Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Highlander: A Comprehensive Comparison

Are you in the market for a new vehicle? If so, then you’ve probably considered the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Highlander. Both of these vehicles offer great features and performance, but which one is the better buy?

In this blog post, we’ll compare the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan and the Toyota Highlander to help you decide which one is the best fit for you. Read on to learn more about the Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Highlander!

What is The Main Difference Between Volkswagen Tiguan and Toyota Highlander?

When it comes to the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan and the Toyota Highlander, there are a few key differences between them.

In terms of new vehicle base pricing, the VW Tiguan wins out, making it more affordable than the Toyota Highlander.

When looking at reviews, the VW Tiguan also has better ratings than the Toyota Highlander in terms of performance, comfort, and features.

In terms of reliability, the 2022 Toyota Highlander is considered more reliable than the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan.

When looking at fuel efficiency, the VW Tiguan is slightly more efficient than the Toyota Highlander, giving it an edge.

However, when considering the interior volume and overall quality score, the Toyota Highlander surpasses the VW Tiguan. As such, when comparing the two cars, they are fairly comparable overall.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

When it comes to pricing, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is the clear winner. The base model starts at just $26,295 and the range-topping SEL R-Line (with all-wheel drive as standard) starts at $36,970. On the other hand, the 2022 Toyota Highlander has a starting MSRP of $35,855.

The VW Tiguan reviews have also been generally positive, so the better value for money seems to be the Volkswagen Tiguan.

The question remains though, is Toyota more reliable than Volkswagen? Many owners will attest that Toyota is more reliable and will last longer.

However, it is important to consider that Volkswagen’s cars have improved significantly in recent years and now offer comparable reliability to their Japanese counterparts.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and budget when choosing between the two vehicles.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Both are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VW Tiguan reviews suggest that the vehicle has adequate power and smooth acceleration when on the highway. The available 4Motion all-wheel drive system gives the Tiguan better traction on slippery surfaces.

When comparing the engines, the Toyota Highlander offers more power with its 3.5-liter V6 that generates 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque.

The Highlander comes with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and offers an all-wheel drive system for improved performance.

The Highlander is also more fuel-efficient than the Tiguan, making it a better choice for those who prioritize fuel economy over power. In terms of reliability, the Toyota Highlander is more reliable than the Volkswagen Tiguan.

The VW Tiguan has had a few recalls in recent years due to electrical issues, while the Toyota Highlander has had fewer issues with its engine and transmission.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

When it comes to fuel economy, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan and 2022 Toyota Highlander offer a similarly efficient performance.

The Tiguan has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 23 city/30 highways, while the Highlander gets up to 21 city/29 highways.

This puts them both in the same ballpark when it comes to MPG, although the Tiguan is slightly more fuel-efficient.

According to VW Tiguan reviews, it also offers plenty of power for its class, making it a great option for drivers who want a blend of efficiency and power.

The real-world MPG might be slightly different, however. Since factors like your driving style, road conditions, and the type of terrain you’re navigating can affect the MPG of your vehicle.

It’s important to consider how these elements can affect the MPG of either the Tiguan or the Highlander. On average, drivers report that the Tiguan offers slightly better real-world MPG than the Highlander.

It’s also important to note that despite being slightly more fuel-efficient, the Tiguan may not be as reliable as the Highlander. Despite this, many drivers prefer the Tiguan because of its balance between power and efficiency.

Exterior Dimensions

When comparing exterior dimensions, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Highlander may look similar, but they are actually quite different.

The VW Tiguan is larger than the Highlander in both length and width. The 2022 VW Tiguan measures 185.1 inches long and 72.4 inches wide while the Toyota Highlander is only 192.5 inches long and 75.8 inches wide.

This means the VW Tiguan offers a slightly more spacious interior compared to the Highlander. When looking at reviews of the VW Tiguan, one of its most praised features is the higher ground clearance than other SUVs in its class.

The Tiguan has 8.2 inches of ground clearance compared to the Highlander’s 7.8 inches. This makes it perfect for those who like to go off-roading or have to deal with tricky terrain on a regular basis.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan also offers a variety of features that you won’t find on the Toyota Highlander, such as automatic windshield wipers, power-folding side mirrors, and an active shutter grille for improved aerodynamics.

All of these features make the VW Tiguan a more attractive option if you’re looking for a feature-rich SUV.

Is Toyota more reliable than Volkswagen? While there is no clear answer to this question, some studies have shown that Toyotas tend to last longer than Volkswagens on average.

However, the Tiguan has been praised for its excellent build quality and reliable performance, so it might be worth considering if reliability is a top priority for you.

Interior, and Comfort

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan has an interior that is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for all passengers.

The Tiguan offers a large center console with lots of storage space, while the Toyota Highlander has a more conventional layout, with a two-tier glove box.

The Tiguan also comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The VW Tiguan often points out how comfortable the seating is. The driver’s seat is adjustable and comes with lumbar support, while the passenger’s seat also has adjustable lumbar support.

The Tiguan also comes with heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.

The Highlander also offers comfort features like power-adjustable heated and ventilated seats and dual-zone climate control, however, the interior design is not as intuitive or modern as the Tiguan’s.

When it comes to reliability, many people wonder if Toyota is more reliable than Volkswagen. The answer is yes, but that does not mean the VW Tiguan is not reliable.

In fact, according to J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, Volkswagen was found to be one of the most dependable automakers, finishing only behind Toyota.

Infotainment

When it comes to infotainment features, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offers a wealth of options. The standard 8-inch touchscreen display is user-friendly and responsive.

This display has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to access your favorite music, podcasts, and apps on the go. Additionally, the available VW Digital Cockpit allows you to customize your information display.

The Toyota Highlander also offers a good infotainment setup, but reviewers have noted that it’s not quite as intuitive as the VW Tiguan’s.

In terms of reliability, the VW Tiguan generally receives good reviews from consumers. However, Toyota models have a slightly higher reliability rating than Volkswagen models.

Nevertheless, both the VW Tiguan vs Toyota Highlander provides a good blend of performance and practicality. It all depends on your personal preference.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan comes with an impressive array of safety and driver-assistance features. VW Tiguan reviews indicate that the crossover SUV comes with standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Additionally, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control are available as part of an optional package.

On the other hand, Toyota Highlander comes with the brand’s Star Safety System as standard, which includes traction control, antilock brakes, stability control, and several other active safety technologies.

The model also has an optional package that adds forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

When it comes to safety and driver-assistance features, both vehicles offer an impressive range of tech to keep drivers safe on the road.

However, when it comes to reliability, is Toyota more reliable than Volkswagen? According to consumer reports, Toyota Highlander outperforms Volkswagen Tiguan in terms of dependability and durability.

Ultimately, it’s up to the consumer to decide which model they prefer based on their budget and needs.

Final Verdict

After looking at both the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Highlander, it’s clear that there are significant differences between them.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is priced lower than the Toyota Highlander, has a better engine and performance, and offers more interior space.

However, when it comes to fuel economy, reliability, and safety features, the Toyota Highlander takes the cake.

When taking VW Tiguan reviews into account, it’s clear that the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is a great choice for those who want an affordable and capable SUV.

With its impressive engine and great handling capabilities, it can satisfy even the most discerning driver. On the other hand, if you’re looking for reliability and a host of safety features, the Toyota Highlander is the better option.

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