Quick twin test: Volkswagen Tiguan vs Ford Edge

The all-new, second-gen VW Tiguan has a much broader range than the Edge. What you see here is its most assertive R-Line trim, which matches the Ford with lower, sharper suspension, unsubtle styling mods and 20in wheels. AWD is optional here.

The Edge Sport is Ford’s large SUV in its topmost trim level, posh Vignale excluded, and brings with it sports suspension, a body kit and fat 20in alloys. Edges get four-wheel drive as standard, as well as torque-vectoring tech, apparently to aid handling prowess.

With the VW group’s laser-honed MQB chassis beneath, this Tiguan handles like it’s half the size of the Edge. Which it almost is. The spin-off is a ride quality that’s firm, though not fatally so.

Ford used to imbue even its most sensible models with ride and handling verve, but the Edge proves nothing is sacred. Comfort is of far higher priority; the ‘Sport’ badge on the boot is mere garnish.

The Tiguan gets a mildly dizzying mix of petrol and diesel engines with manual, DSG, front and 4WD permutations. The skinniest 148bhp 2.0 TDI is more than strong enough, given the Tiguan’s size. It does considerably more with its power than the Edge manages with its stronger output.

Just two 2.0-litre diesels for the Edge. And you need the more powerful one. The basic 178bhp tune feels absurdly slow, particularly when you wish to overtake or merge safely from a slip road, and the six-speed manual’s ratios don’t help one bit. Spend £2,250 more and you get another 29bhp and an auto.

The Tiguan doesn’t quite offer as much room for people and things, but it’ll still tow 2.5 tonnes, and it scores well on tech, with R-Lines boasting the natty Virtual Cockpit we admire so much in Audis, among other goodies. There's plentiful room inside the Edge, but it’s a large thing to park and thread through traffic. Its American roots are plain to see, not least when it bongs at you. Noise-cancelling tech ensures life is pretty serene otherwise.

Verdict: while the Ford Edge is low on the SUV pecking order, good value and a familiar badge will sell it. The Volkswagen Tiguan though, is sharp to look at and drive, and feels good throughout.