2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser was a nod to its iconic past with a boxy design and flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. It featured a heritage grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out, round headlights on the First Edition, and rectangular ones on other trims, all LED-lit. The higher trims boasted colour-selectable fog lights, adding a modern twist. The beltline was lowered for better visibility, and it came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch options available. Inside, the base trim had cloth seats, while others offered SofTex or real leather with unique logos. Heated front seats and a steering wheel were standard, with additional features like a moonroof and ventilated seats on higher trims. The cabin was comfortable, with cushy seats and attractive stitching, ensuring a pleasant driving experience.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, embracing a sleek, modern look inspired by VW's electric vehicles. It featured narrower headlights and an illuminated VW badge and light bar on the top trim. The grille appeared larger, with smaller actual openings and prominent air intakes. The side profile had a sportier tapering hatch, enhanced by a black contrasting roof and tinted windows. The rear showcased a single bar taillight and an oversized plastic trim piece. Inside, the Tiguan adopted a minimalist design with a tablet-like infotainment display and digital instrument panel. The gear selector moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space. Materials were average, with soft-touch areas and durable plastics in the rear. The Tiguan's interior was practical, with ample storage and a focus on functionality.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and a 48-hp electric motor, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. The Multi-Terrain Select system operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo, enhancing off-road capability. Standard features included an automatic limited-slip differential and rear- and centre-locking differentials. The front sway bar could be disconnected for better articulation off-road. The CRAWL control function had five speed settings and operated silently, improving the off-road experience.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. It had an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion AWD in Canada. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to be similar to its predecessor, reaching 100 km/h in about 8.5 seconds. The drivetrain delivered power smoothly, and the braking system was easy to modulate. The suspension favoured comfort, smoothing over road imperfections while maintaining composure in corners. The cabin was quiet, with minimal tire and wind noise. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, offering 268 hp and 258 lb-ft, along with a teased hybrid powertrain.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured two rows of seating, with headroom measuring 917 mm in the front and 897 mm in the back, and legroom at 838 mm front and 678 mm rear. The centre console provided easy access to off-road features, with hard controls for climate and media. A wireless charging pad was available, and the Premium Package included a centre console cool box. The cargo area had a raised load floor with a rubber mat, offering 1,063 litres of cargo volume. It came with a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, increasing second-row legroom by nearly 4 cm. Headroom remained sufficient for average-sized adults. The elimination of capacitive-touch buttons improved usability, with traditional controls on the steering wheel. Visibility was comparable to other small SUVs, and the centre console offered more storage with the gear shifter relocated. The Tiguan could hold up to 1,668 litres of cargo behind the first-row seatbacks, though capacity behind the second row was not finalized. The angled liftgate limited loading of bulkier items, but remote seatback releases and a power liftgate added convenience.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the Multi-Terrain Monitor system, standard above the base trim, with a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The base infotainment system had an 8-inch display and six speakers, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker system or a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. Additional features included a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror in the Premium Package and First Edition.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 15-inch display on the top trim. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless phone charger in the centre armrest bin. Capacitive-touch sliders adorned the infotainment screen frame, but a new volume knob on the centre console improved usability. The standard audio system had seven speakers, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system available on the top trim. VW's Car-Net system offered remote monitoring and control.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's track record and the Tundra's Top Safety Pick award provided some confidence. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, road-sign assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The Premium Package and First Edition added lane-change assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's crash test results were not yet available. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, safe passenger exit warnings, parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The Emergency Assist system and post-collision braking were also included. The Highline R-Line added a head-up display, surround-view camera system, and traffic sign reader.