Jeep Grand Cherokee 73·Volkswagen Tiguan 73on the MotiveGrid Score·Volkswagen Tiguan about $9,797 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan is the cheaper one to own — roughly $9,797 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Jeep Grand Cherokee counters with more cargo room (37.7 vs 26.9 cu ft) and more power (324 vs 201 hp).
Go with the Volkswagen Tiguan for the better long-term value; consider the Jeep Grand Cherokee if you prioritize more cargo space and stronger acceleration.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Volkswagen Tiguan
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee versus 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Metric
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Volkswagen Tiguan
MotiveGrid Score
73
73
Cost of Ownership
69
75
Powertrain
54
52
Driver Assistance
38
49
Livability
47
42
Safety
99
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$57,240
$47,443
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,897
$15,248
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,111
$11,610
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,635
$9,840
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,670
$3,500
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,700
Financing (5-yr)
$5,717
$4,635
Registration (5-yr)
$1,060
$910
Starting Price
$37,995
$30,805
Horsepower
324 hp
201 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
37.7 cu ft
26.9 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
6,200 lbs
—
Drivetrain
RWD
FWD
Gas
2026$37,995
MSRP
$37,995
Mo · 5yr
$954
$57,240 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$30,805
MSRP
$30,805
Mo · 5yr
$791
$47,443 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
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 →
Jeep Grand Cherokee
0
/ 100
Volkswagen Tiguan
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Grand Cherokee
69
Tiguan
75
Winner: Tiguan
$9,797 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Grand Cherokee
54
Tiguan
52
Winner: Grand Cherokee
+2 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Grand Cherokee
38
Tiguan
49
Winner: Tiguan
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Grand Cherokee
47
Tiguan
42
Winner: Grand Cherokee
+5 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Volkswagen Tiguan is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $9,797 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Jeep Grand Cherokee still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Volkswagen Tiguan
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Volkswagen Tiguan
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Better safety rating with substantially more cargo room
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%
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$954
$57,240 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$954/mo
Volkswagen Tiguan
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$791
$47,443 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$791/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Volkswagen Tiguan comes out about $9,797 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.
