Honda CR-V 75·Volkswagen Tiguan 73on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda CR-V about $7,860 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda CR-V is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,860 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Honda CR-V is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda CR-V vs. Volkswagen Tiguan
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda CR-V versus 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Metric
Honda CR-V
Volkswagen Tiguan
MotiveGrid Score
75
73
Cost of Ownership
90
75
Powertrain
59
52
Driver Assistance
43
49
Livability
56
42
Safety
72
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$39,583
$47,443
Depreciation (5-yr)
$9,431
$15,248
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$11,610
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,650
$9,840
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,960
$3,500
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,700
Financing (5-yr)
$4,652
$4,635
Registration (5-yr)
$915
$910
Starting Price
$30,920
$30,805
Horsepower
190 hp
201 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
39.3 cu ft
26.9 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$30,920
MSRP
$30,920
Mo · 5yr
$660
$39,583 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$30,805
MSRP
$30,805
Mo · 5yr
$791
$47,443 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
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 →
Honda CR-V scores higher overall.
Honda CR-V
0
/ 100
Volkswagen Tiguan
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
CR-V
90
Tiguan
75
Winner: CR-V
$7,860 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
CR-V
59
Tiguan
52
Winner: CR-V
+7 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
CR-V
43
Tiguan
49
Winner: Tiguan
+6 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
CR-V
56
Tiguan
42
Winner: CR-V
+14 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda CR-V is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $7,860 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Volkswagen Tiguan still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Honda CR-V
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda CR-V
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Volkswagen Tiguan
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Volkswagen Tiguan
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Volkswagen Tiguan
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Honda CR-V
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$660
$39,583 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$660/mo
Volkswagen Tiguan
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$791
$47,443 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$791/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda CR-V comes out about $7,860 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
