Nissan ARIYA vs Volkswagen Tiguan
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs 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 Nissan ARIYA starts from $54,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Tiguan opens at $52,990. That makes the Volkswagen Tiguan the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
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 $60,489 and $58,289 respectively.
The Nissan ARIYA qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Volkswagen Tiguan, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Nissan ARIYA and Volkswagen Tiguan hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Nissan ARIYA and 83% for the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Nissan ARIYA packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Nissan ARIYA and 9 in the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan ARIYA features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Tiguan gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Nissan ARIYA stands out with head-up display and heated front seats that you will not find on the Volkswagen Tiguan. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Nissan ARIYA gets nappa leather upholstery while the Volkswagen Tiguan offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Nissan ARIYA and 3-zone in the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Drivetrain
The Nissan ARIYA uses a Electric producing 160kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
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.
The Nissan ARIYA has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Nissan ARIYA measures 4,595mm long on a 2,775mm wheelbase, 56mm longer than the Volkswagen Tiguan at 4,539mm (2,681mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan ARIYA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 466L in the Nissan ARIYA and 615L in the Volkswagen Tiguan, giving the Volkswagen Tiguan a 149L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen Tiguan leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.0m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan ARIYA) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tiguan). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan ARIYA if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Tiguan if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Tiguan takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Tiguan has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Nissan ARIYA and Volkswagen Tiguan?
The Volkswagen Tiguan is the cheapest at $52,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan ARIYA by $2,000.
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 — Nissan ARIYA and Volkswagen Tiguan all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has the largest boot at 615L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan ARIYA makes the most power at 160kW.
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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