2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, truck-based construction, a nod to its origins in the 1980s SUV craze. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its roots, sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. This design choice was not due to stubbornness but rather a strategic decision by Toyota, which already had the Highlander for family-hauling duties. The 4Runner, therefore, catered to a niche market of adventure seekers who appreciated its high ride height, boxy proportions, and off-road capabilities.

Inside, the 4Runner's design was functional but dated, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. The trims ranged from the base SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro and the more road-oriented Limited. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, push-button start, and a host of driver assistance features. The Trail Special Edition, which we drove, stood out with its unique paint scheme, Yakima cargo basket, and all-weather floor mats. The TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road trims added specific features for road and off-road performance, respectively, while the TRD Pro and Limited trims offered additional luxury and tech features.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, though dated, was chosen for its reliability and decent initial acceleration. However, in most driving situations, it felt underwhelming. The power was routed through a five-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system with a low range. The ride quality was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and a rough ride over bumps, characteristics that some traditional SUV enthusiasts might find nostalgic.

Off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension effortlessly absorbing rocks, bumps, and other obstacles. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System further improved handling both on and off the trail. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, which was more than most car-based crossovers but less than some compact pickups.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system available. The SEL R-Line trim, which we tested, included AWD as standard. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with 4Motion models adding Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings.

The Tiguan's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg combined by the EPA, but our testing yielded 22.6 mpg. The turbo-four engine provided adequate power for most situations, though it struggled at higher revs and during passing maneuvers. The automatic transmission occasionally stumbled with delayed downshifts, and there was noticeable turbo lag from a stop. Despite these quirks, the Tiguan's dynamic qualities were rewarding, with excellent tire grip, stable handling, and a compliant ride. The variable-assist steering was light and lively, making the Tiguan feel nimble and easy to park.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model's 88.8 cubic feet. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The optional third-row seat, available on select trims, reduced cargo space to 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window, making it easy to stow items in the back. Despite its age, the 4Runner's cabin was functional, though not as spacious or efficient as more modern SUVs.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space. The FWD versions came with a standard third-row seat, though this reduced cargo room. Our AWD SEL R-Line test vehicle had exceptionally comfortable front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The dashboard, however, had questionable ergonomics, with touch-sensing controls that were difficult to use while driving. The Tiguan's rear seat was spacious, with generous legroom, headroom, and foot room, along with air conditioning vents, cupholders, and a USB charging port.

The hands-free power liftgate revealed a cavernous cargo area with an adjustable load floor height, deep storage wells, and handy levers for folding the seats. The AWD Tiguan offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet behind the front seats, comparable to some midsize SUVs. The FWD version had slightly less cargo space, with 33 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.3 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. The infotainment system covered the basics and was easy to use, especially with gloves on, making it suitable for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured digital instrumentation, with most trims using an 8-inch display and the SEL R-Line getting a larger 10.25-inch display. The larger display offered a sophisticated appearance and a wider array of data, including a full-panel navigation map. The Tiguan's infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base S trim, while other trims had an 8-inch touchscreen with touch-sensitive main menu buttons and physical control knobs. Our test vehicle had wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, Car-Net connected services, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system.

However, the Tiguan's infotainment system had some quirks, with sub-menus appearing as your fingertips approached the screen, creating multi-step processes for simple tasks. The touch-sensing controls for the climate system and steering wheel were also difficult to use while driving. Despite these issues, the system offered a wide range of features and functions, and the enhanced voice-recognition system could potentially improve usability.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround-view parking camera system. The TRD Pro also had an off-road camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and three stars for rollover testing. It had not been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as of the review.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including standard Front Assist and Side Assist. Front Assist included forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, while Side Assist added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Automatic Post Collision Braking System helped avoid secondary impacts after a collision. The IQ.Drive package, standard on most trims, added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and Emergency Assist. Additional safety features included automatic high-beam headlights, Park Assist, parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking, and an Area View surround-view camera system.

The Tiguan's safety technology worked well, with minimal false alerts and smooth performance. However, its crash-test ratings were incomplete, with the NHTSA noting a safety concern with the driver's door unlatching during side-impact testing. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Tiguan a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2022 calendar year, but this rating did not apply for the 2023 calendar year.