2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line
49 more hp and 56 more lb-ft torque vs 11.7″ longer. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $240 price gap, 250 vs 201 hp, 24 vs 25 MPG.
The Bronco Sport Badlands leads on 49 more hp, 56 more lb-ft torque. The Tiguan SEL R-Line leads on 11.7″ longer. 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 | 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands | 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $40,265 | $40,505 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 Turbo | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 21 | 22 |
| Highway MPG | 28 | 30 |
| Combined MPG | 24 | 25 |
| Fuel Tank | 16.0 gal | 15.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,800/yr | $1,750/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | No published data | 3,801 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 109.9" |
| Length | 172.7" | 184.4" |
| Width | 74.3" | 73.0" |
| Height | 71.4" | 66.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 4yr/50k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands and 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands starts at $40,265, $240 less than the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line at $40,505. That gap is small enough that monthly payments are nearly identical. Focus on which vehicle fits your life, not the sticker.
Who should choose the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands is the stronger pick when you want to keep $240 in your pocket and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands covers your needs; the extra 49 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Who should choose the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line?
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $70/year less on fuel; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands or 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line?
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line rates 25 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands or 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands produces 250 hp, 49 more than the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line at 201 hp. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands also leads in torque at 277 lb-ft vs 221 lb-ft.
Is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands bigger than the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line?
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line is 11.7″ longer at 184.4″ vs 172.7″. The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line has a 4.8″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Ford Bronco Sport comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k 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: Ford trims, Ford Bronco Sport trims, Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Tiguan trims
How the Bronco Sport and Tiguan Stack Up
Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands ($40,265) and 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line ($40,505) solve similar problems in different ways. The $240 price gap works out to less than $10/month on a typical loan, so the cost difference is negligible. Pick on fit, not on price.
Powertrain: Bronco Sport vs Tiguan
Both run the same 2.0L I4 Turbo engine. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands has 49 more hp (250 vs 201), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands adds 56 more lb-ft of torque (277 vs 221), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line saves roughly $70/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $350.
Size, Space, and Daily Reality
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line is 11.7″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands when you want to keep $240 in your pocket and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $70/year less on fuel.
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 Ford or Volkswagen or any dealership.