2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a sophisticated exterior, often perceived as more premium than its non-European counterparts. Its design elements, such as standard LED headlights and taillights, along with an illuminated grille light line on the SEL R-Line, contributed to its upscale appearance. The model name was prominently displayed in all-caps at the rear, complemented by the classic Volkswagen badge. However, the color options were limited, especially for the base trim, which only offered grayscale colors. Interior features varied across trims, with the SEL R-Line boasting real leather, front-seat ventilation, and a heated steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent a significant redesign, growing slightly in size and enhancing its body-on-frame architecture for improved stiffness. The front end featured a larger grille and a distinctive stacked-headlight setup, giving it a bold look. The rear maintained its shape but updated with full-width LED taillights. The QX80 offered trims from Pure to Autobiography, with varying wheel sizes and a standard panoramic moonroof. Inside, it showcased a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and ambient lighting, though some materials felt less premium. Leather upholstery varied by trim, with the top models offering semi-aniline leather across all rows.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an optional 4Motion all-wheel drive available for an additional $1,500 on lower trims and standard on the top trim. The AWD version had a slightly larger fuel tank, but fuel economy decreased to 25 mpg combined. The Tiguan's driving experience was mixed, with inconsistent power delivery and touchy controls, though visibility and handling were commendable.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, replacing the previous V8. A nine-speed automatic transmission improved acceleration, though the active sound enhancement was intrusive. The QX80 offered steel-sprung suspension on the base model, with air suspension and adaptive damping on higher trims. This system adjusted ride height for off-road and aerodynamic purposes. Despite its size, the QX80's handling was average, with the air suspension unable to fully counteract bumps.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan offered different seating configurations based on drivetrain. FWD models seated seven, while AWD models, including the SEL R-Line, seated five, providing more cargo space. The two-row version offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with seats folded. Passenger space was ample in the first two rows, but the optional third row was tight, with limited headroom and legroom.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 increased cargo space significantly, offering 22 cubic feet with all seats up, 59 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 101 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The interior was easily reconfigurable with power-folding seats and a power liftgate. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. The QX80 also boasted a high towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, surpassing most competitors.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan featured haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive, but the physical volume knob was less user-friendly. The infotainment system had monochromatic graphics on an 8-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Digital Cockpit System was standard, with a more advanced version on the SEL R-Line. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was a highlight.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 introduced dual 14.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with a smaller 9-inch touchscreen for additional controls. Google built-in apps provided navigation and voice recognition, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also available. The Klipsch sound system varied by trim, with higher models offering a 24-speaker setup. The QX80 included a 360-degree camera system with multiple viewing angles and advanced safety features.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with improved safety features for 2024. The IQ.DRIVE suite became standard, offering adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Additional features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's crash-test ratings were unavailable, but it included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The ProPilot Assist system offered advanced highway-driving assistance, with hands-free driving and automated lane changes on higher trims.