2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

Family-hauling, kid-toting three-row SUVs have become the de facto vehicle in most suburban towns. Just look in any mall parking lot, and you’re bound to see countless Honda Pilots and Toyota Highlanders. So ubiquitous are these vehicles, you might forget that the definition of “Sport Utility Vehicle” is actually quite vast, and there are still new examples that have some connection to the segment’s rugged origins.

The model year 2022 Toyota 4Runner is one such example. It may not be optimized for soccer practice or pizza-party duties, but it can certainly handle them. Just as crucially, it can also venture out where these mall-dwelling SUVs dare not go. If two years of a pandemic have taught us anything about ourselves, it's that the ability to get out on an adventure is more relevant than ever, and the 4Runner is one vehicle so-equipped to do it.

The Tiguan is larger inside than many of its rivals, and it is one of two vehicles in its segment to offer a third-row seat. In addition, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is more upscale in appearance and enjoyable to drive than many of its primary competitors.

However, the Tiguan is imperfect, and some people may decide its flaws are too significant to consider owning one. Especially people who are easily frustrated by technology. Its competition set is vast and includes the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5 and CX-50, and more.