2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that managed to blend luxury with a somewhat unremarkable exterior. Despite its exclusive Incognito paint job and striking orange brake calipers, the RX Hybrid's design was not particularly eye-catching, with its large front grille and rising rear haunches. The RX lineup offered three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each with varying horsepower and fuel efficiency. The RX 350h was the most efficient, while the RX 500h provided the most power. All models came with standard AWD in Canada, and the interior was noted for its quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls were a mix of intuitive and confusing.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, embracing a modern aesthetic inspired by VW's electric vehicles. The front featured narrower headlights and an illuminated VW badge and light bar in the Highline R-Line trim. The grille appeared larger, with smaller actual openings, and the rear sported a single bar taillight. The Tiguan's interior modernization included a minimalist dashboard with a digital instrument panel and a tablet-like infotainment display. The gear selector moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space. Materials were average for the class, with soft-touch areas where needed, and the rear seats were designed for durability. The Tiguan's exterior and interior updates represented a significant evolution from its predecessor.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of performance options across its models. The RX 350h, with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, was the least powerful but most efficient, featuring a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. The RX 450h+ PHEV increased output to 304 hp, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, while the RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and Direct4 AWD system, offering a rewarding drivetrain but lacking in fuel efficiency and dynamic communication.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard 4Motion AWD in Canada ensured confident acceleration, with an estimated 0-100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds. The Tiguan's drivetrain delivered smooth and linear power, with confident braking and a suspension tuned for comfort. The cabin remained quiet, even on coarse roads, and while not sporty, the Tiguan was appropriately tuned for a balance of performance and comfort. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, offering increased output for spirited drivers.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space, with heated and ventilated front seats that felt snug due to enhanced bolstering. The rear seats offered ample room and comfort, with a panoramic sunroof extending over them. Interior storage was plentiful, though the rear centre armrest lacked lining. The RX Hybrid provided 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres with the rear seats folded, though this was modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, increasing second-row legroom by nearly 4 cm. The interior featured traditional button controls, improving usability over the previous capacitive-touch buttons. Visibility was comparable to other small SUVs, and the centre console offered increased 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 bulkier items, but remote seatback releases and a power liftgate added convenience.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with high-tech features, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and cloud-based navigation. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the infotainment system experienced occasional glitches.

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. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, paired with a wireless phone charger. Capacitive-touch sliders were present but minimally used, with a new volume knob on the centre console. The standard audio system performed well, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system available on the top trim. VW's Car-Net system offered remote monitoring and control.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Safety Connect, providing automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and roadside assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist monitored forward progress, and a surround-view camera was available. The RX received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA but a Poor rating from IIHS for frontal-impact protection.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's crash test results were not available, but it included standard safety features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Emergency Assist and post-collision braking were also standard. The Highline R-Line added a head-up display and surround-view camera. Safety features functioned well, with no false alarms or oversensitivity issues.