2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

$41,270 · SUV

$30,245 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The $11,025 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is the most significant starting point between the 2025 Toyota 4Runner (starting at $41,270) and the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan (starting at $30,245). This price disparity reflects substantial differences in capability; the 4Runner delivers 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, significantly outweighing the Tiguan's 201 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. However, efficiency favors the crossover, as the Tiguan achieves 29 MPG combined versus the 4Runner's 22 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the 4Runner is larger across the board (194.9 inches long vs. 184.4 inches) and offers substantially more storage with 48.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Tiguan's 26.5 cu ft. While the Tiguan utilizes FWD, the 4Runner features RWD architecture, suggesting different intended driving dynamics.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan wins for commuting due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the 4Runner's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner is the better choice for families needing space, offering 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Tiguan's 26.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota 4Runner

Enthusiasts will prefer the 4Runner, as its 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque significantly exceed the Tiguan's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan presents superior immediate value, costing $11,025 less while still offering a respectable 201 hp.

Choose the Toyota 4Runner if...

You prioritize maximum capability, evidenced by its 317 lb-ft of torque.
You require extensive hauling capacity, benefiting from 48.4 cu ft of cargo volume.
You prefer the inherent traction characteristics associated with its RWD drivetrain.

Choose the Volkswagen Tiguan if...

Fuel cost is critical, given its 29 MPG combined rating (a 7 MPG advantage).
Budget constraints demand a lower entry price, with an MSRP of $30,245.
You drive primarily in urban settings where the smaller 184.4-inch length aids maneuverability.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota 4Runner	Volkswagen Tiguan
Length	194.9"	184.4"
Width	78.0"	73.0"
Height	72.6"	66.1"
Wheelbase	112.2"	109.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
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	✓	—
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)	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	278 hp @ 6000 rpm	201 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque	317 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Toyota	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	380.0/494.0 mi.	377.0/493.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.0 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	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	Toyota	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	40.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	57.0 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	54.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.8 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.8 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.1 in.	53.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P245/70R17	215/65R H
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan.

What is the primary performance gap between the 2025 4Runner and the 2025 Tiguan?

The primary gap is in power output; the 4Runner generates 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Tiguan produces 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. This 77 hp difference indicates the 4Runner is significantly more potent.

How much more efficient is the Volkswagen Tiguan on the highway compared to the Toyota 4Runner?

The Tiguan is substantially more highway-efficient, achieving 34 MPG compared to the 4Runner's 26 MPG highway rating. This results in an 8 MPG advantage for the Tiguan on longer drives.

Which vehicle offers superior interior storage volume for utility purposes?

The Toyota 4Runner offers substantially more utility storage with 48.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Tiguan provides 26.5 cubic feet, making the 4Runner the clear choice for maximizing internal volume.

What is the exact price difference between these two models?

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner has an MSRP of $41,270, while the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan starts at $30,245. This results in a direct price difference of $11,025.

Do both vehicles use the same type of fuel and transmission?

Yes, both vehicles utilize regular unleaded fuel and both employ 8-speed transmissions. However, the 4Runner's is described as a shiftable automatic while the Tiguan uses a standard automatic.

How do the drivetrains differ between the SUV and the Crossover?

The 4Runner is equipped with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) system, whereas the standard configuration for the Tiguan is front-wheel-drive (FWD). This suggests different handling characteristics, especially under heavy load or low-traction conditions.