2022 Lexus GX vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
$25,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Lexus GX
2022 Lexus GX
$56,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
$25,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus GX
$56,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
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CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Lexus GX scores 4.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is the clear choice, offering a better balance of comfort, technology, and safety features.

Overview

MSRP

$25,245

MSRP

$56,125

Average price

$21,396

Average price

$52,659

Listings

1979

Listings

322
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

4.2 out of 10
Pros
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Stereo is lacking
  • Interior materials feel cheap

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews Summary

You may have noticed that crossover SUVs are popular. Among them, compact models dominate, having essentially replaced the traditional midsize sedan in American driveways. Offering room for five people, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and more cargo than any family car, they are the preferred method of transportation for a broad cross section of new vehicle buyers. But that’s not the only explanation for the runaway success of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan.

2022 Lexus GX Reviews Summary

Based on the same rugged traditional body-on-frame SUV platform as the Toyota 4Runner, the 2022 Lexus GX is something akin to a Japanese Land Rover. Designed for maximum off-roading capability and only then refined for use as a luxurious daily driver, it has a standard V8 engine, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and a standard unquenchable thirst for fuel. And though Lexus markets the GX as a three-row, seven-passenger SUV, it is best used to carry five people and 46.7 cubic feet of cargo behind its second-row seat.
No video found
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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 184 hp I4

Engine

4.6L 301 hp V8

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

184 hp @ 4400 rpm

Horsepower

301 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

23

MPG City

15

MPG Highway

29

MPG Highway

19
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
$25,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus GX
2022 Lexus GX
$56,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
$25,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus GX
$56,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Lexus GX scores 4.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is the clear choice, offering a better balance of comfort, technology, and safety features.

Overview
MSRP
$25,245
$56,125
Average price
$21,396
$52,659
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
4.6
Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Read full review

4.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Stereo is lacking
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Summary
You may have noticed that crossover SUVs are popular. Among them, compact models dominate, having essentially replaced the traditional midsize sedan in American driveways. Offering room for five people, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and more cargo than any family car, they are the preferred method of transportation for a broad cross section of new vehicle buyers. But that’s not the only explanation for the runaway success of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Based on the same rugged traditional body-on-frame SUV platform as the Toyota 4Runner, the 2022 Lexus GX is something akin to a Japanese Land Rover. Designed for maximum off-roading capability and only then refined for use as a luxurious daily driver, it has a standard V8 engine, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and a standard unquenchable thirst for fuel. And though Lexus markets the GX as a three-row, seven-passenger SUV, it is best used to carry five people and 46.7 cubic feet of cargo behind its second-row seat.
Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 184 hp I4
4.6L 301 hp V8
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
184 hp @ 4400 rpm
301 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
23
15
MPG Highway
29
19
Look and feel
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
7/10
2022 Lexus GX
4/10

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured clean lines and balanced proportions, which some might have found boring, but it had a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic that was likely to age well. It was large for its class, nearly as spacious inside as a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento, thanks to a long-wheelbase version. The interior was roomy and accommodating, with plenty of space for four people, and could carry five if necessary. An optional third-row seat expanded passenger capacity to seven, though it was best suited for children.

Inside, the Tiguan combined modern geometric forms with a no-nonsense control layout, though the engine start button's location on the center console was unusual. The cabin featured shiny detailing, digital instrumentation, and a flush touchscreen infotainment system, but it had too much hard plastic to be mistaken for an Audi. The steering wheel stalks felt a bit flimsy. The Tiguan was available in S, SE, and SEL trims, with sporty R-Line variants. Pricing ranged from $25,245 to $39,095, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The test vehicle was an SEL trim with 4Motion AWD, priced at $35,040, including the destination charge.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, eradicated almost all chrome from the exterior, transforming the SUV into a rolling black hole. However, it quickly accumulated dust, making it look drab and old. The GX's design appeared dated, resembling the first-generation 2002 GX 470. Inside, the cabin's quality was undeniable, with smooth, silky refinement and a quiet atmosphere, except for the faint roar of the V8 engine.

The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210, including destination charges. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, started at $60,535. Despite its dated design, the GX's interior themes were similar to the original model, but it remained a comfortable and refined vehicle.

Performance
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
6/10
2022 Lexus GX
6/10

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower at 4,360 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels by default, with the 4Motion AWD system available for an additional $1,400 on most models and standard on the SEL Premium R-Line. The powertrain was adequate but suffered from turbocharger lag, making the engine feel breathless during passing maneuvers. The Tiguan's nearly 4,000-pound curb weight contributed to this perception of lethargy.

