Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was part of a diverse lineup of Toyota crossovers and SUVs, offering both all-gas and hybrid-powered options. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with models like the Highlander and RAV4, distinguishing itself from the truck-based Sequoia. With a length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase, it was larger than competitors like the Kia Telluride, providing a spacious interior. Its design, inspired by rugged vehicles, featured a blockier style with a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights, reminiscent of the 4Runner. The Grand Highlander was available in XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, with interior options ranging from Softex synthetic leather to real leather, and offered features like heated and ventilated seats, a large center console, and ample storage.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan marked a redesign for its third generation, adopting a sleek, modern look inspired by VW's electric vehicles. The front featured narrower headlights and a larger visual grille, while the rear showcased a single taillight bar. The interior saw a shift to a minimalist design with a tablet-like infotainment display and digital instrument panel. The gear selector moved to the steering column, freeing up center console space. Materials were average for its class, with soft-touch areas and durable plastics. The Tiguan's exterior and interior updates aimed to blend modern aesthetics with practicality, offering a comfortable and quiet ride.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 265 horsepower, a 2.5-liter hybrid with 245 combined horsepower, and a Hybrid Max powertrain with 362 horsepower. Both gas and hybrid engines were available with FWD and AWD, while the Hybrid Max was AWD only. The Hybrid Max delivered impressive acceleration with a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander was noted for its solid brakes and adequate acceleration, though its steering felt somewhat numb. It featured three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional modes for AWD models.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered FWD and AWD options. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to be around 8.5 seconds to 60 mph, providing smooth and linear power delivery. Its suspension favored comfort, managing bumps well while maintaining composure in corners. The Tiguan's quiet cabin added to the comfortable driving experience. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, along with a teased hybrid powertrain.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than most rivals, with a length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase. It offered 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with 57.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample head, leg, and shoulder room in all rows, making it suitable for adults even in the third row.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, increasing second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. The interior featured traditional button controls, improving usability. Visibility was comparable to other small SUVs, and the center console offered more storage with the gear shifter relocated. Cargo capacity was not finalized, but the new design suggested a smaller area than before. The Tiguan included remote seatback releases and a power liftgate on most trims.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering features like dual-device Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An intelligent assistant and cloud-based navigation were available via subscription. The Limited and Platinum trims included an 11-speaker JBL stereo, and streaming audio integration was offered.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a standard digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 15-inch option on higher trims. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and a new volume knob. The Atmospheres feature combined ambient lighting and audio settings to enhance mood. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on top trims.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not been crash-tested but included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with four following-distance settings was also standard.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's crash test results were pending. It offered standard safety features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. Higher trims added a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-automated parking system. The safety features functioned effectively without false alarms.