Isuzu NLR 45-150 vs Volkswagen Tiguan
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 starts from $52,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Tiguan opens at $52,990. That makes the Isuzu NLR 45-150 the more affordable entry point by $90.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $58,190 and $58,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Tiguan by roughly $4,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen Tiguan gets a 12.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 uses a Diesel producing 110kW and 375Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout.
The Volkswagen Tiguan responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 measures 4,735mm long on a 2,490mm wheelbase, 196mm longer than the Volkswagen Tiguan at 4,539mm (2,681mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Tiguan generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Isuzu NLR 45-150 leads with a 4,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 11.4m
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,993/year for the Isuzu NLR 45-150 and $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tiguan. That is a $827 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Estimated annual total: $2,993 (Isuzu NLR 45-150) vs $2,166 (Volkswagen Tiguan). The Volkswagen Tiguan saves you roughly $827 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 250,000km (Isuzu NLR 45-150) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tiguan). The Isuzu NLR 45-150 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Isuzu NLR 45-150 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Tiguan if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volkswagen Tiguan will save you roughly $827 a year in fuel. The Isuzu NLR 45-150 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Isuzu NLR 45-150 and Volkswagen Tiguan?
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 is the cheapest at $52,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by $90.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Tiguan uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen Tiguan all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 has the highest braked towing capacity at 4,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Isuzu NLR 45-150 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 250k km.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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