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Weighing the strengths of two refreshed and competitive crossovers
Published Sep 07, 2023 • Last updated 49 minutes ago • 5 minute read
The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, built in Ontario, is a significant generational leap for Honda’s popular crossover. The completely redesigned sixth-generation model is bigger, stronger, and more finely tuned. With the optional hybrid engine, it also offers the latest in Honda’s electrified technology.
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The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line, built in Puebla, Mexico, is a recently refreshed version of the German automaker’s CR-V fighter. The second-generation Tiguan hit the road for model-year 2018 and was refreshed inside and out for 2022. With the all-new CR-V boasting Honda’s latest interior design and the Tiguan fighting back with a major overhaul of its cabin, these two vehicles are locked in a fierce battle to offer the most up-to-date and stylish interiors in the segment. Here we’ll compare them side-by-side with observations and analysis to help you decide which one best meets your needs if you’re cross-shopping between the pair, which is fairly likely.
**Learn more about the cars**
\[PREV\] 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
MSRP: $33,995 to $44,495
\[NEXT\] SUV Review: 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black
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These comments are based on impressions of two recent test units. The first of these was a $51,020 CR-V Touring Hybrid with 204 horsepower, 247 lb-ft of torque, and an estimated annual fuel bill of about $2,400 assuming you drive 25,000 kilometers per year and pay $1.50 for a liter of gas. The other was a $43,675 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line with 184 horsepower, 221 lb-ft of torque, and an annual fuel bill of $3,675 using those same calculations.
**First impressions**
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Photo by Justin Pritchard
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In the VW Tiguan Comfortline, this tester’s light-colored leather interior works with a display screen fully enclosed in the forward dash to visually open the cabin and let in plenty of light and scenery. From a glance, the Tiguan’s material and color selection are richer and more vibrant, conveying more depth and energy at a quick peek. Conversely, the Honda CR-V’s cabin looks darker, more formal, and more personal. Fewer high-value elements engage the eyes initially, meaning the Tiguan looks more upscale and luxurious from a mere glance. The feel of most of the Tiguan’s small controls is smoother and more precise, furthering the effect.
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2023 Honda CR-V Touring AWD (hybride) Photo by Nadine Filion
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2023 Honda CR-V Touring AWD (hybride) Photo by Nadine Filion
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2023 Honda CR-V Touring AWD (hybride) Photo by Nadine Filion
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2023 Honda CR-V Touring AWD (hybride) Photo by Nadine Filion
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2023 Honda CR-V Touring AWD (hybride) Photo by Nadine Filion
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2023 Honda CR-V Touring AWD (hybride) Photo by Nadine Filion
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2023 Honda CR-V Sport Photo by Brian Harper
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2023 Honda CR-V Sport Photo by Brian Harper
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2023 Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Honda CR-V Bose audio Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Photo by Gavin Young/Postmedia
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The CR-V’s slim dash, horizontal linework, and seat stitching suggest a wider, lower, and sportier approach, punched up by the racier-looking steering wheel of the pair and subtle but effective use of round accents in the forward dash. To this writer, the Tiguan’s first impression is one of an inviting, upscale, high-tech lounge that’s full of gloss, light, and open space. Smoothness abounds, with touch-activated surfaces favored over tactile knobs and buttons. This extends right to the steering wheel, whose smooth controls look great but can be frustrating to use. The Honda CR-V’s first impression is a cabin that looks more muted and conventional but feels more athletic and focused. Enthusiast drivers will appreciate how the sporting ambiance reflects the powertrain beneath. Still, even this fully loaded tester bears a few button blanks, cheapening the interior.
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All written, most shoppers will likely find the Tiguan’s interior the more impressive of the pair, especially given its significant price advantage.
**Tactile vs touch-sensitive controls**
\[2023 Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid\] Photo by Justin Pritchard
The CR-V’s interior controls will prove much easier to use for drivers wearing their winter gloves, as the tactile knobs and switches and buttons here are much less fiddly. By the way, the Tiguan’s touch-sensitive climate control and steering wheel controls will work with gloves on but feel less precise in action.
Of the pair, test-driving shoppers will likely find the Tiguan to deliver the higher-performing infotainment and display experience: the graphics look sharper and more modern, the instrument cluster animations look smoother and crisper, and the touchscreen has proximity sensors to only light up additional on-screen functions in response to an approaching finger.
\[2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black\] Photo by Justin Pritchard
The Tiguan’s instrument cluster is more widely customizable and fun to explore, too. Neat freaks take note: the CR-V’s cabin is easier to keep tidy, with fewer glossier surfaces in vulnerable areas to catch dust and smudges.
**Seating and space**
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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Photo by Justin Pritchard
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2023 Honda CR-V Touring AWD (hybride) Photo by Nadine Filion
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2023 Honda CR-V Touring AWD (hybride) Photo by Nadine Filion
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2023 Honda CR-V Touring AWD (hybride) Photo by Nadine Filion
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The Tiguan offers slightly more front- and rear headroom, while the CR-V boasts more front- and rear legroom. The biggest difference between these two machines is in rear legroom, with the CR-V offering a roughly 11 per cent advantage over the Tiguan. Still, the Tiguan offers some 34 per cent more overall interior volume than the CR-V, despite the Honda offering up both
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