2025 Lexus NX vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan often boils down to prioritizing premium refinement over outright savings. The major sticking point is the $10,720 price difference, with the Tiguan starting significantly lower at $30,245 versus the NX's $40,965. While the Lexus offers slightly more punch with 203 horsepower compared to the Tiguan's 201 hp, the VW compensates with higher torque (207 lb-ft vs. 184 lb-ft). In terms of efficiency, both are closely matched, returning a combined 28 MPG (NX) and 29 MPG (Tiguan) on regular unleaded fuel. Space utilization is another key factor; the Tiguan boasts a roomier 26.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, easily beating the NX's 22.7 cu ft, making the Tiguan a slightly more practical hauler for daily needs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan wins for commuters due to its notably lower MSRP, saving over $10,000 upfront.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan offers better utility for families by providing greater maximum cargo capacity at 26.5 cu ft.
2025 Lexus NX
While power differences are small, the Lexus NX's 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission may offer a more engaging driving experience than the Tiguan's standard automatic.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan provides significantly better overall value by offering comparable efficiency and more cargo room for nearly $11,000 less.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- You prioritize the prestige and perceived long-term reliability associated with the Lexus brand.
- You want a slightly more powerful engine, as the NX produces 203 hp versus the Tiguan's 201 hp.
- You prefer the dedicated feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a standard automatic.
Choose the Volkswagen Tiguan if...
- Saving $10,720 on the initial purchase price is your top financial priority.
- You need the maximum available space, as the Tiguan offers 26.5 cu ft of cargo volume.
- You value slightly better fuel economy, with the Tiguan achieving 29 combined MPG versus the NX's 28 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus NX | Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 184.4" |
| Width | 73.4" | 73.0" |
| Height | 66.1" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 109.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm | 201 hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 207 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 377.0/478.5 mi. | 377.0/493.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.8 in | 12.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 10 | 7 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 54.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.5 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 215/65R H |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Which crossover is cheaper to buy initially?
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is substantially cheaper, with an MSRP of $30,245, compared to the 2025 Lexus NX starting at $40,965. This creates a price gap of over $10,700 between the two models.
How do their fuel economies compare?
They are extremely close, but the Tiguan has a slight edge, achieving 29 combined MPG (26 city/34 highway). The Lexus NX returns 28 combined MPG (26 city/33 highway), and both conveniently run on regular unleaded gasoline.
Is the Lexus NX actually more powerful than the Tiguan?
The power difference is minimal; the NX offers 203 horsepower while the Tiguan provides 201 horsepower. However, the Tiguan generates more low-end pull with 207 lb-ft of torque compared to the NX's 184 lb-ft.
Which car is better for hauling gear or groceries?
The Volkswagen Tiguan is the winner for cargo duties, offering 26.5 cubic feet of storage capacity. The Lexus NX trails behind slightly with 22.7 cubic feet available behind the rear seats.
Do these vehicles have different dimensions that affect parking?
The dimensions are very similar; both crossovers stand at 66.1 inches tall. The Tiguan is marginally longer at 184.4 inches compared to the NX's 183.5 inches, while the NX is slightly wider at 73.4 inches.
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