Which Is Best For Your Family: Toyota Highlander Vs. Volkswagen Tiguan? Comparing Suv Safety, Comfort, And Features

In the realm of midsize SUVs, two titans stand tall: the Toyota Highlander and the Volkswagen Tiguan. These vehicles have earned their stripes as family-friendly haulers, offering a blend of comfort, versatility, and performance. But how do they stack up against each other? Let’s delve into the depths of their features and capabilities to determine which one reigns supreme.

Performance and Power: A Clash of Titans

Under the hood, the Toyota Highlander boasts a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that churns out 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering a smooth and responsive driving experience. On the other hand, the Volkswagen Tiguan offers a choice of engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, and a more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that generates 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of performance, the Toyota Highlander holds a slight edge over the Volkswagen Tiguan. Its V6 engine provides more power and torque, resulting in quicker acceleration and a more effortless towing experience. However, the Tiguan’s turbocharged engines offer impressive fuel efficiency, making it a more economical choice for daily commutes.

Interior and Comfort: A Symphony of Space and Refinement

When it comes to interior space, the Toyota Highlander reigns supreme. With three rows of seating, it can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers, making it an ideal choice for large families or those who frequently transport passengers. The Tiguan, on the other hand, offers seating for five, making it more suitable for smaller families or those who prioritize cargo space.

Both vehicles offer a well-appointed interior with high-quality materials and intuitive technology. The Highlander’s cabin exudes a sense of luxury, with soft-touch surfaces, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The Tiguan’s interior is more understated, with a focus on functionality and ergonomics.

Safety and Driver Assistance: A Commitment to Protection

Toyota and Volkswagen have equipped the Highlander and Tiguan with a comprehensive suite of safety features to ensure the well-being of occupants and other road users. Both vehicles come standard with a range of airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. Additionally, they offer a variety of driver assistance technologies, such as lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

Cargo Capacity and Versatility: Adapting to Your Needs

The Toyota Highlander offers exceptional cargo capacity, with 16.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a cavernous 84.3 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down. The Volkswagen Tiguan provides a respectable 12.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 37.6 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

Both vehicles feature versatile seating configurations that allow you to adapt the interior to suit your specific needs. The Highlander’s second-row seats can be slid forward or backward to create more legroom for passengers or cargo, while the Tiguan’s front passenger seat can be folded flat to accommodate longer items.

Fuel Efficiency and Real-World Performance

The Toyota Highlander achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive and 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive. The Volkswagen Tiguan, with its turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, delivers an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive and 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive.

In real-world conditions, the Highlander’s V6 engine may consume more fuel than the Tiguan’s turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, especially during city driving. However, the Highlander’s larger fuel tank gives it a longer driving range between fill-ups.

Price and Value: A Question of Priorities

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,635, while the Volkswagen Tiguan starts at $26,445. The Highlander offers more standard features and a more spacious interior, while the Tiguan is more fuel-efficient and has a lower starting price. Ultimately, the choice between these two vehicles depends on your budget, priorities, and specific needs.

Takeaways: Choosing the Ideal Midsize SUV for Your Lifestyle

The Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Tiguan are both excellent midsize SUVs with unique strengths and characteristics. The Highlander offers more space, power, and features, making it an ideal choice for large families and those who prioritize comfort and versatility. The Tiguan, on the other hand, is more fuel-efficient and has a lower starting price, making it a compelling option for those seeking a compact and economical SUV.

Ultimately, the best choice between the Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Tiguan depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Consider your priorities and carefully evaluate each vehicle’s features, performance, and value proposition to determine which one is the perfect fit for your lifestyle and driving requirements.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers more interior space, with three rows of seating and a larger cargo capacity.

Q: Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Volkswagen Tiguan is more fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway compared to the Highlander’s 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a more powerful engine, with a 3.5-liter V6 producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque compared to the Tiguan’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.

Q: Which vehicle has a lower starting price?
A: The Volkswagen Tiguan has a lower starting price of $26,445 compared to the Toyota Highlander‘s starting price of $35,635.

Q: Which vehicle is better for large families?
A: The Toyota Highlander is better for large families, with three rows of seating and more interior space.

Q: Which vehicle is better for city driving?
A: The Volkswagen Tiguan is better for city driving, with its smaller size and better fuel efficiency.

Q: Which vehicle is better for long road trips?
A: The Toyota Highlander is better for long road trips, with its more powerful engine and larger fuel tank.