Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Tiguan
63
Executive Summary
Both D-Max and Tiguan are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
D-Max
(+2)
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Tiguan
(+6)
Ownership
D-Max
(+8)
Pros & Cons
๐ Overall Winner
D-Max
Pros
More powerful engine output
Better long-term ownership value
Cons
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:Highway Driving
Tiguan
Pros
More practical for daily use
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Shorter warranty coverage
Best For:Family Usage
Who Should Buy What?
D-Max
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Tiguan
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Category Breakdown
D-Max
Performance โ 12/20
Efficiency โ 8/20
Safety โ 18/20
Practicality โ 9/20
Ownership โ 20/20
Tiguan
Performance โ 10/20
Efficiency โ 8/20
Safety โ 18/20
Practicality โ 15/20
Ownership โ 12/20
Full Specification Comparison
Spec
D-Max
Tiguan
Ground Clearance
235
191
Wheelbase
3125
2679
Length
5310
4509
Width
1870
1839
Height
1810
1675
Kerb Weight
1950
1545
Gross Vehicle Weight
3050
2200
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
0
615
Towing Capacity
3000
1800
Spec
D-Max
Tiguan
Engine
1.9L Ddi Turbo Diesel
1.4L TSI Turbo Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Turbocharged
Inline 4 Turbocharged
Displacement
1898
1395
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
110
110
Torque
350
250
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Top Speed
175
202
0-100 km/h
12.3
9.2
Spec
D-Max
Tiguan
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
6-Speed DSG
Drive Type
4x2
Front Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout
Rear Wheel Drive
FWD
LSD Available
Mechanical Limited Slip
Electronic
Transfer Case
None
None
Spec
D-Max
Tiguan
Claimed Mileage
13.8
14.5
City Mileage
10
11
Highway Mileage
14
15
Fuel Tank Capacity
76
58
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Spec
D-Max
Tiguan
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Spec
D-Max
Tiguan
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Optional
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Optional
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Optional
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Optional
Parking Sensors
Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Optional
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Optional
Spec
D-Max
Tiguan
Seat Material
Premium Fabric
Cloth
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual Front Seats
Heated Seats
Not Available
Optional
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Type
Rack and Pinion Power Steering
Electric Power Steering
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Standard
Spec
D-Max
Tiguan
Climate Control
Manual Air Conditioning
Dual-zone Automatic
Power Windows
All Windows
Front and Rear
Keyless Entry
Remote Key
Standard
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Optional
Sunroof
Not Available
Optional
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Optional
Spec
D-Max
Tiguan
Infotainment Screen
8-inch Touchscreen
8-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
6
Navigation System
Smartphone Based
Optional
Spec
D-Max
Tiguan
LED Headlamps
LED Projector
LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Standard
Front
Roof Rails
Standard
Silver
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
17-inch Alloy
Spec
D-Max
Tiguan
Approach Angle
29
18
Departure Angle
25
20
Wading Depth
600
400
Terrain Modes
None
On-road Modes
Locking Differential
Rear Differential Lock
Electronic
Spec
D-Max
Tiguan
Tyre Size
255/65 R17
215/65 R17
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Spec
D-Max
Tiguan
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring
Multi-link
Chassis Type
Ladder Frame
Monocoque
Spec
D-Max
Tiguan
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
Low to Moderate
Moderate
Battery Warranty
24 Months
24 Months
Spec
D-Max
Tiguan
Warranty Years
5
3
Warranty Kilometers
120000
120000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
3 Years
Spec
D-Max
Tiguan
CO2 Emissions
210
165
Start Stop System
Standard
Yes
Hybrid System Type
None
None
Final Verdict
In structured scoring, D-Max emerges as the stronger overall package.
However, Tiguan may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.