2024 Acura MDX vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern intake vents, creating a refined presence. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but somewhat cluttered, with a center console filled with controls that could be overwhelming at first. The MDX was available in several trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, as well as the Type-S and Type-S Advance. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof. The Type-S Advance, which was reviewed, added a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, offering a luxurious experience.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan boasted a premium appearance, often considered more designed than its non-European rivals. The SEL R-Line trim, which was tested, featured LED headlights, taillights, and an illuminated grille light line. The base Tiguan S was limited to grayscale colors, while higher trims offered more color options, albeit with some restrictions. The Tiguan S came with heated front seats and cloth upholstery, while the SEL R-Line upgraded to real leather, front-seat ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. The Tiguan's exterior and interior design elements contributed to its stylish and sophisticated look.

The 2024 Acura MDX was powered by a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S variant featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX Type-S Advance offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension. The Integrated Dynamics System provided various driving modes, including Sport and Comfort, enhancing the driving experience. The MDX's towing capacity reached up to 5,000 pounds with AWD.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan came 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 system slightly impacted fuel economy, reducing the combined mpg from 27 to 25. The Tiguan SEL R-Line's power delivery was inconsistent, with some lag in acceleration. However, the vehicle provided good visibility and handling, making it feel maneuverable despite its size.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support, while the third row was smaller and best suited for children. The MDX provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Type-S Advance model included a second-row bench with a fold-down center console and integrated cupholders. The center console offered ample storage space, though the center stack of controls was somewhat cluttered and unintuitive.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's seating configuration varied based on drivetrain. FWD models seated seven, while AWD models, including the SEL R-Line, seated five. The two-row Tiguan offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The three-row configuration reduced cargo space but maintained passenger space in the first two rows. The Tiguan provided ample headroom and legroom for front and second-row passengers, though the third row was tighter. Despite its compact size, the Tiguan offered a third-row option, making it unique in its class.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was a notable drawback, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The vehicle also featured multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were highlights, though the overall system was less intuitive compared to competitors.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan featured haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. The infotainment system, accessed through an 8-inch touchscreen, relied on monochromatic graphics that felt out of place in the stylish vehicle. The Tiguan offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the base trim featuring a smaller 6.5-inch screen. 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 a highlight, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera system. The 2024 MDX had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, and its safety offering improved for 2024 with the standardization of the IQ.DRIVE suite. This included adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities. The Tiguan also featured rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. Park Distance Control became standard at the SE R-Line Black trim level, though its Maneuver Braking feature was found to be intrusive.