Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle was a top-tier Platinum trim with AWD, priced at $54,718. Changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint option and standard power-folding mirrors on Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was bold, with exaggerated features that some found overwhelming. Inside, the cabin was large and filled with oversized elements, but the quality felt lacking, with mismatched textures and inexpensive-feeling controls. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid offered a quiet ride, thanks to acoustic front window glass in higher trims.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a more premium appearance, often considered more stylish than its non-European competitors. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with an illuminated grille light line on the SEL R-Line trim. The test vehicle, an SEL R-Line, featured silver roof rails and a fashionable rear design. The Tiguan's color options were limited, with specific combinations available only on certain trims. The base Tiguan S offered heated front seats and cloth upholstery, 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, providing a more luxurious experience.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 horsepower. The AWD version added a third electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite its power, the Highlander Hybrid struggled with high-speed passing and towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The SUV offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an additional Trail mode for AWD models. However, its 8.0 inches of ground clearance and electric AWD were best suited for winter weather traction. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to optimize fuel efficiency, but the test vehicle averaged only 28.7 mpg, below the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The Highlander Hybrid's driving experience was uninspiring, with a soft suspension and a continuously variable transmission that detracted from engagement.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan came with 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 AWD available for an additional cost. The AWD system slightly reduced fuel economy, with the base Tiguan S achieving 25 mpg combined. The SEL R-Line's driving experience was mixed, with inconsistent power delivery and a touchy gas pedal. The steering was light but provided good visibility and handling, making the Tiguan feel maneuverable. Road noise was minimal, and the ride was comfortable, though the seating surfaces drew some complaints.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate family life, seating seven or eight people depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row best for occasional use. Standard equipment included three-zone automatic climate control, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs in the test vehicle. The Highlander Hybrid offered ample cargo space, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 84.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. However, the interior storage areas were unlined, and the center armrest storage console was unnecessarily complex.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's seating capacity varied based on the 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 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 provided generous headroom and legroom for front and second-row passengers, though the third row was tight. Despite its compact size, the Tiguan was one of the few vehicles in its class to offer a third row.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The system included an 8.0-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 12.3-inch display on higher trims, with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected service plans offered various features, including Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect. The Drive Connect service plan added an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle also included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, though the graphics could have been bolder.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan featured haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. The infotainment 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. Volkswagen's 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 on the SEL R-Line received positive feedback for its sound quality.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritized safety with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a standard suite of advanced driving assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Hybrids also featured blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Limited and Platinum trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and for 2024, Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE suite became standard. This included adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, lane assist, and more. Additional safety features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. Park Distance Control became standard on the SE R-Line Black trim, though its performance was mixed.