2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a stark contrast to its predecessor, the 2023 GX 470, with its bold geometric styling. The redesign featured a less pronounced spindle grille flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving the front a more aggressive stance. The hood's design, with its raised sides, aided drivers in maintaining positional awareness during off-road adventures. The side profile of the GX appeared as if sculpted from a solid block of metal, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline to enhance visibility. The GX was offered in six trim levels, with the Premium+ expected to be the most popular. Luxury trims focused on opulence with features like 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting, while the Overtrail trims were tailored for off-roading with 18-inch wheels and durable upholstery.

Inside, the GX combined luxury with utility, featuring heated and ventilated front seats and a flat, upright dashboard. A 14-inch touchscreen dominated the center, surrounded by physical controls for off-road functions and climate settings. While not as luxurious as a Land Rover Defender or a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the GX was designed for durability and long-term use, making it a premium SUV ready for rugged adventures.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, exuded a premium European aesthetic that set it apart from its non-European competitors. The exterior featured standard LED headlights and taillights, with an illuminated grille light line on the SEL R-Line trim. The model name was prominently displayed at the rear, accompanied by the classic Volkswagen badge. The Tiguan's color options were limited, with the base trim only available in grayscale, while higher trims offered more variety at an additional cost.

The Tiguan's interior varied by trim, with the base S offering heated front seats and cloth upholstery, while the SE added leatherette and dual-zone climate control. The SE R-Line included a panoramic sunroof, and the SEL R-Line boasted real leather, front-seat ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. Despite some inconsistencies in power delivery and touchy controls, the Tiguan offered good visibility and handling, making it feel maneuverable for its size. The ride was comfortable, though the firm seating surfaces drew some criticism.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided impressive torque at low revs, enhancing off-road capabilities. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability both on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential ensured robust off-road performance. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced wheel articulation. Despite its weight, the GX demonstrated controlled handling and effective braking during testing.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with 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 option slightly reduced fuel economy but provided better traction. While the Tiguan's power delivery was inconsistent, it offered good visibility and handling. The ride was comfortable, though the seating surfaces were firm. The Tiguan's steering was light, and road noise was minimal, contributing to a pleasant driving experience.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was a departure from its predecessor, with a minimalist and sophisticated design. It retained essential physical controls, including rotary knobs for climate control and buttons for off-road features. The GX offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's seating configuration varied by drivetrain. FWD models seated seven, while AWD models, including the SEL R-Line, seated five. The two-row Tiguan provided 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The three-row configuration reduced cargo space but maintained passenger comfort. The Tiguan offered ample headroom and legroom in the first and second rows, though the third row was tight. Despite its compact size, the Tiguan was one of the few in its class to offer a third row.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a voice assistant and subscription services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect. The GX offered multiple USB-C ports and a 120-volt outlet in the trunk. The Luxury and Overtrail+ trims came with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, subscription costs after the initial trial period were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system included haptic touch slider buttons for climate control and a physical volume knob. The system relied on monochromatic graphics, accessed through an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base Tiguan S had a smaller 6.5-inch screen and fewer USB-C ports. 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 of the top trim.

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

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. For 2024, the Tiguan's safety features improved with the standard IQ.DRIVE suite, including adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities. Additional features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning.