smart #1 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 smart #1 starts from $54,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Tiguan opens at $52,990. That makes the Volkswagen Tiguan the more affordable entry point by $1,910.
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 $60,390 and $58,289 respectively.
The smart #1 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 smart #1 and Volkswagen Tiguan hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the smart #1 and 83% for the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 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 smart #1 and 9 in the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Feature Showdown
The smart #1 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 9.2-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 smart #1 stands out with heated front seats, Beats audio and ambient lighting 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 smart #1 gets leather upholstery while the Volkswagen Tiguan offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the smart #1 and 3-zone in the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Drivetrain
The smart #1 uses a Electric producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 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 smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The smart #1 measures 4,270mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 269mm shorter than the Volkswagen Tiguan at 4,539mm (2,681mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 203L in the smart #1 and 615L in the Volkswagen Tiguan, giving the Volkswagen Tiguan a 412L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen Tiguan leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.4m
Based on 11.1m 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 / 150,000km (smart #1) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tiguan). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #1 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer smart'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 5 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, smart #1 and Volkswagen Tiguan?
The Volkswagen Tiguan is the cheapest at $52,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the smart #1 by $1,910.
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 — smart #1 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 smart #1 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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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