2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this connection was evident in its design cues, such as hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and a muscular stance. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model featuring more chrome brightwork. Our tester, in Celestial Silver, appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." Inside, the Sequoia closely resembled the Tundra and other Toyota vehicles, with a blocky, geometric dashboard layout and physical controls for volume and climate. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. Power-adjustable front seats and a power moonroof were standard across the lineup, enhancing customization and comfort.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, marking the start of its third generation. It adopted a sleek, modern look inspired by VW's electric vehicles, particularly evident in the front with narrower headlights and an illuminated VW badge and light bar on the top Highline R-Line trim. The grille appeared larger, with smaller actual openings and prominent air intakes. The side profile featured a sportier tapering hatch, a longer hood, and shorter overhangs, creating a sportier silhouette. The rear showcased a single bar taillight and oversized plastic trim. Inside, the Tiguan embraced modernization with a minimalist dashboard, a digital instrument panel, and a tablet-like infotainment display. The gear selector moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space. Materials quality was average, with soft-touch materials in key areas and durable plastics in the rear seats.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively offered in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase over its predecessor. Fuel economy improved to 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. In Canada, the Sequoia came standard with 4WD, featuring a part-time system with selectable modes. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and on-road handling was adequate. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with towing-related upgrades available.

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 featured 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 approximately 8.5 seconds. The drivetrain delivered power smoothly and linearly, with confident highway acceleration. Braking was smooth and easy to modulate, while the suspension favoured comfort, handling bumps and ruts well. The Tiguan's cabin was quiet, even on coarse roads. While not sporty, it offered a balanced mix of performance and comfort. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, along with a teased hybrid powertrain.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured automatic power-deploying running boards on the Capstone and Platinum trims, aiding shorter passengers. Cargo space reached a maximum of 2,460 litres with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, it offered 1,387 litres, and behind the third row, 325 to 631 litres, depending on seat position. The third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, affecting headroom and legroom. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, providing width but lacking bolstering.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, increasing second-row legroom by nearly 4 centimetres. Headroom remained sufficient for average-sized adults. The elimination of capacitive-touch buttons improved usability, with traditional controls on the steering wheel. Outward visibility was comparable to other small SUVs. The centre console offered more storage, with cupholders, a smartphone slot, and a deep armrest bin. Cargo capacity behind the first-row seatbacks was 1,668 litres, though capacity behind the second row was not finalized. The angled liftgate hatch limited loading of bulkier items, but deep pockets provided convenient storage. Remote seatback releases and a power liftgate enhanced convenience.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone trim was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 trim and a 14-inch screen on higher trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A full-colour 12.3-inch driver information display was standard across all trims. The Panoramic View monitor was standard on Platinum and Capstone trims, aiding visibility. A 10-inch colour head-up display was standard on Capstone, and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 15-inch display on the top trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complemented by a wireless phone charger with a cooling fan. 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 Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite of safety and driver-assistance features as standard. This included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist, available on Platinum and Capstone trims. The Sequoia had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's crash test results were not yet available from NHTSA or IIHS. Standard advanced 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 slowed the vehicle to a stop if the driver was incapacitated. The Highline R-Line trim added a head-up display, surround-view camera system, and traffic sign reader. Safety and driver assist features functioned effectively, with no false alarms or oversensitivity issues.