2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a refined and modern exterior, with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor, while maintaining the same overall length. Despite offering more cargo space than the 2022 model, it appeared smaller due to design changes like reduced rear overhang and softer lines. The signature spindle-style grille was seamlessly integrated, enhancing the SUV's modern look, complemented by upswept body sides and a light-blade taillight design. The interior was thoroughly modern, featuring fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. High-quality materials were evident, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or genuine leather, and trims of textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum. The RX was available in multiple trims, including hybrid options, with pricing expected to remain close to the previous model's base price of just over $47,000.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan continued with minimal changes from the previous year, offering a range of trims from S to SEL R-Line, with prices starting at $26,950. The SEL R-Line trim, priced at $38,975, featured sporty styling and 20-inch wheels. Despite a variety of exterior and interior color options, choices were limited by trim level. The Tiguan's design was conservatively styled, aging gracefully with features like adaptive front lighting and a light bar across the grille. Inside, the cabin was upscale, with quality leather upholstery, artificial wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof. The Tiguan's construction felt solid, providing a sense of robustness and stability.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered more torque and better high-altitude performance than the previous V6, though it lacked the same smoothness. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport Handling trim, with its adaptive suspension, provided a more secure and stable ride. The RX 350 FWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, with the AWD version slightly quicker at 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The SEL R-Line trim came standard with AWD and offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport. The Tiguan's 4Motion AWD system could send up to 50% of power to the rear wheels. The EPA estimated 24 mpg in combined driving for the SEL R-Line, but testing yielded 22.6 mpg. The Tiguan's powertrain was adequate for most situations, though it struggled with passing power and exhibited turbo lag. Despite these quirks, the Tiguan's handling was rewarding, with excellent tire grip and a stable, predictable feel. The ride was compliant, with minimal unwanted body motions, and road noise provided feedback on road conditions.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling trim featuring sport seat bolsters for added support. The Luxury trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The F Sport Handling trim had NuLuxe simulated leather seats and a sportier interior design. The back seat was roomy, with good leg support, though headroom was tight for taller passengers. Cargo space improved over the previous model, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan provided ample space, with FWD models offering a third-row seat. The SEL R-Line trim featured comfortable leather front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The dashboard's touch-sensing controls were less user-friendly, but the cabin offered generous storage. The Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with large rear door openings and a spacious back seat. The cargo area was cavernous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded in AWD models. FWD models had slightly less cargo space due to the third-row seat.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. Drive Connect, free for three years, offered features like Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant voice recognition. The system allowed user profiles and music streaming through embedded apps. While the system was an improvement, it lacked the ability to display multiple data panels simultaneously. The RX also featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional digital rearview mirror and key technology.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan came with digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a nine-speaker Fender sound system. However, the system's user interface was complex, with multi-step processes for simple tasks. The navigation map could not be displayed on both the digital instrumentation and center screen simultaneously. Voice recognition was limited, likely due to inactive subscriptions. Despite these challenges, the system offered a range of features and functions.

The 2023 Lexus RX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. New semi-autonomous features included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. While the system was generally impressive, it had some flaws, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and non-predictive curve-speed reduction technology.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in safety features, with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and semi-autonomous driving assist. The Tiguan's safety technology was effective and user-friendly, though crash-test ratings were incomplete. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Tiguan a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022, but this did not apply for 2023.