2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, featuring design elements like hexagonal grilles, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance. The exterior color significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model in Celestial Silver giving a somewhat dated look. However, a switch to Solar Octane orange with black accents transformed it into a more dynamic presence. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard design, with physical controls for volume and climate. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered a mix of fabric, SofTex, and leather. All models included power-adjustable front seats and a moonroof, enhancing comfort and customization.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, adopting a sleek, modern look inspired by VW's electric vehicles. The front featured narrower headlights and an illuminated VW badge and light bar on the SEL R-Line trim. The grille appeared larger, with prominent air intakes, while the rear showcased a single taillight bar. The interior embraced a minimalist design with a tablet-like infotainment display and digital instrument panel. The gear selector moved to the steering column, freeing up console space. Materials were average for the class, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas, though rear seats used more durable plastics.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively a hybrid, using the iForce MAX powertrain with a twin-turbo V6 and electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This marked a significant increase over its predecessor, with improved fuel economy at 20 mpg combined for 4WD models. The TRD Pro trim offered off-road capabilities with 4WD, skid plates, and specialized suspension. Towing capacity reached 9,520 pounds, with various towing upgrades available.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and FWD, with AWD available. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to be around 8.5 seconds to 60 mph, with smooth power delivery and confident braking. The suspension favored comfort, maintaining composure on winding roads. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, along with a teased hybrid powertrain.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia offered up to 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded. The second-row seats were easy to move for third-row access, though the third-row seats didn't fold flat due to the hybrid battery. Headroom was reduced, and legroom varied across rows, with second-row captain’s chairs available on higher trims.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan eliminated the third row, increasing second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. The interior featured traditional button controls, improving usability. The center console offered ample storage, and cargo capacity was expected to be slightly smaller than the previous model. The power liftgate and remote seatback releases added convenience.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia included standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. The infotainment system prioritized functionality, and a 12.3-inch driver-information display was standard. The Capstone trim featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 14-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan came with a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 15-inch option. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless phone charger. The infotainment system included capacitive-touch sliders, a volume knob, and the Atmospheres feature for mood enhancement. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the top trim.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including pre-collision, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring with Trailer Merge Warning. The Tow Technology Package added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. Safety ratings were not available, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The Emergency Assist system and post-collision braking were also standard. Higher trims added a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-automated parking. Safety ratings were pending.