Compare the2024 Lexus RXVS 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Lexus RX have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Volkswagen Tiguan doesn’t offer pretensioners for its second-row seat belts.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the RX are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Tiguan doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Lexus RX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Tiguan doesn’t offer knee airbags.

With its standard Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, the Lexus RX is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Volkswagen Tiguan, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	RX	Tiguan
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	AVOIDED	-12 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-20 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-20 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	No Slowing
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	No Slowing
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Brights	2.5 sec	No Warning
37 MPH Low beams	-32 MPH	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Low beams	1.5 sec	No Warning

The RX’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Tiguan doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the RX and the Tiguan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The Lexus RX achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Tiguan is not a “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Warranty

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RX 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Volkswagen covers the Tiguan. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Tiguan ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The RX’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Tiguan’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Reliability

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the RX has a standard 603-amp battery. The Tiguan’s 360-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Lexus RX’s reliability 34 points higher than the Tiguan and the Lexus RX Hybrid is rated 35 points higher than the Tiguan.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 78 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Volkswagen is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus first in overall reliability. Volkswagen is ranked 27th.

Engine

The RX 350h’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 62 more horsepower (246 vs. 184) and 12 lbs.-ft. more torque (233 vs. 221) than the Tiguan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The RX 350’s standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 91 more horsepower (275 vs. 184) and 96 lbs.-ft. more torque (317 vs. 221) than the Tiguan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The RX 450h+’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 120 more horsepower (304 vs. 184) than the Tiguan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The RX 500h F Sport Performance’s standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 182 more horsepower (366 vs. 184) and 185 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 221) than the Tiguan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Lexus RX is faster than the Volkswagen Tiguan:

	RX 350h	RX 350	Tiguan
Zero to 30 MPH	2.8 sec	3.1 sec	4.1 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	7.8 sec	7.5 sec	10.3 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	4.9 sec	4.6 sec	6.5 sec
Quarter Mile	16 sec	15.8 sec	17.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	89 MPH	93 MPH	83 MPH

As tested in Motor Trend the RX 500h F Sport Performance 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0:

	RX	Tiguan
Zero to 60 MPH	5.9 sec	8.9 sec
Quarter Mile	14.4 sec	16.7 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	97.1 MPH	83.8 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the RX running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Tiguan:

			MPG
RX
	AWD	350h 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	37 city/34 hwy
		500h 2.4 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	27 city/28 hwy
Tiguan
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/29 hwy
		R-Line 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/29 hwy

The RX 450h+ can travel with zero emissions for 37 miles. The Tiguan can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the RX 350h/500h/450+’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Tiguan doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The RX 350h/500h’s standard fuel tank has 1.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Tiguan FWD’s standard fuel tank (17.2 vs. 15.3 gallons). The RX 350’s standard fuel tank has 1.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Tiguan AWD’s standard fuel tank (17.8 vs. 15.9 gallons).

Transmission

The RX offers an available continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Tiguan doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the RX F Sport’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Tiguan:

	RX F Sport	Tiguan
Front Rotors	15.7 inches	13.4 inches
Rear Rotors	13.4 inches	11.8 inches

The RX’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Tiguan are solid, not vented.

The RX stops shorter than the Tiguan:

	RX	Tiguan
70 to 0 MPH	178 feet	183 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	128 feet	134 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the RX has larger tires than the Tiguan (235/60R19 vs. 215/65R17).

The RX’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Tiguan S’ standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RX has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Tiguan S. The RX’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the Tiguan SEL R-Line.

Suspension and Handling

The RX F Sport’s has front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Tiguan’s suspension doesn’t offer front gas-charged shocks.

The RX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Tiguan’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the RX’s wheelbase is 2.3 inches longer than on the Tiguan (112.2 inches vs. 109.9 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RX is 3 inches wider in the front and 4.6 inches wider in the rear than on the Tiguan.

The RX 450h+ handles at .83 G’s, while the Tiguan 4Motion® pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The RX 450h+ executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.5 seconds quicker than the Tiguan 4Motion® (26.8 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 28.3 seconds @ .58 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the RX 500h F Sport Performance’s turning circle is 2.7 feet tighter than the Tiguan’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

For greater off-road capability the RX 350 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Tiguan (8.1 vs. 7.6 inches), allowing the RX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The RX 350h’s minimum ground clearance is .6 inch higher than on the Tiguan (8.2 vs. 7.6 inches).

Chassis

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the RX 450h+ is quieter than the Tiguan SEL R-Line 4Motion®:

	RX	Tiguan
Full-Throttle	72 dB	76 dB

Passenger Space

The RX has .9 inches more front legroom, 2.2 inches more front hip room, 1.1 inches more front shoulder room, 2.5 inches more rear hip room and .7 inches more rear shoulder room than the Tiguan.

Cargo Capacity

The RX has a much larger cargo volume than the Tiguan with its rear seat up (29.6 vs. 12 cubic feet).

The RX’s cargo area is larger than the Tiguan’s in almost every dimension:

	RX	Tiguan
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	40”/76.2”	17.2”/39.7”/74.5”
Max Width	55.5”	55”
Min Width	42”	39.8”
Height	30”	33.5”

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the RX. The Tiguan doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

Maximum trailer towing in the Volkswagen Tiguan is limited to 1500 pounds. The RX offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the RX uses the Vehicle Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Tiguan doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Volkswagen. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 64% lower rating, Volkswagen is ranked 28th.

Ergonomics

The RX Premium/Luxury/500h F Sport’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Tiguan doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The RX’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Tiguan does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The RX offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Tiguan doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

If the windows are left open on the RX the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the Tiguan can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

The RX’s standard Smart Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Access standard on the Tiguan doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the RX has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Tiguan only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The RX’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Tiguan’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RX Luxury/500h F Sport offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Tiguan doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The RX’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Tiguan has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the RX and the Tiguan have standard heated front seats. The RX also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated second row seats aren’t available in the Tiguan.

The RX Premium/Luxury/F Sport has standard front air conditioned seats and the RX offers them optionally in the rear. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The Tiguan doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats for the second row.

The RX has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Tiguan SE/SEL.

The RX Hybrid offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Tiguan doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The RX Premium+/Luxury/F Sport’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Optional Remote Advanced Park will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Tiguan SEL R-Line’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park and it doesn’t offer remote control parking.

Economic Advantages

The RX will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the RX will retain 58.33% to 60.37% of its original price after five years, while the Tiguan only retains 48.29% to 50.45%.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus RX, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Volkswagen Tiguan isn't recommended.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RX first among midsize premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Tiguan isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Lexus RX outsold the Volkswagen Tiguan by 50% during 2023.

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