2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with its upscale appearance. The Luxury trim model featured striking 22-inch silver wheels, enhancing its presence. Its styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. The TX came in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD options. The test vehicle, priced at $67,869, included various packages and a dark Peppercorn interior, which felt too dark despite the panoramic sunroof. However, the interior maintained a luxurious feel, fitting for the Lexus badge.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a premium look, often perceived as more designed than its non-European rivals. The SEL R-Line model tested featured LED headlights, taillights, and an illuminated grille light line, along with silver roof rails. The base trim offered limited color options, while higher trims allowed for more customization, albeit with some restrictions. The Tiguan S included heated front seats and cloth upholstery, while higher trims added features like leatherette upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The SEL R-Line boasted real leather, front-seat ventilation, and a heated steering wheel, enhancing its premium feel.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds with FWD and 7.8 seconds with AWD. The performance was adequate, with a swell of torque aiding acceleration. The FWD model averaged 20.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 23 mpg combined rating. AWD, costing an additional $1,600, offered better traction and slightly quicker acceleration. The TX 350's suspension provided a balanced ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt soft but manageable.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard, with AWD available for $1,500 on lower trims and standard on the SEL R-Line. The AWD model had a slightly larger fuel tank, with combined mpg ratings dropping from 27 to 25. The SEL R-Line's power delivery was inconsistent, with lagging turbo and transmission responses. The steering felt light and rubbery, but visibility and handling were good. The ride was comfortable, though the seating surfaces drew some complaints.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury model included premium leather and suede upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain’s chairs optional. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering better comfort than previous models. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with seats folded, and 97 cubic feet with all rear seats down. Storage options were plentiful, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's top-trim model seated five due to its AWD configuration, offering more cargo space than the seven-seat FWD version. The two-row Tiguan provided 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The three-row version offered less space, with 12 cubic feet behind the third row. Passenger space was minimally affected, with ample head and legroom in the first two rows. The third row was tighter but still more spacious than some competitors. The Tiguan was one of the few compact crossovers offering a third row, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, and surround-view camera. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls were distracting, especially with polarized sunglasses affecting the head-up display visibility. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital assistant. The TX included free subscriptions to various connectivity services and an optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, providing impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system included haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. The physical volume knob was less user-friendly due to its sensitive on/off button. The infotainment system featured monochromatic graphics on an 8-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model had a smaller screen and fewer USB ports. The Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch display. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was a highlight, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist provided additional braking and steering assistance but was not always smooth. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors. Traffic jam assist allowed for hands-free driving at low speeds, though a higher-speed system was not available.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. For 2024, the IQ.DRIVE suite became standard, including adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous highway driving. Additional features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. Park Distance Control was standard on higher trims, though its effectiveness was mixed.