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Why were Tiger tanks best suited to defensive roles?

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Kuwait: U.S. 1st Armored Division M1A1 Abrams tanks — tank M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks of the U.S. 1st Armored Division moving across the desert in northern Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War, February 1991.

The Tiger tank (Pz. VI) was best suited for defensive roles because its design prioritized firepower and survivability at the expense of speed, agility, range, and mechanical reliability.1

Specifically, the Tiger was ill-suited for offensive maneuvers where mobility was critical. Its heavy weight—ranging from 55 tons for early models to 70 tons for the Tiger II—severely limited its cross-country speed to approximately 20 km (12 miles) per hour and resulted in high fuel consumption and frequent mechanical breakdowns.1

In contrast, the Tiger excelled in defensive engagements where these limitations were less decisive. Its long-barreled, high-velocity 88-mm gun allowed it to destroy enemy tanks at extremely long ranges, while its thick frontal armor (100 mm) made it nearly impervious to most antitank weapons of the time. While Allied forces could exploit the Tiger's lack of agility by attacking from the sides or rear, the tank remained a formidable defensive asset due to its ability to engage and neutralize threats from a distance.1