2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented itself as a stylish and premium-looking compact SUV, especially when compared to its non-European competitors. Its design elements, such as standard LED headlights and taillights, along with an illuminated grille light line on the Highline R-Line trim, contributed to its upscale appearance. The exterior was further enhanced by silver roof rails on the Highline R-Line, while lower trims featured black rails. The model name was prominently displayed in all-caps at the rear, accompanied by the classic Volkswagen badge. Colour options were limited on the base Trendline trim, but higher trims offered more vibrant choices and a variety of interior colourways.

Inside, the Tiguan offered a range of features across its trims. The base Trendline included heated front seats with cloth upholstery, while the Comfortline added an eight-way power driver's seat and leatherette upholstery. The R-Line trims, available in Comfortline and Highline, featured a panoramic sunroof, with the Highline R-Line further upgrading to real leather, front-seat ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and three-position driver's seat memory. The Highline R-Line also provided eight-way power adjustability for the front passenger's seat and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that aimed to impress with its features rather than its looks. The test vehicle sported an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers, but its overall design was unremarkable. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+. The RX 350h offered 246 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, while the RX 500h delivered 366 hp with a sportier performance. The RX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid with an estimated 60 km of electric-only range.

All models came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada, and various packages were available to enhance features and luxury. The RX 500h, with its turbocharged engine and six-speed automatic transmission, provided a more dynamic driving experience. However, its fuel economy was less impressive than expected. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and Direct4 AWD system contributed to its performance, but the overall driving experience lacked the communication and satisfaction expected from a sporty SUV.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and in Canada, Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive was standard. Fuel economy ratings for non R-Line configurations were 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 8.0 on the highway, and 9.4 combined. The R-Line trims had slightly higher consumption rates. During testing, the Tiguan Highline R-Line exhibited inconsistent power delivery, with noticeable turbo and transmission lag. The steering was light but somewhat rubbery, while visibility and handling were commendable. Road noise was minimal, and the ride was comfortable, though the seating surfaces drew some complaints.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains. The RX 350h, with its 246 hp hybrid powertrain, prioritized fuel efficiency. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. The RX 500h, with its turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and the Direct4 AWD system. Despite its power, the RX 500h's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.5 L/100 km during testing. The drivetrain occasionally hesitated, and while the RX 500h was capable on twisty roads, it lacked the dynamic communication expected from a sporty SUV.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a two-row configuration as standard, with an optional third row available for an additional cost. The two-row Tiguan provided 1,064 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. In the three-row configuration, cargo space was reduced to 340 litres behind the third row, 934 litres with it folded, and 1,849 litres with only the front seats in position. Passenger space was minimally affected by the third row, with the second row offering 983 mm of legroom, dropping to 924 mm with the third row. The third row was notably tighter, with 858 mm of headroom and 708 mm of legroom.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug due to enhanced bolstering, but the bottom cushions lacked comfort on long drives. The rear seats, with optional power-reclining, heating, and ventilation, were comfortable and spacious. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding down the second row increased cargo volume to 1,308 litres, though this was modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan featured haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. However, the physical volume knob was problematic due to its integrated on/off button. The infotainment system relied on monochromatic graphics, accessed through an 8-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the R-Line trims offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro screen. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was a highlight, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen display with a modern Lexus Interface infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and cloud-based navigation. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivered impressive sound quality. However, the unlabeled steering wheel controls were distracting and challenging to use while driving.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, though it had not received the same distinction for 2024. Standard safety features included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and Emergency Assist were available on higher trims, providing semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, an SOS emergency assistance button, and roadside assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also featured Proactive Driving Assist, which monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to maintain safe distances. The RX earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it poorly in the moderate overlap frontal-impact test.