2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX was a vehicle that commanded attention with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Standing at an overall height of 74.2 inches, it had a formidable presence on the road. The front end, with its large headlights, gave the GX a distinctive and aggressive look. The Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, added exclusivity with its unique color options, including the new Eminent White Pearl and the exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards functionality, with short overhangs and a wheelbase of 109.8 inches, making it appear more compact from the side. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, with some plastic materials betraying its premium status. Yet, it offered features like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, maintaining a balance between ruggedness and comfort.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a more refined and premium appearance, often perceived as more stylish than its non-European counterparts. The SEL R-Line trim, which was tested, featured LED headlights and taillights, an illuminated grille light line, and silver roof rails, adding to its upscale look. The rear end showcased the model name in a bold, all-caps style, complemented by the classic Volkswagen badge. The Tiguan's color options were somewhat restrictive, with the base trim limited to grayscale colors, while higher trims offered more variety, albeit with some constraints. The interior of the Tiguan was characterized by firm seating and a focus on practicality, with the AWD models offering more cargo space at the expense of a third row. Despite some limitations, the Tiguan's design and features made it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its robust V8 engine, which delivered a linear power surge as the accelerator was pressed. With 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, the 4.6-liter V8 engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided a satisfying driving experience, albeit not the most powerful on paper. The GX's towing capacity of 6,500 pounds was commendable, though it lagged behind some competitors. Fuel economy was a downside, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its rolling sensation in corners, but it remained predictable and controllable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhanced its 4WD system, making it adept in various terrains.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the option for Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive. The AWD system slightly impacted fuel economy, reducing it from 27 to 25 mpg combined for the base model. The Tiguan's power delivery was inconsistent, with some lag in acceleration, and the steering felt light and rubbery. However, it offered good visibility and handling, making it feel more maneuverable. The ride was comfortable, though the seating surfaces drew some complaints.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with older USB-A ports. The physical controls were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to. The second row was comfortable, with options for captain's chairs or a bench seat. The third row was tight, suitable only for occasional use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with just 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, in its two-row configuration, offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The three-row version had reduced cargo space but maintained passenger comfort. 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, a rarity in its class, making it a practical choice for families needing occasional extra seating.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. However, the system felt dated compared to other Lexus models, with lagging graphics. The GX included a CD player, a nod to its older tech offerings. The vehicle excelled in off-road capabilities, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control, enhancing its rugged appeal.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system relied on an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The graphics were monochromatic, contrasting with the vehicle's stylish design. The Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch display. The Tiguan's haptic touch slider buttons for climate control were responsive, though the volume knob integration was less user-friendly. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System on the top trim received positive feedback for its sound quality.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included several advanced driver assistance systems. These included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. While it lacked some top-end features, the GX's safety technology was commendable for a vehicle of its age.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, and its safety features improved for 2024. The IQ.DRIVE suite became standard, offering adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, lane assist, and more. Additional features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. Park Distance Control was standard on higher trims, though its Maneuver Braking feature was found to be intrusive.