Each automaker offers some version of “basic” transportation. It’s typically a nice-looking but not outlandish or extreme vehicle with enough options to make it pleasing to drive.
These vehicles typically drive a lot of sales for a brand, especially since they’re reasonably priced. The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan and 2024 Chevrolet Equinox are prime examples of these types of solid transportation. In fact, the Tiguan is VW’s top-selling vehicle, while only the Chevrolet Silverado truck outsells the Equinox.
Let’s check out these two machines.
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
One of the reasons larger SUVs are popular these days is that everyone wants more space for cargo and people. The Volkswagen Tiguan gives the compact SUV buyer the added versatility of 3-row seating.
The Tiguan offers plenty of interior room, making seating for seven passengers possible. Advisable? Not so much. But possible? Yes. The third row is designed to handle children or small adults for short trips. The upside is that when that seat is down, there is a ton of cargo space behind the second row.
The only downside to the third row is if you want it, you have to give up all-wheel drive (AWD). Pricing for the Tiguan starts at $30,305, including destination charge.
Volkswagen Tiguan Highlights
Comfort and room: This vehicle has plenty of space. More importantly, it’s a comfortable ride. The Volkswagen Tiguan is an SUV that offers a secure, almost cozy feel as it trundles along.
Tech forward: VW Car-Net allows Tiguan owners to bring their maps, music, and more from a phone to the screen in the car. It allows for remote lock/unlock, automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle location, and how much fuel is in the tank.
4Motion: 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 situations.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Tiguan models near you.
2024 Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox holds the title of Chevy’s best-selling non-truck. This SUV features simple, clean exterior styling with plenty of interior room for people, current technology, good fuel economy, and an affordable price.
Powered by a capable 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine putting out 175 hp through a 6-speed automatic, the Equinox gets good gas mileage, an EPA-estimated 28 combined mpg. AWD is an option for the SUV, which is available in four trim packages: LS, LT, RS, and Premier.
The cabin offers ample space for five people, and the styling is uncomplicated. The rear cargo space is acceptable but not class-leading. Pricing begins at $27,995, including destination charges.
Chevrolet Equinox Highlights
Confidence & 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 tech features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Special editions: While Equinox’s exterior styling may not be cutting edge, upgrading to the Midnight Edition or Redline Edition appearance packages injects a dose of excitement.
Chevy Safety Assist: This suite of advanced driver assistance technology features automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, a following distance indicator, and automatic high beams.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Equinox models near you.
Similarities
The Volkswagen Tiguan and Chevy Equinox are attractive SUVs with decent space inside. Each is reasonably priced and comes with modern safety and infotainment tech features. They are basic transportation in the form of a compact SUV.
Conclusion
Each is a fine vehicle. Both SUVs will ensure you can handle all of your daily tasks and get where you need to go comfortably. The Volkswagen Tiguan does offer seating for seven, which isn’t available with 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 major redesign for the 2025 model year, so a good deal might be available as dealers look to clear out older 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 |
| Horsepower | 184 hp @ 4,400 rpm | 175 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm | 203 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 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 |
| Specs | ||
| 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 Overall Safety | 4-Stars | 5-Stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 109.9 inches | 107.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 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 |
| Headroom, Front | 39.6 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.1 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 33.8 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 40.2 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 36.6 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Legroom, 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 |
| Cargo Volume | 33.0 cubic feet | 29.9 cubic feet |
