2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its bold and unmistakable design, which was a refreshing departure from the rugged styling cues often seen in SUVs. Its angular and technical look, introduced in the 2023 refresh, replaced the previous chubby-cheeked face, giving it a more upscale appearance. Inside, even the base SE trim offered a modern and upscale feel, with premium materials like leather and artificial suede in higher trims. The Palisade was also packed with thoughtful details, such as USB charging ports in the front seatbacks and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system. It was available in seven trim levels, with prices ranging from $37,200 to $54,500, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan embraced a sleek modernity inspired by VW's electric vehicles. The redesign featured narrower headlights and a larger grille, with illuminated elements in the top SEL R-Line trim. The Tiguan's sportier silhouette was enhanced by a tapering hatch and a contrasting roof. Inside, the Tiguan adopted a minimalist approach, with a tablet-like infotainment display and a digital instrument panel. The gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space. While materials quality was average, the Tiguan's interior was practical, with ample storage options and improved second-row legroom due to the removal of the third row.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and optional all-wheel drive. The Palisade had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg combined. Despite its age, the Palisade's driving dynamics remained impressive, with a firm ride at lower speeds and a softer feel on highways. The V6 engine was smooth and refined, delivering satisfying power and silky shifts. However, it was not very fuel-efficient, with recorded city-driving fuel economy falling short of EPA estimates.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It also featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to be similar to its predecessor, reaching 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds. The drivetrain delivered power smoothly, and the suspension favored comfort while maintaining composure in corners. The Tiguan's cabin was quiet, and the braking system was confidence-inspiring. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, offering increased output for spirited drivers.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offered three rows of seats, with a seven-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain's chairs in the Calligraphy trim. The front seats were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, with a massaging driver's seat. The second-row seats were also heated and ventilated, providing good thigh support and legroom. The third-row seat was heated, a rarity in the segment, and offered USB-C charging ports and air vents. The Palisade's storage solutions were generous, with adjustable cupholders and dedicated smartphone storage. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, resulting in increased second-row legroom. The interior featured traditional buttons instead of capacitive-touch controls, improving usability. The center console offered ample storage, with cupholders, a smartphone slot, and a deep armrest bin. Cargo capacity was not finalized, but the new area appeared smaller than the previous model's 37.6 cubic feet. The Tiguan featured remote seatback releases and a power liftgate, with hands-free operation on higher trims.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's technology included a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While it required a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system was otherwise impressive, with features like Bluetooth support, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, and the Harman Kardon audio system delivered commendable sound. The Palisade also offered a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system.

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. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless phone charger. The Tiguan introduced a new feature called Atmospheres, combining ambient lighting and audio settings to enhance the mood. The standard audio system had seven speakers, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system available on top trims. VW's Car-Net system provided remote monitoring and control, plus a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features under the Hyundai SmartSense umbrella. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Palisade SEL added an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system, while the XRT trim included front parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The Calligraphy model featured automatic braking when parking and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS through 2024 but received a Poor rating in a new frontal-impact test for 2025. The NHTSA awarded it five-star frontal impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's 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 SE R-Line added a head-up display, while the SEL R-Line included a surround-view camera system and a semi-automated parking system. In testing, the safety features performed well, with no false alarms or oversensitivity issues. Crash test results were not yet available from the NHTSA or IIHS.