2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly in its 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), was a nod to the past with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. This special edition, based on the SR5 trim, added $3,330 to the price, bringing the MSRP to $54,380. It featured bronze 17-inch wheels, badges, and stitching, along with a numbered plaque on the dashboard. Available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior, the 4Runner maintained its truck-based SUV appeal. The interior, while filled with plastic, felt solid and of quality, with controls that were easy to use even with gloves on.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan continued with its updates from the previous year, offering a more modern and upscale look. Available in several trims, including the sporty Highline R-Line, the Tiguan's price ranged from $36,675 to $47,175. The test vehicle, in Atlantic Blue with Storm Grey leather seats, showcased a combination not available in Canada unless ordered in the Highline R-Line trim. The Tiguan's design was conservatively drawn but aging gracefully, with features like adaptive front lighting and a light bar across the grille. Inside, the cabin was upscale with quality materials, digital instrumentation, and a panoramic sunroof, providing a robust and solidly assembled feel.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and came with standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The 4Runner's fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test vehicle averaging 13.9 L/100 km. It featured a ground clearance of 24.4 centimetres and various off-roading technologies, making it adept at handling rough terrains. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a brake pedal that was difficult to modulate.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The Tiguan offered different driving modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, with an Individual mode for customized settings. Its fuel economy was rated at 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test vehicle achieving 10.4 L/100 km. While the Tiguan's powertrain had some quirks, its dynamic qualities were rewarding, with excellent tire grip and a stable, predictable feel when cornering. The ride was compliant, providing a good balance between comfort and road feel.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seats and dual-zone climate control. The second-row seating area was roomy, but the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with large rear door openings and a spacious back seat. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. However, the dashboard's touch-sensing controls were a drawback, as they were difficult to use and distracting. The Tiguan's cargo area was generous, with 1,064 litres of space behind the second row and 2,078 litres with the seats folded, rivaling some midsize SUVs.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with real knobs and buttons that were easy to operate. The voice recognition performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered digital instrumentation with an 8-inch or 10.25-inch display, depending on the trim. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the system's user interface was complex, with multi-layer processes for simple tasks, and the voice recognition system did not meet expectations.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for driver protection.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and IQ.Drive, which added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Tiguan's safety technology worked well, providing a smooth and reliable experience. However, its crash-test ratings were incomplete, with concerns about the driver's door unlatching during a side-impact test.