Compare the2023 Volkswagen TiguanVS 2022 Mercedes GLC Coupe

The Tiguan has a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The GLC Coupe doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Tiguan SE R-Line Black/SEL R-Line has standard Maneuver Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The GLC Coupe doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Tiguan’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The GLC Coupe doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the Tiguan and the GLC Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Tiguan its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 92 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The GLC Coupe has not been tested, yet.

The Tiguan’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the GLC Coupe’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Tiguan for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the GLC Coupe.

There are over 66 percent more Volkswagen dealers than there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Tiguan’s warranty.

The Volkswagen Tiguan’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the GLC Coupe’s engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

On the EPA test cycle the Tiguan gets better mileage than the GLC Coupe:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Tiguan uses regular unleaded gasoline. The GLC Coupe requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Tiguan higher (7 out of 10) than the Mercedes GLC Coupe (6). This means the Tiguan produces up to 1.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the GLC Coupe every 15,000 miles.

The Tiguan stops much shorter than the GLC Coupe:

The Tiguan SEL R-Line’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GLC Coupe’s optional 45 series front tires.

The Tiguan 4Motion® handles at .82 G’s, while the GLC 300 Coupe pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Tiguan’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the GLC 300 Coupe’s (37.7 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

The Volkswagen Tiguan may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 150 to 250 pounds less than the Mercedes GLC Coupe.

The Tiguan offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the GLC Coupe can only carry 5.

The Tiguan has .7 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more rear headroom and .1 inches more rear shoulder room than the GLC Coupe.

The Tiguan’s cargo area provides more volume than the GLC Coupe.

The Tiguan’s cargo area is larger than the GLC Coupe’s in almost every dimension:

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Tiguan has a standard rear wiper. The GLC Coupe doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

The Tiguan is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The GLC Coupe doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Tiguan is less expensive to operate than the GLC Coupe because it costs $9 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Tiguan than the GLC Coupe, including $166 less for a water pump, $97 less for a muffler, $187 less for front brake pads, $138 less for fuel injection, $65 less for front struts and $675 less for a power steering pump.

The Volkswagen Tiguan outsold the Mercedes GLC by almost two to one during the 2021 model year.