2023 Lexus RX vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet appealing design, distinguishing itself from its less attractive competitors. Its refreshed styling included a new front design that aligned with Volkswagen's larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan's exterior was complemented by redesigned aluminum wheels and new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line offered a sophisticated cabin with perforated leather upholstery, touch-sensing controls, and ambient lighting, though the lower half's hard plastic hinted at its mass-market status. The updated Tiguan maintained its stylish appearance while adding modern touches to keep it fresh.

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, entered its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height but broader and longer in wheelbase than its predecessor. Its exterior featured a signature spindle-style grille, upswept body sides, and a light-blade taillight design, creating a modern yet familiar look. The RX's interior was thoroughly modern, with fewer buttons and knobs, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The RX 350 offered a range of trims, including the F Sport 3 with sportier features. The RX's design was fresh and conservative, ensuring it stood out from its predecessor while maintaining its Lexus identity.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system, which could distribute power to the rear wheels when needed. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, along with Offroad settings. Despite its enjoyable drive, the Tiguan's engine exhibited some turbo lag, and its fuel efficiency was rated at 9.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The Tiguan's ride and handling were nimble and responsive, though it lacked excitement when pushed to its limits.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered improved performance and fuel economy compared to the previous V6. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, with a fuel economy estimate of 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 350 Executive trim provided a smooth ride, while the F Sport 3 trim offered enhanced handling with its adaptive suspension. Despite occasional torque steer and body motion, the RX 350 was satisfying to drive.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a spacious compact crossover, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered an optional third row, though cargo space was compromised with it in use. The two-row configuration provided 1,064 litres of luggage volume, expanding to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. The Tiguan's interior was comfortable, with leather-wrapped front seats offering eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The second row was roomy, accommodating adults and children alike. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided a comfortable interior with premium materials. The RX 350 Executive trim featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The F Sport 3 trim offered sportier features, including NuLuxe simulated leather seats and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. The RX's back seat was roomy, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Cargo space improved over the previous generation, with 838 litres available with the second row in place and 1,308 litres with it folded, though still not generous for the segment.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and smartphone mirroring. The Highline R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system. However, the natural voice recognition feature was disappointing. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface multimedia system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Drive Connect plan offered Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, though it occasionally provided inaccurate results. The RX's infotainment system allowed user profiles and music streaming through embedded apps. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, though it required tone adjustments for optimal sound. The RX also featured digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and an optional head-up display.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features such as Front Assist and Side Assist. It also offered Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, and Emergency Assist, which could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improvements aimed to enhance its safety credentials.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like lane departure warning and automatic high beams. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also introduced Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. While LSS+ 3.0 was impressive, it had some flaws, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and curve-speed reduction technology that could be improved.