2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan maintained its design from the previous year, with the most notable update being the addition of a complimentary five-year Car-Net Safe & Secure connected services plan for owners. Available in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, the Tiguan offered a range of prices from $26,950 to $37,680, excluding a $1,295 destination charge. Despite the variety of exterior colors, interior options, and wheel designs, choices were limited by trim level, making it challenging to find the perfect combination. The SEL R-Line trim, with its Atlantic Blue paint and Storm Gray leather interior, was favored for its sporty appearance and upscale cabin, featuring quality materials and advanced lighting.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX underwent a significant redesign, adopting a more geometric and aggressive styling compared to its predecessor. The new GX featured a less pronounced spindle grille, standard triple-beam LED headlights, and a more vertical front fascia. The SUV's profile was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline for improved visibility. Offered in six trim levels, including the off-road-focused Overtrail models, the GX emphasized luxury and off-road capability. The interior combined luxury appointments with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions. The GX was positioned as a premium SUV ready for rugged use.

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 was standard, with the option for VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The SEL R-Line trim included AWD as standard, offering various driving modes for different conditions. The Tiguan's powertrain provided adequate power, though it struggled with passing and higher engine revs. The ride quality was compliant, with excellent tire grip and stable handling, though the brake pedal required more effort than expected. The Tiguan's visibility and nimbleness made it easy to park, aided by the SEL R-Line's surround-view camera and parking sensors.

The 2024 Lexus GX replaced its previous V8 engine with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced off-road capability. The GX accelerated well and maintained composure on-road, with effective brakes and minimal body roll. Off-road testing was limited due to weather conditions, but the GX's off-road features promised robust performance.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, with FWD models featuring a standard third-row seat. The SEL R-Line trim provided comfortable front seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. However, the dashboard's touch-sensing controls were criticized for their poor ergonomics and distracting nature. The Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with generous rear legroom and a large cargo area. AWD models offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons and a focus on essential controls. The first and second rows provided ample space for adults, while the third row was best suited for children. The GX offered impressive cargo capacity, with 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 76.9 cubic feet in total. Overtrail models provided even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet overall.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line trim offering a larger 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the system's user interface was criticized for its complexity and distracting nature, with sub-menus and touch-sensing controls complicating simple tasks.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a voice assistant and subscription services for navigation and remote functions. The GX featured a 10-speaker audio system, with higher trims offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the system was user-friendly, the subscription costs for certain features after the initial trial period were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in safety features, offering standard Front Assist and Side Assist, along with an Automatic Post Collision Braking System. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Tiguan's safety technology was praised for its effectiveness and subtlety. However, crash-test ratings were incomplete, with concerns about the driver's door unlatching during a side-impact test.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. The GX's modern architecture and advanced driver assistance systems improved its safety offerings, though crash-test ratings were not yet available.