 liters of truck capacity.
Prices for the 2016 Kia Sportage start at $22,000 for the basic trim and go up to $29,000 for the range topper. The entry model for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan costs $24,000 and the price can go as high as $31,000.
