2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as the factory options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out were limited to a few bold paint colors and large wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle featuring numerous upgrades that brought its MSRP to $98,420. Notable design elements included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a more premium appearance compared to its non-European rivals, despite not always matching them in feature comparisons. The Tiguan's design was enhanced by standard LED headlights and taillights, with the SEL R-Line trim featuring an illuminated grille light line and silver roof rails. The rear end showcased the model name in all-caps style, alongside the classic Volkswagen badge. The base Tiguan S was limited to grayscale colors, while higher trims offered more color options, albeit with some restrictions. The Tiguan's interior featured firm seats, with the SEL R-Line trim offering real leather and additional comfort features. The two-row configuration provided ample cargo space, while the three-row version sacrificed some cargo capacity for additional seating. Overall, the Tiguan's design and interior space made it a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and comfort with driver-focused engagement, though it only partially succeeded. The SUV was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, offering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The lower-priced SE P360 delivered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, providing 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque with an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. The Range Rover Sport's performance was bolstered by a new vehicle architecture, adaptive damping air suspension, and various driving modes. While it excelled in off-road capabilities, the SUV struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned competitors on winding roads. The Range Rover Sport's fuel efficiency was commendable, with the P400 drivetrain achieving 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The Tiguan's performance was a mixed bag, with inconsistent power delivery and a touchy gas pedal. The steering was light and rubbery, but visibility and handling were commendable. The Tiguan's fuel economy varied depending on the drivetrain, with AWD models achieving slightly lower mpg ratings. Overall, the Tiguan offered a comfortable ride, though its performance was not as refined as some competitors.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could be programmed to kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with adjustable armrests. The rear seat, however, was less accommodating, with limited legroom and narrow door openings. The cargo area provided 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover Sport's interior featured high-quality materials, including Windsor leather and optional massage seats.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, with the two-row configuration providing 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 73.4 cubic feet. The three-row version sacrificed some cargo capacity for additional seating, but passenger space remained ample. The Tiguan's interior featured firm seats, with the SEL R-Line trim offering real leather and additional comfort features. The Tiguan's design and interior space made it a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was often confusing and frustrating to use. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system relied on nearly monochromatic graphics, accessed through an 8-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base Tiguan S had a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line trim featuring a fully configurable 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro screen. The Tiguan's technology package was enhanced by the nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The SUV also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist technology were not as smooth or reliable as expected.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and its safety offering improved for 2024 with the standardization of Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE suite. This included adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities. The Tiguan also featured rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection.