2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial look. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly integrated with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the new 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window from the first generation, while the sliding rear window facilitated easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Toyota Tacoma's design, with beveled styling throughout the cabin. It offered a balance of comfort and ruggedness, with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as the Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan marked the beginning of its third generation with a complete redesign, adopting a sleek modernity inspired by VW's electric vehicles. The front featured narrower headlights connected by a plastic trim element, reminiscent of the ID.4 EV. The grille appeared larger, with smaller actual openings and prominent air intakes. The side profile showcased a sportier tapering hatch, enhanced by a black contrasting roof and dark-tinted windows. The rear replaced conventional taillights with a single bar spanning the liftgate, echoing the front's illuminated logo and bar. Inside, the Tiguan embraced modernization with a tablet-like infotainment display and a digital instrument panel. The dashboard was minimalist, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen, and the gear selector moved to the steering column for added storage. Materials quality was average for the class, with soft-touch materials in contact areas and plastic in the rear for durability.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base model featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain combined the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery and an electric motor, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling improved significantly, with reduced nosedive and body roll, making it more composed on pavement. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with nine trims offering varying levels of off-road prowess. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, with approach angles ranging from 18 to 33 degrees and ground clearance between 8.1 and 10.1 inches.

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 drivetrain delivered power smoothly, and braking was confident with a well-weighted pedal. The suspension favored comfort, smoothing over road imperfections while maintaining composure on winding roads. The Tiguan's cabin was quiet, with minimal tire and wind noise. A more powerful Turbo variant was anticipated for 2026, offering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Volkswagen also teased an upcoming hybrid powertrain, though details were pending.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner grew five inches longer, with a 2.4-inch increase in wheelbase. While front passenger space was ample, the middle row offered adequate legroom and headroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and tactile off-road controls. Storage included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 44.8 cubic feet, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in the hybrid due to battery placement. A sturdy roof rack supported up to 800 pounds for additional cargo.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, increasing second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. The steering wheel reverted to traditional controls, improving usability. Visibility was comparable to other small SUVs, with narrow front roof pillars and a sufficiently large rear window. 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, with deep pockets for secure storage. Remote seatback releases and a power liftgate were standard on most trims.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 14-inch option available. Both supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. Off-road models included external camera views and automatic activation for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring, a digital key function, and a smartphone app were also offered.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 15-inch option on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, paired with a wireless phone charger. A volume knob replaced capacitive-touch sliders, and the Atmospheres feature combined ambient lighting and audio settings. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available, along with VW's Car-Net system for remote monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's crash test results were pending, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's crash test results were also pending. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. The Emergency Assist system could slow the vehicle if the driver was incapacitated. Higher trims added a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-automated parking system.