2023 Lexus RX vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a refined and modern exterior, characterized by its shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase, while maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor. The design changes, including a reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines, contributed to a smaller appearance. The signature spindle-style grille was seamlessly integrated, enhancing the vehicle's modern aesthetic. The RX's exterior styling was distinct yet familiar, ensuring it remained recognizable as a Lexus RX. Inside, the RX offered a contemporary interior with fewer physical controls, featuring digital instrumentation and a choice of touchscreen displays. The quality of materials was high, with options for genuine leather and simulated suede, providing a luxurious feel.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan exuded a premium European design, setting it apart from its non-European rivals. Standard LED headlights and taillights, along with an illuminated grille light line on the SEL R-Line, added to its sophisticated appearance. The Tiguan's exterior was marked by silver roof rails on the SEL R-Line, while the model name was prominently displayed in all-caps style at the rear. The base trim offered limited color options, with more choices available on higher trims. Inside, the Tiguan featured firm seating and a configurable interior layout, with the AWD models offering more cargo space due to the absence of a third row. The interior dimensions provided ample space for passengers, although the third row was notably tighter.

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 compared to the previous V6, though it lacked the same smoothness. During testing, the RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport Handling trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with fuel economy expectations of 24 mpg combined, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan offered front-wheel drive as standard, with 4Motion all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The AWD models featured a larger fuel tank to accommodate the system's impact on fuel economy. The Tiguan's power delivery was inconsistent, with noticeable turbo and transmission lag. Steering was light but provided good visibility and handling. The AWD Tiguan was rated for 24 mpg combined, with the base FWD model achieving 27 mpg.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered a comfortable interior with premium materials and advanced seating options. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The F Sport Handling trim included sportier NuLuxe simulated leather seats and a thick-rimmed heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided good leg support and space, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. Cargo space was improved over the previous model, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's interior was marked by firm seating and a configurable layout. The AWD models, including the SEL R-Line, offered more cargo space due to the absence of a third row, with 37.6 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and 73.4 cubic feet with them folded. The FWD models could seat seven, but cargo space was reduced. Passenger space was ample in the first two rows, though the third row was notably tighter. The Tiguan's compact crossover design allowed for a third row, a rarity in its class, though it was best suited for short trips.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system allowed for user profiles and streaming through embedded apps. The Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, though it required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The RX also offered a color head-up display, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system included haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. The system featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the graphics were monochromatic. The Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch display. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was available on higher trims, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available. However, some features, like curve-speed reduction, were not predictive and could be intrusive.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and for 2024, the IQ.DRIVE suite of driver-assistance features became standard. This included adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities. Additional safety features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection.