2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Genesis GV80 presented a luxurious and sophisticated appearance, offering a choice between the 2.5T and 3.5T models, with trim levels ranging from Standard to Prestige Signature. Prices varied from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a $1,350 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a GV80 3.5T in the Prestige Signature trim, featured an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint, bringing the MSRP to $84,600. The exterior, with its dark chrome trim and 22-inch wheels, was elegant but not necessarily more attractive than the Prestige model. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior exuded opulence with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and a wide touchscreen display, reinforcing its status as a flagship luxury SUV.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, impressed with its European design flair, making it appear more premium than its non-European rivals. The SEL R-Line trim we tested featured LED headlights, taillights, and an illuminated grille light line, along with silver roof rails. The base trim offered only grayscale colors, while higher trims allowed for more customization, albeit with some limitations. The Tiguan's interior was practical, with heated front seats and cloth upholstery on the base trim, while higher trims added features like leatherette upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The SEL R-Line boasted real leather, front-seat ventilation, and a heated steering wheel, enhancing its appeal.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 3.5T provided a satisfying driving experience, with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires. It featured an adaptive damping suspension and upgraded front brakes, making it more athletic than expected. However, the steering was unremarkable, and the vehicle's fuel efficiency was lower than anticipated, with an observed 17.2 mpg on a test loop.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan came 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 Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The Tiguan's power delivery felt inconsistent, with turbo and transmission lag in some scenarios. The steering was light and rubbery, but visibility and handling were good, making the vehicle feel maneuverable. The ride was comfortable, though the seating surfaces drew complaints. The AWD Tiguan had a slightly larger fuel tank, but fuel economy decreased with AWD, with the SEL R-Line rated at 24 mpg combined.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a luxurious interior with various seating configurations. The 3.5T Advanced trim had a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature trim featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain's chairs, reducing passenger capacity to four. The interior boasted premium materials, including diamond-stitched leather and a panoramic glass roof. However, the seats were not as comfortable as expected, and second-row legroom was limited. Cargo space was commendable, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, in its top-trim SEL R-Line, offered a two-row configuration with firm seats. While FWD Tiguans could seat seven, AWD models, including the SEL R-Line, seated five, providing more cargo space. The two-row Tiguan offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Passenger space was generous in the first two rows, but the optional third row was tight, with limited headroom and legroom. Despite this, the Tiguan remained one of the few compact crossovers to offer a third row.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement made the control dial on the center console more practical. The infotainment system included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital key system allowed smartphone access, and most trims had a Lexicon premium sound system. The Prestige and Prestige Signature trims added a head-up display, enhancing safety by showing blind-spot warnings.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system relied on an 8-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base trim had a 6.5-inch screen, while higher trims offered more USB-C ports and wireless charging. The Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line featuring a fully configurable 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro screen. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was a highlight, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came equipped with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The latter combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and lane-change assist, though it was less effective in heavy traffic. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds within the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and for 2024, Volkswagen's 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. Park Distance Control became standard at the SE R-Line Black trim level, though its Maneuver Braking feature was intrusive.