Every car manufacturer offers a “base” version of the ride. It’s usually a nice car but not exotic or extravagant with enough options to make it fun to drive.
These cars usually lead to the most sales for the brand, especially since they are reasonably priced. The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan and the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox are prime examples of these types of compact transportation. In fact, the Tiguan is VW’s best-selling vehicle, while only the Chevrolet Silverado truck outsells the Equinox.
Let’s take a look at these two machines.
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
One of the main reasons SUVs are popular these days is that everyone wants more space for cargo and people. The Volkswagen Tiguan offers the compact SUV buyer three rows of seating.
The Tiguan offers plenty of interior space, making it possible to seat seven passengers. Is it recommended? Not much. But is it possible? Yes. The third row is designed to accommodate children or small adults for short trips. The upside is that when the seat is down, there’s a ton of cargo space behind the second row.
The only downside to the third row is that if you want it, you have to offer all-wheel drive (AWD). Pricing for the Tiguan starts at $30,305, including destination charge.
Highlights of the Volkswagen Tiguan
Room and comfort: This car has a lot of space. Most importantly, it’s a comfortable ride. The Volkswagen Tiguan is an SUV that offers a safe, almost smooth feel when driving.
Tech ahead: VW Car-Net allows Tiguan owners to bring their maps, music and more from the phone to the screen in the car. Allows remote locking/unlocking, automatic crash alert, stolen vehicle location and fuel level.
4 Motion: Front-wheel drive is standard, but the Volkswagen Tiguan can be upgraded with the 4Motion AWD system. It offers different driving modes, such as Normal, Sport and Eco. However, 4Motion adds Snow and Off-Road modes, making it ready to handle a variety of conditions.
Check this week Fair Purchase Price or see Tiguan models close to you
2024 Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox holds the title of Chevy’s best-selling truck. This SUV has simple styling, clean exterior with plenty of interior room for people, current technology, good fuel economy and affordable price.
Powered by a powerful 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 175 hp through a 6-speed automatic, the Equinox gets good gas mileage, an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined. AWD is optional for the SUV, which is available in four trim packages: LS, LT, RS, and Premier.
Cabin offers enough space for five people, and styling is not difficult. Rear cargo space is acceptable but not class-leading. Pricing starts at $27,995, including destination charges.
Highlights of the Chevrolet Equinox
Confidence and Convenience Package: This package is standard on all but the base LS trim and features a power liftgate, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and safety technology features such as invisible monitoring and rear traffic alert.
Special editions: While the Equinox’s exterior styling may not be contemporary, upgrading to the Midnight Edition or Red Edition packages is exciting.
Chevy Safety Support: This series of advanced driver assistance technologies features automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, following distance indicator and automatic high beams.
Check this week Fair Purchase Price or see Examples of Equinoxes close to you
Similarity
The Volkswagen Tiguan and Chevy Equinox are attractive SUVs with good interior space. Each is reasonably priced and comes with the latest safety and infotainment features. They are basic transportation in the form of a compact SUV.
Conclusion
Each is a great car. Both SUVs will ensure that you can handle all your daily tasks and get to where you need to go in comfort. The Volkswagen Tiguan offers seating for seven people, which is not available on the Equinox. However, you’ll pay more for that small third row – unless you want AWD, then the third row isn’t available. The Equinox will get a facelift for the 2025 model year, so a good deal can be had as dealers look to get rid of old inventory.
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2024 Chevrolet Equinox | |
Starting Price | $30,305 | $27,995 |
Popular powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.0-liter Turbo 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter Turbo 4-cylinder |
Horse Power | 184 hp @ 4,400 rpm | 175 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
Torque | 221 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm | 203 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
Contagion | 8-speed automatic/FWD | 6-speed automatic |
Fuel Economy | 24 city/31 highway/27 combined | 26 city/31 highway/28 combined |
Also Available | AWD | AWD |
Measurements | ||
Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 3 years/ 36,000 miles |
Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
NHTSA General Safety | 4-Star | 5-Star |
Maximum Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
The base of the wheels | 109.9 inches | 107.3 inches |
Total Height | 186.1 inches | 183.1 inches |
Width | 72.4 inches | 72.6 inches |
Height | 66.4 inches | 65.4 inches |
Turning Diameter | 38.0 feet | 37.4 feet |
Bedroom, Front | 39.6 inches | 40.0 inches |
Head room, 2nd row | 39.1 inches | 38.5 inches |
Head room, 3rd row | 33.8 inches | N/A |
Leg room, front | 40.2 inches | 40.9 inches |
Foot room, 2nd row | 36.6 inches | 39.9 inches |
Foot room, 3rd row | 27.9 inches | N/A |
Shoulder Room, Front | 57.0 inches | 57.2 inches |
Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.9 inches | 55.5 inches |
Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 47.8 inches | N/A |
Amount of Cargo | 33.0 cubic feet | 29.9 cubic feet |