2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its distinctive appearance, reminiscent of the 1986-1991 Lancia Delta, especially in the high-performance Ioniq 5 N variant. Hyundai kept the styling largely unchanged through its mid-cycle refresh, with only mild revisions to the lower front fascia. The vehicle retained its signature "Parametric Pixel" headlights and taillights, round wheel arches, and a high rear spoiler. The new XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and black plastic bumper cladding featuring a "digital camouflage" pattern. Exclusive colors like Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl were introduced, along with new wheel designs that emphasized rally style.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, marking the start of its third generation. It adopted a sleek modernity inspired by VW's electric vehicles, most evident in the narrower headlights and illuminated VW badge and light bar on the top SEL R-Line trim. The grille appeared larger, with smaller actual openings and prominent air intakes. The Tiguan's silhouette became sportier with a tapering hatch, contrasting roof, and shortened overhangs. The rear featured a single bar taillight and illuminated logo, while the interior saw a modernization with a tablet-like infotainment display and digital instrument panel. The gear selector moved to the steering column, enhancing storage space.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT featured a Terrain Mode button on the steering wheel, offering Snow, Mud, and Sand options that adjusted throttle mapping, wheel slip, and power distribution. The XRT was AWD-only, while other trims offered RWD or AWD. The Ioniq 5's battery capacity increased, with RWD models achieving up to 318 miles on a single charge, while AWD models had reduced ranges. Power output varied, with RWD models producing up to 225 horsepower and AWD models reaching 320 horsepower. The Ioniq 5's instant torque provided a fun driving experience despite its weight.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with FWD, while AWD was available on all models. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to reach 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds. The suspension favored comfort, smoothing over road imperfections while maintaining composure in corners. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, offering 268 horsepower. The Tiguan's quiet cabin and smooth power delivery made it suitable for most drivers.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper. The interior featured a movable center console with fore-and-aft cupholders and a wireless charging pad. Heated front seats were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and front seat ventilation available on higher trims. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, with generous legroom and cargo space. The Ioniq 5 transitioned to the North American Charging System, allowing access to Tesla's Supercharger network.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, increasing second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. The interior saw the elimination of capacitive-touch buttons, replaced by traditional controls. The center console offered more storage, with cupholders and a smartphone slot. Cargo capacity was not finalized, but the angled liftgate limited loading of bulkier items. The Tiguan featured remote seatback releases and a power liftgate on higher trims.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its dual 12.3-inch screens, with improved functionality and faster processing speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard, along with a Bose Premium Audio system on higher trims. The Ioniq 5 offered standard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and multiple USB-C ports. A head-up display was available on the Limited trim.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 15-inch display available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless phone charger. The Tiguan featured a volume knob and a new Atmospheres feature, combining ambient lighting and audio settings. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the top trim.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. It featured an enhanced driver attention system, parking-distance warnings, and Highway Driving Assist systems. The Ioniq 5 XRT included a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's crash test results were not yet available. It offered standard safety features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added a head-up display, surround-view camera system, and semi-automated parking system. The safety features functioned effectively without false alarms.