Lexus RX vs Volkswagen Tiguan
What's the difference?

Lexus RX

$101,200 - $111,100

2026 price

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Volkswagen Tiguan

$36,990 - $75,990

2025 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

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Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

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Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

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Summary

2026 Lexus RX

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

By Emily Agar

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Fuel Type

—

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

—

7.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Smooth & refined
Premium features
Family-friendly rear seat

The driver's mid-size SUV
Straightforward, well-equipped range
Super practical cabin

Dislikes

Relatively short EV-only range
No spare tyre, just a repair kit
Raised rear seat cramped for tall people

Hybrid? Look elsewhere
One too many touch controls
Ride harsher than expected

2026 Lexus RX Summary

Lexus has finally brought a plug-in hybrid to the Australian market with the RX450h+, and we’ve been testing the second-from-the-top Sports Luxury grade to see how it stacks up.

Promising a blend of electric efficiency and the high-end comfort Lexus is known for, this large SUV steps into a competitive segment. But does it deliver on both fronts?

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2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Summary

The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is likely to be the most important new vehicle Volkswagen launches in 2025.

The popular mid-sizer has proven to have impressive staying power for the brand, with the outgoing version still impressing buyers despite being nearly a decade old.

What does this ground-up new version change? Does it have what it takes to maintain the nameplate’s reputation in one of Australia’s most hotly contested market segments? And what are some surprises this time around?

We went to its local launch to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Lexus RX 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

Verdict

The new Lexus RX450h+ Sports Luxury is packed with a wealth of premium features and strikes a solid balance between refinement and practicality. There are enough thoughtful touches that make everyday driving a little easier.

You’ll get the most out of the plug-in hybrid powertrain if you’re able to charge it regularly; ideally every day. That might not always be practical for busy people on the go, but overall, the RX450h+ manages to blend efficiency with Lexus’ signature comfort and quality.

Verdict

The new Tiguan is as confident as ever in its identity, even in such a crowded mid-size SUV space where there are so many models worthy of your attention.

No matter which version you choose, this is still the mid-size SUV for a driving enthusiast who doesn’t quite have premium dollars to spend.

While it may not quite expand its appeal as much as the brand hopes precluding a hybrid variant, those who are choosing this as their family hauler for the right reasons won’t be disappointed.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Lexus RX vs Volkswagen Tiguan What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus RX vs Volkswagen Tiguan
What's the difference?