2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior, highlighted by its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, measuring over 16 feet in length, exuded a stately presence. The standard 19-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim, enhancing its commanding look. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, while the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy shape, adding to its elegant appearance, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, with a dashboard split by thin horizontal air vents. The center console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, and the unique two-spoke steering wheel set it apart from other luxury brands. The spacious and luxurious interior was slightly marred by the 14.5-inch infotainment screen, which seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan impressed with its premium appearance, often perceived as more refined than its non-European rivals. Standard LED headlights and taillights, along with an illuminated grille light line, adorned the front of the SEL R-Line trim we tested. Silver roof rails and a centered model name at the rear added to its stylish design. The base trim offered only grayscale colors, with limited options for interior and exterior combinations. The Tiguan S featured heated front seats and cloth upholstery, while the SE trim added power adjustability and leatherette upholstery. The SE R-Line included a panoramic sunroof, and the SEL R-Line boasted real leather, front-seat ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and driver’s seat memory. Despite some configuration challenges, the Tiguan maintained a stylish and functional design.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly athletic or quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving. The smooth power delivery and electronically controlled suspension, which adjusted to road conditions, provided a comfortable and quiet ride, enhanced by active noise cancellation.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard 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. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The AWD option slightly reduced fuel economy, with the base Tiguan S achieving 25 mpg combined. The SEL R-Line trim we tested exhibited inconsistent power delivery, with lagging turbo and transmission responses. The steering felt light and rubbery, but visibility and handling were commendable, making the vehicle feel maneuverable. Road noise was minimal, and the ride was comfortable, though the seating surfaces drew some complaints.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxurious features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with our tester featuring ventilated front and rear seats and the Ergo Motion driver’s seat, which helped reduce fatigue. Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous feel. A third row was available, though legroom was limited to 30 inches. The GV80 offered Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. The tri-zone climate control and optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort and entertainment. With 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, the GV80 provided ample utility.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, in its top-trim SEL R-Line, featured firm seats in both rows, with AWD models seating five instead of seven. The two-row configuration allowed for 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 73.4 cubic feet. The three-row version offered less cargo space but maintained passenger comfort, with 39.6 inches of headroom and 40.2 inches of legroom in the front. The second row offered 38.7 inches of legroom, reduced to 36.6 inches with the third row. The third row was tight, with 33.8 inches of headroom and 27.9 inches of legroom. Despite limited space, the Tiguan remained one of the few compact crossovers offering a third row.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. The infotainment system, while comprehensive, had a steep learning curve, with a dial that was cumbersome to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to maneuver in and out of parking spaces autonomously, a standout feature.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan’s haptic touch slider buttons for climate control were responsive, though the physical volume knob was less user-friendly. The infotainment system, accessed through an 8-inch touchscreen, featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base Tiguan S had a smaller 6.5-inch screen and fewer USB ports. Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch screen. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System in the SEL R-Line received positive feedback for its sound quality.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A unique feature was the video feed of the car’s blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist provided semi-autonomous driving on approved highways, though it struggled in bright sunlight. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though its headlights and LATCH system were rated as Acceptable.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, offered an improved safety package for 2024 with the standard IQ.DRIVE suite. This included adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities. Additional features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. Park Distance Control became standard at the SE R-Line Black trim level, though its performance was mixed.