Ford Escape vs. Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,486 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Escape counters with more cargo room (37.5 vs 26.9 cu ft).
Go with the Volkswagen Tiguan for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Escape if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Escape vs. Volkswagen Tiguan
| Metric | Ford Escape | Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|---|
| MotiveGrid Score | 73 | 74 |
| Cost of Ownership | 75 | 78 |
| Powertrain | 64 | 52 |
| Driver Assistance | 16 | 49 |
| Livability | 55 | 42 |
| Safety | 93 | 94 |
| 5-Year Cost to Own | $47,689 | $46,203 |
| Depreciation (5-yr) | $17,117 | $15,248 |
| Fuel / Energy (5-yr) | $11,225 | $11,610 |
| Insurance (5-yr) | $9,785 | $9,840 |
| Maintenance (5-yr) | $2,340 | $2,260 |
| Tires (5-yr) | $1,750 | $1,700 |
| Financing (5-yr) | $4,566 | $4,635 |
| Registration (5-yr) | $905 | $910 |
| Starting Price | $30,350 | $30,805 |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 201 hp |
| MPG (combined) | 30 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Cargo volume | 37.5 cu ft | 26.9 cu ft |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Towing capacity | 2,000 lbs | — |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Volkswagen Tiguan scores higher overall.
Which vehicle is right for you
Volkswagen Tiguan is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,486 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Escape still wins if your priority is best for families.
Cost of Ownership
State
Frequently asked questions
Where these rank
- Ford Escape ranks #4 of 5 in Compact SUV With the Most Legroom and #5 of 10 in Best Road-Trip Vehicles.
- Volkswagen Tiguan ranks #7 of 10 in Most Fuel-Efficient Gas SUVs.
What each one costs at the counter
Both five-year totals above count yearly registration. Neither counts what the state takes on the day you sign — sales tax and the title fee. Those are one-time, they are not the dealer’s to negotiate, and on a car at this price they run to four figures in most states. Work out yours:
- Tax, title and license in North Carolinawhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Michiganwhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Arizonawhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Tennesseewhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Massachusettswhat a car costs to own there
Compare tax, title and license across all 22 states we cover →