2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, following its updates in 2022, remained largely unchanged. In Canada, it was available in several trims, including Trendline, Comfortline, Comfortline R-Line Black, and Highline R-Line, with the R-Line trims offering sportier styling. Prices ranged from $36,675 to $47,175, plus a $2,050 destination charge. The U.S. specification test vehicle was similar to the Canadian Highline R-Line trim. Despite offering six exterior colours, four interior colours, and various wheel designs, choices were limited by trim level, complicating the selection of a preferred combination. The test vehicle featured Atlantic Blue paint and Storm Grey leather seats, a combination unavailable in Canada unless opting for the Highline R-Line trim. Standard features included keyless entry, remote start, and an 8-way power driver’s seat. The Highline R-Line trim was favoured for its sporty appearance and 20-inch wheels, with adaptive front lighting and a light bar across the grille enhancing its appeal. Inside, the Tiguan offered an upscale cabin with quality materials, digital instrumentation, and a panoramic sunroof, all contributing to a solidly assembled feel.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. Its upscale appearance contrasted with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model featured 22-inch silver wheels, enhancing its presence. The TX's styling was more conservative than other Lexus models, appealing to those previously deterred by the brand's design. Available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, prices ranged from $72,036 to $87,486, including destination charges and dealer fees. The TX 350, likely the volume seller, was tested. It featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard AWD, with Ultra Luxury or Executive packages available in Canada. The Ultra Luxury package added ambient lighting and premium leather upholstery. The Peppercorn interior, a dark brown shade, was available with the Executive packages. Despite the panoramic sunroof, the cabin felt dark. The TX 350's interior was luxurious enough for the Lexus badge, though the dark interior and lack of a massage function in the front seats were noted.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the 4Motion AWD system was standard, offering various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual. The AWD system could send up to 50% of power to the rear wheels. Fuel economy was rated at 9.8 L/100 km in combined driving, though testing showed 10.4 L/100 km. The Tiguan's powertrain was adequate but lacked power at higher revs, with turbo lag from a stop. The automatic transmission occasionally stumbled with delayed downshifts. Despite these quirks, the Tiguan's dynamic qualities were rewarding, with excellent tire grip and stability. The ride was compliant, providing a good road feel without being too firm. Road noise was present, and an odd resonance was noted during testing. Visibility was excellent, aided by thin windshield pillars and variable-assist steering. Overall, the Tiguan was enjoyable to drive once acclimated to its powertrain quirks.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it accelerated to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque. Fuel economy was rated at 10.3 L/100 km in combined driving, with testing showing 13.8 L/100 km. The TX 350's ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension providing road surface feedback while ensuring comfort. Body motion control was commendable, and the steering was accurate and responsive. The interior was quiet on the highway. The brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate. Overall, the TX 350's performance was adequate, with a comfortable ride and handling.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a roomy interior, with certain configurations featuring a standard third-row seat. However, the third row reduced cargo space, so opting for a two-row configuration provided one of the largest cargo areas in the compact SUV class. The front seats were comfortable, with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. Storage space was generous, though the centre armrest bin was small. The dashboard's touch-sensing controls were criticized for poor ergonomics, with reflective surfaces and difficult-to-use sliders. The Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with large rear door openings and a spacious back seat. The cargo area was cavernous, with an adjustable load floor and handy features like seat-folding levers and a grocery bag hook. With AWD, the Tiguan offered 1,064 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 2,078 litres behind the front seats.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous Lexus three-row SUV shortcomings. The TX 350 test unit featured premium leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain’s chairs available. The front seats lacked a massage function but were comfortable. The second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat cushion, though it offered climate control and USB ports. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with adequate leg support and large windows. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, with power-folding seats increasing capacity to 1,625 litres. Folding the second-row seats provided 2,746 litres of cargo space, more than any other Lexus SUV.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured digital instrumentation, with R-Line trims offering a larger 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system included a touchscreen display, with lower trims having a 6.5-inch screen and higher trims an 8-inch screen. The system offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the user interface was criticized for its complexity, with sub-menus and multi-step processes. The voice-recognition system underperformed, often lacking a data connection. Despite these issues, the Tiguan's technology was functional once acclimated.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a head-up display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen display, with Drive Connect offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with seamless connectivity. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect free for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered comprehensive safety features, including Front Assist with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Side Assist added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The IQ.Drive package included adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Tiguan's safety technology was effective and rarely issued false alerts. However, crash-test ratings were incomplete, with concerns about the driver's door unlatching during a side-impact test.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered braking and steering assistance but was not transparent in operation. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds. Overall, LSS+ 3.0 was smooth and effective, though the TX slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.