2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander (Car1) and the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan (Car2) is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Tiguan starting at $30,245 compared to the Grand Highlander's $40,860, a $10,615 difference. This price divergence is reflected in performance metrics; Car1 delivers 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly eclipsing Car2's 201 hp and 207 lb-ft. Conversely, fuel economy favors the smaller Tiguan, achieving 29 combined MPG against the Grand Highlander's 24 combined MPG. Dimensionally, Car1 is substantially larger, measuring 201.4 inches in length versus 184.4 inches for Car2. Despite the size difference, Car2 offers slightly more primary cargo volume at 26.5 cu ft versus Car1's 20.6 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan wins for commuting due to its superior 29 combined MPG, offering substantial long-term fuel savings over the Grand Highlander's 24 MPG.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the definitive choice for families needing maximum space, boasting a greater overall length of 201.4 inches.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander is superior for driving engagement, producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a substantial increase over the Tiguan's 201 hp.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan presents better immediate value with an MSRP that is $10,615 lower while still offering strong fuel efficiency at 29 MPG.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Maximum output is required, as the 265 hp engine provides considerably more acceleration capability than Car2.
- Users frequently transport many passengers, benefiting from the larger exterior dimensions (201.4 inches long).
- Towing or heavy hauling is anticipated, given the higher torque rating of 310 lb-ft.
Choose the Volkswagen Tiguan if...
- Prioritizing fuel economy is key, evidenced by the 29 combined MPG rating.
- The lower purchase price of $30,245 is a critical purchasing factor.
- Maneuverability in urban settings is important, reflecting its smaller 73.0-inch width.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander | Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 184.4" |
| Width | 78.3" | 73.0" |
| Height | 70.1" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 109.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
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 | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 201 hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Torque | 310 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 automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/28 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 373.8/498.4 mi. | 377.0/493.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 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 | 41.5 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.2 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 54.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.8 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 215/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
| 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 Grand Highlander and 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan.
What is the precise difference in cargo capacity between the 2025 Grand Highlander and the 2025 Tiguan?
Despite being the physically larger vehicle overall (201.4 inches vs. 184.4 inches), the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander offers 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The smaller 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan actually provides more primary storage space at 26.5 cubic feet.
How significantly does the power output vary between the two crossovers?
The power gap is substantial; the Grand Highlander produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the Tiguan outputs 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, making the Grand Highlander clearly more potent.
Which vehicle offers better long-term ownership costs regarding fuel consumption?
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan provides better fuel economy, achieving 29 combined MPG (26 City/34 Highway). The Grand Highlander is rated at only 24 combined MPG (21 City/28 Highway).
What justifies the $10,615 MSRP gap between the two vehicles?
The significant price difference is mainly attributed to the Grand Highlander's larger size, greater horsepower, and potentially more standard features associated with a premium crossover segment. The Grand Highlander starts at $40,860 versus the Tiguan's $30,245.
Are both vehicles primarily front-wheel drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan are equipped with standard front-wheel drive configurations.
What is the difference in overall size dimensions?
The Grand Highlander is longer by nearly 17 inches (201.4 vs 184.4 inches), wider by 5.3 inches (78.3 vs 73.0 inches), and taller by 4 inches (70.1 vs 66.1 inches) than the Tiguan.
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