2024 Ford Bronco vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design that harkened back to the 1960s, particularly in its two-door variant, which was more successful in capturing the nostalgic aesthetic than the four-door model. The Sasquatch Package, a notable upgrade, enhanced the Bronco's rugged appearance with a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, giving it a wide stance and a purposeful look. Without this package, the Bronco's standard tires appeared undersized, affecting its overall visual appeal. The interior of the Bronco was designed with practicality in mind, featuring marine-grade upholstery and a dashboard with a BRONCO-stamped panel reminiscent of the original model. Despite some issues with the upholstery's breathability, the Bronco's interior was considered more refined than its primary competitor, the Jeep Wrangler.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, adopting a sleek and modern aesthetic inspired by VW's electric vehicle lineup. The front end featured narrower headlights and a larger visual grille, while the rear showcased a single bar taillight design. The Tiguan's interior was modernized with a minimalist dashboard and a digital instrument panel, enhancing the sense of space. The gear selector was relocated to the steering column, allowing for additional storage in the center console. While the materials used were average for its class, the Tiguan's interior was practical, with ample storage options and improved second-row legroom due to the removal of the third row. The exterior and interior updates represented an evolution of previous designs, with a nod to newer VW models.

The 2024 Ford Bronco offered a range of engine options, starting with a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for rock crawling, while a 10-speed automatic transmission was an option. The Bronco's towing capacity reached up to 3,500 pounds. For those seeking more power, a turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine delivered 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, requiring the automatic transmission. The Raptor model boasted a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft, along with a higher towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. The Bronco's off-roading capabilities were enhanced by technologies like Trail Control, Trail One-Pedal Drive, and Trail Turn Assist. However, its fuel efficiency was a concern, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg in combined driving for the Big Bend Sasquatch model.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with front-wheel drive as the default and Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive available on all models. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to be similar to its predecessor, reaching 60 mph in approximately 8.5 seconds. The drivetrain delivered power smoothly and linearly, with confident braking and a suspension tuned for comfort. The Tiguan's cabin was quiet, even on rough roads, and it handled corners with minimal body roll. 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 those seeking a more spirited drive.

The 2024 Ford Bronco's interior was spacious, with the four-door model offering more room than its two-door counterpart. The absence of a rollbar in front of the rear-seat passengers provided a more comfortable experience compared to the Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco's marine-grade vinyl upholstery, while durable, had issues with breathability. The two-door model featured a standard hardtop with removable roof panels, while the four-door had a fabric soft top with an optional hardtop. Cargo space varied, with the two-door offering 22.4 cubic feet and the four-door providing up to 83 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Bronco's interior storage was practical, with MOLLE panels for customizable storage solutions.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, resulting in increased second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. The interior featured traditional button controls, improving usability compared to the previous model's capacitive-touch buttons. The center console offered ample storage, with cupholders, a smartphone slot, and a deep armrest bin. Cargo capacity was not finalized, but the new design appeared smaller than the previous generation. The Tiguan's power liftgate and remote seatback releases added convenience, while the angled liftgate hatch limited loading of bulkier items. Overall, the Tiguan's interior was practical and user-friendly, with improved storage options.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen featuring Ford's Sync 4 infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a seven-speaker stereo. Higher trims offered a connected navigation system and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. However, the Sync 4 technology experienced connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay and inconsistent voice recognition performance. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps and information, enhancing the off-roading experience.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a standard digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 15-inch display on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless phone charger. The Tiguan introduced a new feature called Atmospheres, combining ambient lighting and audio settings to enhance the driving experience. The standard audio system had seven speakers, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system available on top trims. VW's Car-Net system offered remote monitoring and control, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2024 Ford Bronco was equipped with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a backup camera. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, such as lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Bronco received favorable crash test ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlight performance. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, with a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's crash test results were not yet available. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Emergency Assist system automatically slowed the vehicle in case of driver incapacitation. Higher trims added a head-up display, surround-view camera system, and semi-automated parking system. The safety and driver assist features functioned effectively, with no false alarms or sensitivity issues.