2025 Kia Sportage EX vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE
$3,255 less vs 43 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $3,255 price gap, 187 vs 201 hp, 25 vs 25 MPG.
The Sportage EX leads on $3,255 less. The Tiguan SE leads on 43 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Kia Sportage EX | 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $31,290 | $34,545 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 23 | 22 |
| Highway MPG | 27 | 30 |
| Combined MPG | 25 | 25 |
| Fuel Tank | 14.3 gal | 15.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,750/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,809 lbs | 3,801 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 109.9" |
| Length | 183.5" | 184.4" |
| Width | 73.4" | 73.0" |
| Height | 66.3" | 66.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 4yr/50k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Kia Sportage EX and 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?
The 2025 Kia Sportage EX starts at $31,290, $3,255 less than the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE at $34,545. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $57/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Kia Sportage EX?
The 2025 Kia Sportage EX is the stronger pick when you want to keep $3,255 in your pocket and the 2025 Kia Sportage EX covers your needs.
Who should choose the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE is the stronger pick when the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE is more fuel-efficient for a lower-cost commute.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Kia Sportage EX or 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?
Both achieve 25 combined MPG, so fuel cost is not a factor in this decision.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Kia Sportage EX or 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE produces 201 hp, 14 more than the 2025 Kia Sportage EX at 187 hp. The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE also leads in torque at 221 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2025 Kia Sportage EX runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2025 Kia Sportage EX bigger than the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE is 0.9″ longer at 184.4″ vs 183.5″. The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE has a 1.4″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Kia Sportage comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Volkswagen Tiguan offers 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Kia trims, Kia Sportage trims, Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Tiguan trims
- 2025 Kia Sportage EX Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
The Sportage–Tiguan Decision
Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Sportage and Tiguan compare. The $3,255 gap adds up to $57/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2025 Kia Sportage EX runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo. The 14 hp difference (201 vs 187) is marginal in daily driving. The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE adds 43 more lb-ft of torque (221 vs 178), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
Annual fuel costs are nearly identical, so running costs will not separate these two.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Kia Sportage EX when you want to keep $3,255 in your pocket and the 2025 Kia Sportage EX covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE when the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE is more fuel-efficient for a lower-cost commute. At $57/month more, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Kia or Volkswagen or any dealership.