2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Genesis GV80 presented a choice between the 2.5T and 3.5T models, with trim levels ranging from Standard to Prestige Signature. Prices varied from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a $1,350 destination charge. The test vehicle, a 3.5T in the Prestige Signature trim, featured an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint, bringing the MSRP to $84,600. The Prestige Signature trim offered exclusive exterior colors and a luxurious interior with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and a wide touchscreen display, emphasizing its status as a luxury SUV. Despite its opulence, the Prestige Signature's exterior was less impressive, with nearly invisible wheel designs, leading to a preference for the regular Prestige trim.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, adopting a modern aesthetic inspired by VW's electric vehicles. The front featured narrower headlights and an illuminated VW badge and light bar in the top SEL R-Line trim. The grille appeared larger, with smaller actual openings, and the rear showcased a single bar taillight. The interior modernization included a tablet-like infotainment display and a digital instrument panel, with the gear selector moved to the steering column for added storage. The materials were average for the class, with soft-touch areas and durable plastics in the rear. The Tiguan's exterior and interior updates reflected an evolution of previous themes with a nod to newer VW models.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 3.5T delivered a rewarding driving experience, with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires. It featured upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, enhancing its athleticism. However, the steering was unremarkable, and the two-spoke steering wheel design was set to change in 2025.

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 and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to reach 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds, typical for its class. The suspension favored comfort, smoothing over road imperfections while maintaining composure in corners. The Tiguan's quiet cabin added to the comfortable driving experience. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, offering 268 hp and 258 lb-ft, along with a teased hybrid powertrain.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature accommodated four people with second-row captain’s chairs. The interior featured premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic glass roof. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, and second-row legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. The rear center console in the Prestige Signature required caution when loading items.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, increasing second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. The interior improvements included the removal of capacitive-touch buttons, replaced by traditional controls. The center console offered more storage, with cupholders, a smartphone slot, and a deep armrest bin. Cargo capacity was not finalized, but the new area appeared smaller than before. The Tiguan featured remote seatback releases and a power liftgate, enhancing convenience.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display in the Prestige trims. The infotainment system included navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Wi-Fi hotspot was introduced in 2024, and wireless smartphone charging was standard. The GV80 also offered a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display in the Prestige trims.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 15-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless phone charger. The Tiguan featured a new volume knob and a system called Atmospheres, combining ambient lighting and audio settings. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the top trim, along with VW's Car-Net system and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 included advanced driving-assistance systems such as a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds in the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact tests.

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 could slow the vehicle to a stop if the driver was incapacitated. The top SEL R-Line trim added a head-up display, surround-view camera system, and semi-automated parking system. The safety features functioned well, with no false alarms or oversensitivity issues.