2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented itself as a versatile luxury SUV, offering both standard and Type S versions with various trim packages to enhance its equipment. The Type S Advance trim, which we tested, came with a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and a sophisticated Orchid interior. Despite its high price tag of $74,995, the MDX Type S aimed to deliver quality, luxury, and driving dynamism, though it occasionally fell short of these expectations. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to feature the Type S badge, characterized by subtle design elements like chicane-design LED lights and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, the Type S boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, with the Advance trim adding open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. While the MDX Type S was visually appealing, some design choices, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it challenging to use certain controls.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, exuded a premium European aesthetic that set it apart from its non-European rivals. The SEL R-Line trim we tested featured LED headlights and taillights, an illuminated grille light line, and silver roof rails, contributing to its stylish appearance. The rear end showcased the model name in all-caps style, accompanied by the classic Volkswagen badge. The Tiguan's color options were somewhat limited, with the base trim available only in grayscale, while higher trims offered more choices at an additional cost. The interior of the Tiguan was well-appointed, with the SEL R-Line trim offering real leather upholstery, front-seat ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. Despite some configurator complexities, the Tiguan's design and features made it a compelling choice in the compact SUV class.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S also featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance enhancements didn't always translate into a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The MDX Type S struggled to deliver a thrilling driving experience, with its fuel economy averaging 16.9 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating. While the turbocharged V6 provided quick acceleration, the overall driving dynamics left much to be desired.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Tiguan offered front-wheel drive as standard, with Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The Tiguan's power delivery was inconsistent, with both the turbo and transmission lagging in some scenarios. The steering was light and rubbery, but visibility and handling were commendable, making the vehicle feel more maneuverable. The Tiguan's ride was comfortable, though the seating surfaces drew some complaints. Overall, the Tiguan provided a balanced driving experience, with its AWD models offering a slightly larger fuel tank to accommodate the system's impact on fuel economy.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats could be configured for two or three seating positions, with a removable center section for added flexibility. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support during enthusiastic driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, as access was tight for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage options in the center console.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, in its top-trim SEL R-Line configuration, offered a two-row seating arrangement due to its AWD setup, providing more interior space for cargo. The two-row Tiguan allowed for 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. In the three-row configuration, cargo space was reduced, but passenger space remained largely unaffected. The Tiguan provided ample headroom and legroom for front and second-row passengers, though the third row was tight. Despite its compact size, the Tiguan managed to offer a third-row option, making it one of the few vehicles in its class to do so.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which could be distracting and cumbersome to use. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa Built-In for voice commands. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread speed limits. The MDX's top-tier audio system, the Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D, delivered impressive sound quality with 25 speakers throughout the cabin.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system featured an 8-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base Tiguan S had a smaller 6.5-inch screen, while higher trims offered additional USB-C ports and wireless charging. The Tiguan's Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line trim offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro screen. The Tiguan's audio system, the nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System, received positive feedback for its sound quality. While the Tiguan's infotainment graphics were monochromatic, the overall technology package was user-friendly and well-equipped.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. This included features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and its safety features were further enhanced for 2024. The standard IQ.DRIVE suite included adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities. The Tiguan also offered rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection. Park Distance Control became standard at the SE R-Line Black trim level, though its Maneuver Braking feature was found to be intrusive.