Volkswagen Tiguan vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of trim levels tailored to different powertrains, including the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The 550h+ stood out with its standard panoramic glass roof and striking Matador Red Mica paint. Most models featured 20-inch wheels, but the 550h+ boasted 22-inch wheels. The design retained the large spindle grille, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting. Inside, the TX provided two interior color options, with the PHEV adding a Peppercorn brown. Ambient lighting and suede trim enhanced the cabin, though material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles offered a unique touch, but some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail.

The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan, in its third generation, drew inspiration from VW’s electric lineup, featuring an LED lightbar and honeycomb design on the front fascia. The SEL R-Line Turbo trim illuminated the VW logo and replaced the chrome bar with an LED light bar. The rear echoed the honeycomb pattern, with upscale LED taillights. Despite a consistent wheelbase, the Tiguan's interior space decreased slightly, though second-row legroom improved. Wheel options ranged from 17 to 20 inches, with colors like Monterey Blue and Avocado Green adding flair. Inside, the SEL R-Line Turbo trim impressed with two-tone Varenna leather and walnut trim, while a 15-inch touchscreen and digital instrument panel enhanced the tech experience.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of powertrains, with the base model producing 317 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid, however, delivered an impressive 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The TX provided multiple driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom, allowing drivers to tailor their experience. The 550h+ excelled in providing a smooth and quiet ride, with a capable AWD system that adjusted power distribution as needed. The suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, making it ideal for long trips.

The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque in FWD models, with AWD models offering 221 pound-feet. The SEL R-Line Turbo trim introduced a more powerful engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Tiguan's eight-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth power delivery, while larger rear brakes enhanced stopping power in the SEL R-Line Turbo. Despite a focus on comfort, the Tiguan's suspension provided sharp handling, though it resulted in a firmer ride on rough surfaces. The Tiguan lacked a hybrid option, which might have deterred eco-conscious buyers.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated and cooled front seats. The spacious third row accommodated adults comfortably, with individual cupholders and USB-C ports. Accessing the third row was easy, but folding the second row flat required a specific sequence of lever adjustments. The front seats provided ample room, though more thigh support would have been appreciated. The TX boasted excellent cargo space, with up to 97 cubic feet available when the second row was folded. All models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned for 2025, no longer offered a third row, resulting in slightly reduced interior space. Cargo capacity decreased to 69.8 cubic feet behind the front seats and 33.8 cubic feet behind the back seat. Despite this, the Tiguan remained more spacious than some competitors. The second row gained 1.5 inches of legroom, and visibility improved with narrow A-pillars. The Tiguan featured practical storage solutions, including large door pockets and tandem-oriented cupholders. A wireless charging pad with an integrated cooling fan ensured devices stayed charged without overheating.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch color touchscreen, though some functions lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were not labeled, requiring drivers to rely on the gauge cluster for guidance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX offered a range of subscription-based features, including in-dash navigation and a voice assistant. The backup camera provided clear visuals, and the Advanced Park system assisted with parking tasks. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, device connectivity was well-supported.

The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a 12.9-inch touchscreen, with the SEL R-Line Turbo trim featuring a larger 15-inch display. While visually striking, the reliance on software controls over physical buttons was a drawback. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 10.25-inch digital driver information display. The Tiguan's "atmospheres" ambient lighting system added a unique touch, adjusting lighting and audio settings to create different moods. The SEL R-Line Turbo trim upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, enhancing the listening experience.

The 2026 Lexus TX included the Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane centering, and more. Proactive Driving Assist provided additional support, though it could be intrusive. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing to configure. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS awarded the TX a mix of "Good" and "Acceptable" scores in crash tests.

The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan had not been crash tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it featured the Intelligent Crash Response System, which shut off the fuel pump, activated hazard lights, and unlocked doors in the event of a crash. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System applied brakes to prevent further collisions. The Tiguan's IQ.Drive suite included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist enabled semi-autonomous driving with Travel Assist.