2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and added $4,505 to its price. This included a $1,875 upcharge for the standard four-wheel-drive system (4WD). The remaining $2,630 covered retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and various bronze badges and stitching. The 40 ASE was available only in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner lineup included multiple trims, with prices ranging from $39,555 to $54,020, plus a $1,335 destination charge. The 40 ASE test vehicle had no options and an MSRP of $48,455. The 4Runner's design evoked a strong SoCal vibe with its retro stripes and bronze wheels, reminiscent of 1970s aesthetics. Its truck-based SUV stance and purposeful interior, despite the abundance of plastic, offered a solid and quality feel. The controls were easy to locate and use, even with gloves on.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan continued mostly unchanged from its 2022 updates. The most significant news was VW's retroactive provision of a five-year Car-Net Safe & Secure connected services plan. The Tiguan was available in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, with prices ranging from $26,950 to $37,680, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The SEL R-Line test vehicle had an MSRP of $38,975. Despite seven exterior colors, four interior colors, and various wheel designs, choices were restricted based on trim levels. The test vehicle arrived in Atlantic Blue paint with Storm Gray leather interior. The SEL R-Line's sporty appearance and 20-inch machined-finish wheels gave it a more expensive look. The design was conservatively drawn but aging gracefully. The interior featured quality materials, digital instrumentation, a panoramic sunroof, and robust construction, providing an upscale feel.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. A five-speed automatic transmission sent power to the rear wheels unless upgraded to a 4WD system. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Two 4WD systems were available: a part-time 4WD system and a full-time 4WD system for the Limited trim. The EPA fuel economy rating was 17 mpg in combined driving, and the 40 ASE averaged 16.9 mpg. The 4Runner had a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance and standard Hill-Start Assist Control. Additional off-roading technologies included locking differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. The TRD Sport and Limited trims had suspensions for improved on-road performance, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims had suspensions for off-road capabilities. The 4Runner excelled in off-roading but had flaws as a daily driver, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a light-switch-like brake pedal. It performed well in reconnaissance missions during storms, handling elevation changes and gentle bends with ease but struggled with tire grip and steering response on dry roads.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped 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. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive (AWD) system available. The SEL R-Line included AWD as standard, with Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings. The EPA estimated 24 mpg in combined driving for the SEL R-Line, but the test vehicle averaged 22.6 mpg. The Tiguan's turbo-four engine provided adequate power but struggled with higher engine revs and delayed downshifts. The automatic transmission stumbled with downshifts, and turbo lag was noticeable from a stop. The Tiguan's dynamic qualities were rewarding, with light and lively steering, excellent tire grip, and stable handling. The ride quality was compliant without unwanted body motions, and road noise communicated road texture. The Tiguan's visibility and nimble feel made it easy to park, aided by the SEL R-Line's surround-view camera and parking sensors.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's power-down back window in the tailgate, combined with the sunroof and automatic windows, provided an immersive driving experience. Climbing into the 4Runner required effort for shorter individuals, but the seats were comfortable. The 40 ASE had SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats. Storage locations were numerous but lacked rubber liners, causing items to slide and rattle. The second-row seating area was roomy with good legroom, headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The third-row seat option was uncomfortable and reduced cargo space. The tailgate bumper doubled as a seat, and the cargo area had storage cubbies, trays, and a 120-volt AC power outlet. The 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a roomy and affordable SUV option. FWD versions had a standard third-row seat, but it reduced cargo room. The SEL R-Line had comfortable front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. Storage space was generous, except for the small bin under the center armrest. The dashboard had questionable ergonomics with touch-sensing controls that hampered usability. The Climatronic Touch climate control panel was placed low on the dashboard, making it difficult to use while driving. The touch-sensing steering-wheel controls were reflective and easy to accidentally activate. The Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with large rear door openings and a spacious back seat. The cargo area accommodated full-size suitcases and had an adjustable load floor, storage wells, and handy levers for folding the seats. AWD versions offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet behind the front seats, while FWD versions had 33 cubic feet and 65.3 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had traditional analog gauges with a narrow digital driver information center and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Connected services plans were available with complimentary trial subscriptions, and the 4Runner could be transformed into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Upgrades included a navigation system, additional connected services, and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed the radio station, navigation map, and phone contacts. The voice recognition system performed well, handling most commands accurately and quickly.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch display on most trims and a 10.25-inch display on the SEL R-Line. The larger display offered a sophisticated appearance and a wider array of data. The center touchscreen display measured 6.5 inches on the base S trim and 8 inches on other trims. The SEL R-Line had wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, Car-Net connected services, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. The infotainment system's user interface was complex, with sub-menus appearing as fingertips approached the screen, creating multi-step processes for simple tasks. The voice-recognition system frequently failed due to a lack of data connection, likely because the Car-Net Hotspot subscription was not active in the test vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in safety features, offering tech often found on luxury models. Standard features included Front Assist with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, Side Assist with blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Automatic Post Collision Braking System brought the Tiguan to a stop after a collision. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, active blind-spot monitoring, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Additional features included Light Assist, Park Assist, parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking, and an Area View surround-view camera system. The safety technology worked well, with minimal false alerts and smooth performance. The 2023 Tiguan's crash-test ratings were incomplete, with the NHTSA noting a safety concern with the driver's door unlatching during a side-impact test. The IIHS gave the 2022 Tiguan a Top Safety Pick+ rating, but this did not apply to the 2023 model.