Compare the2025 Genesis GV80VS 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

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

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and second-row seat shoulder belts of the Genesis GV80 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.

The GV80’s optional pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Tiguan doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the GV80 and Tiguan have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The GV80 has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Tiguan’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

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 GV80 are reminded to check the back seat when a sensor determines the back seat is occupied. The Tiguan doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Genesis GV80 has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps 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.

The GV80 has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Tiguan doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

With its standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, the Genesis GV80 is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Volkswagen Tiguan, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	GV80	Tiguan
Overall Evaluation	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	-22 MPH	-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	-23 MPH	-20 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	No Slowing
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	No Slowing
37 MPH Brights	-24 MPH	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Brights	1.4 sec	No Warning
37 MPH Low beams	-19 MPH	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Low beams	1.1 sec	No Warning

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the GV80. But it costs extra on the Tiguan.

The GV80’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 GV80 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, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The Genesis GV80 weighs 566 to 1372 pounds more than the Volkswagen Tiguan. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Genesis GV80 is safer than the Volkswagen Tiguan:

	GV80	Tiguan
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	24.1%	37%
Neck Stress	157 lbs.	417 lbs.
Neck Compression	25 lbs.	80 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	254/334 lbs.	408/641 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.7 inches
Neck Injury Risk	34%	37%
Neck Stress	228 lbs.	261 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	388/497 lbs.	428/471 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Genesis GV80 is safer than the Volkswagen Tiguan:

	GV80	Tiguan
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	29	49
Chest Movement	.5 inches	.7 inches
Hip Force	293 lbs.	337 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	70	156
Spine Acceleration	26 G’s	44 G’s
Hip Force	458 lbs.	510 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	290	330
Spine Acceleration	41 G’s	49 G’s
Hip Force	640 lbs.	855 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Genesis GV80 (built after August 2023) has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Tiguan is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Warranty

The GV80 comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance. The Tiguan’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 10,000 miles sooner.

Genesis’ powertrain warranty covers the GV80 6 years and 50,000 miles longer than Volkswagen covers the Tiguan. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Tiguan ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The GV80’s 7 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Tiguan runs out after 100,000 miles.

Genesis pays for scheduled maintenance on the GV80 for 1 year and 16000 miles longer than Volkswagen pays for maintenance for the Tiguan (3/36,000 vs. 2/20,000).

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates rated the GV80 third among upper midsize premium suvs in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The Tiguan isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Genesis vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Genesis above average in initial quality. With 57 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Genesis vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen With 67 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Genesis higher than Volkswagen.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Genesis vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Genesis 9 places higher in reliability than Volkswagen.

Engine

The GV80 2.5T’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 116 more horsepower (300 vs. 184) and 90 lbs.-ft. more torque (311 vs. 221) than the Tiguan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The GV80 3.5T’s standard 3.5 turbo V6 produces 191 more horsepower (375 vs. 184) and 170 lbs.-ft. more torque (391 vs. 221) than the Tiguan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Genesis GV80 is faster than the Volkswagen Tiguan:

	GV80 2.5T	GV80 3.5T	Tiguan
Zero to 60 MPH	6.1 sec	5.3 sec	9.1 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	16 sec	13.8 sec	25.9 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	7 sec	6.1 sec	9.7 sec
Quarter Mile	14.6 sec	13.9 sec	16.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	96 MPH	101 MPH	83 MPH
Top Speed	140 MPH	149 MPH	125 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

The GV80 has 5.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the Tiguan FWD’s standard fuel tank (21.1 vs. 15.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The GV80 has 5.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the Tiguan AWD’s standard fuel tank (21.1 vs. 15.9 gallons).

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the GV80’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Tiguan:

	GV80 2.5T	GV80 3.5T	Tiguan
Front Rotors	14.2 inches	14.9 inches	13.4 inches
Rear Rotors	14.2 inches	14.2 inches	11.8 inches

The GV80’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 GV80 stops much shorter than the Tiguan:

	GV80	Tiguan
70 to 0 MPH	163 feet	183 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	112 feet	134 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GV80 has larger tires than the Tiguan (265/40R22 vs. 215/65R17). The GV80’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Tiguan (265/40R22 vs. 255/45R19).

The GV80’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 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 GV80 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Tiguan S. The GV80’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the Tiguan SEL R-Line.

Suspension and Handling

The GV80 has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Tiguan’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The GV80 offers an optional 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.

The GV80 offers an optional automatic rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Tiguan doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The GV80’s optional drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Tiguan doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GV80’s wheelbase is 6.4 inches longer than on the Tiguan (116.3 inches vs. 109.9 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GV80 is 3.7 inches wider in the front and 4.6 inches wider in the rear than on the Tiguan.

The GV80’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the Tiguan’s (55.9% to 44.1%). This gives the GV80 more stable handling and braking.

The GV80 Prestige handles at .86 G’s, while the Tiguan 4Motion® pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The GV80 Prestige executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.4 seconds quicker than the Tiguan 4Motion® (26.9 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 28.3 seconds @ .58 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the GV80 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Tiguan (8.1 vs. 7.6 inches), allowing the GV80 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The front grille of the GV80 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Tiguan doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The GV80 Prestige uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Tiguan doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the GV80 Prestige is quieter than the Tiguan SEL R-Line 4Motion®:

	GV80	Tiguan
Full-Throttle	74 dB	76 dB
70 MPH Cruising	68 dB	71 dB

Passenger Space

The GV80 has 16.1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Tiguan (140 vs. 123.9).

The GV80 has .6 inches more front headroom, 1.4 inches more front legroom, 3.2 inches more front shoulder room, 2.4 inches more rear shoulder room, .5 inches more third row headroom, 2.4 inches more third row legroom and 5.4 inches more third row shoulder room than the Tiguan.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the GV80’s middle and third row seats recline. The Tiguan’s third row seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The GV80’s cargo area provides more volume than the Tiguan.

	GV80	Tiguan
Third Seat Removed	38.7 cubic feet	37.6 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	71.8 cubic feet	65.3 cubic feet

Both the GV80 and the Tiguan have standard second row automatic folding seats. The GV80’s third row seats also fold up or down at the press of a button. The Tiguan doesn’t offer automatic folding third row seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the GV80. The Tiguan doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

The GV80’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Tiguan’s (6000 vs. 1500 pounds).

Servicing Ease

The engine in the GV80 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Tiguan. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The GV80’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Tiguan doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The GV80 Prestige/3.5T has a standard 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.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the GV80 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 GV80’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 GV80 and the Tiguan have standard heated front seats. The GV80 Prestige/3.5T also has standard heated second row seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated second row seats aren’t available in the Tiguan.

The GV80 has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the Tiguan SEL R-Line.

The GV80 Prestige/3.5T has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Tiguan.

The GV80 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.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Genesis GV80 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Tiguan SE/SEL offers wireless charging. The GV80 also offers Qi charging in the second row seat. The Tiguan doesn’t offer wireless charging in its second row seat.

The GV80 has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, 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 GV80 Advanced/Prestige’s Smart Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Smart Parking Assist 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.

Recommendations

The GV80 was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2021. The Tiguan has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.