The EPA rated the Tiguan at 25 mpg in combined driving with FWD and 24 mpg with AWD. During testing, the AWD model averaged 22.6 mpg. Despite the powertrain's shortcomings, the Tiguan provided a pleasurable driving experience with light but responsive steering, a compliant ride, refined braking, and nimble handling. However, it struggled over sharper speed bumps and railroad tracks. On curvy roads, the Tiguan's tires lost grip early, and the suspension allowed too much body motion, encouraging slower driving. On the highway, the Tiguan was quiet and composed, making long road trips enjoyable.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. The V8 engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, provided a satisfying engine note and plenty of refinement. The GX's 7.8-second run to 60 mph felt more exciting due to the torque, and it had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The GX's drag coefficient of 0.35, combined with the V8 engine, always-on 4WD system, and heavy curb weight, resulted in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the GX returned 16.8 mpg. The standard Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved the GX's ride and handling, making it more stable and secure. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, with refined ride and handling on pavement and impressive off-road capabilities. However, the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

Form and function
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
9/10
2022 Lexus GX
2/10

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with large doors and tall seating hip points for easy entry and exit. The front seats offered a wide range of adjustments, ensuring proper support and excellent visibility. The V-Tex leatherette upholstery mimicked real leather, and the dual-zone climate control system was effective. The back seat provided excellent support, generous legroom, and foot space, with air conditioning vents and USB charging ports for passengers. The Tiguan's 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger configurations.

Cargo space varied depending on the presence of the third-row seat, ranging from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Tiguan's cargo area featured deep, roomy wells for carrying items like jugs of milk or bottles of wine, and levers in the cargo area allowed for easy folding of the rear seatbacks.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. The GX's tall height, narrow width, and short length made it easy to maneuver in various situations, though the slow steering required extra effort. The seats were comfortable, with padding in all the right places, and the switchgear was old-school but functional. However, the placement of the stereo and off-roading controls led to confusion.

The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, the back seats were heated, and the model offered triple-zone automatic climate control. Rear seat access was tricky due to narrow door openings, but once inside, passengers enjoyed a tall seating position and ample legroom. The third-row seat was challenging to access and uncomfortable for adults, with limited rear crush space in case of a collision.

The GX's cargo space was limited by the third-row seat, which, when stowed, forced a higher load floor. The side-swinging tailgate made loading difficult, especially in tight spaces. Lexus claimed 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded, less than a Toyota RAV4.

Technology
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
6/10
2022 Lexus GX
4/10

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the next-generation Modular Infotainment Toolkit (MIB) platform called MIB3, available starting with the SE trim. MIB3 included an 8-inch touchscreen, faster processing, and an expanded offering of features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi for up to four devices, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and Car-Net connected services. The MIB3 system was an improvement, but the user interface had quirks, and the voice recognition technology was lacking. The standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music, while the SEL Premium R-Line featured a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system.

The SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims included Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation, offering an understated approach to technology and information display.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over the previous model. The screen was easy to see and use, eliminating the need for the old Remote Touch Interface (RTI) touchpad. The infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, navigation, and a CD player. The Lexus app, smartwatch compatibility, and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot, provided modern conveniences. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system was available but not included in the test vehicle.

The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view for navigation and radio display, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX's new system was preferred over the next-generation Lexus infotainment system in the redesigned 2022 NX. For 2022, Lexus made Intuitive Parking Assist standard, and the GX could be upgraded with surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

Safety
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
8/10
2022 Lexus GX
4/10

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with the IQ Drive collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Starting with the SE trim, adaptive cruise control was included, while the SEL added lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist. The SEL Premium R-Line featured automatic high-beam headlights and front and rear parking sensors.

During testing, the adaptive cruise control demonstrated smooth braking but was slow to recognize vehicles cutting into the gap ahead. Lane-keep assist was effective but inconsistent, and the blind-spot warning indicator was easy to see. The parking sensors were helpful but could be overly sensitive, causing the SUV to stop abruptly. The standard reversing camera provided a clear view, while the SEL Premium R-Line offered a top-down surround-view. Automatic post-collision braking was standard, and Car-Net connected services included safety features like automatic collision notification and Family Guardian alerts.

The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, thanks to high-performing LED headlights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not published complete crash-test results for the SUV.

The 2022 Lexus GX, structurally a teenager, lacked crash-test ratings. The GX's third-row seat was close to the tailgate and rear window glass, raising safety concerns. The Lexus Safety System+ included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling, complimentary for three years.

The GX lacked some safety technologies available in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, Level 2 semi-autonomous highway driving, active blind-spot intervention, and evasive steering assist. However, the absence of these features contributed to a favorable driving experience, as the Lexus did not second-guess or override steering inputs.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
8/10
2022 Lexus GX
5/10
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