Lexus UX vs Volkswagen Tiguan
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Lexus UX starts from $46,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Tiguan opens at $52,990. That makes the Lexus UX the more affordable entry point by $6,090.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $51,590 and $58,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Lexus UX and Volkswagen Tiguan hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Lexus UX and 83% for the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus UX and 9 in the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Volkswagen Tiguan adds a 360-degree camera that the Lexus UX misses.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus UX features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen Tiguan gets a 12.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus UX stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Volkswagen Tiguan counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus UX uses a Petrol producing 126kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.7 seconds.
The Volkswagen Tiguan responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The Lexus UX has the clear power advantage at 126kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Tiguan is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus UX measures 4,495mm long on a 2,640mm wheelbase, 44mm shorter than the Volkswagen Tiguan at 4,539mm (2,681mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Tiguan generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 217L in the Lexus UX and 615L in the Volkswagen Tiguan, giving the Volkswagen Tiguan a 398L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.4m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,052/year for the Lexus UX and $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tiguan. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Lexus UX.
Estimated annual total: $2,052 (Lexus UX) vs $2,166 (Volkswagen Tiguan). The Lexus UX saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus UX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tiguan). The Volkswagen Tiguan has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus UX)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus UX if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Tiguan if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Tiguan takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Lexus UX will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Tiguan has a clear edge. The Volkswagen Tiguan adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus UX and Volkswagen Tiguan?
The Lexus UX is the cheapest at $46,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by $6,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus UX uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus UX and Volkswagen Tiguan all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has the largest boot at 615L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus UX makes the most power at 126kW. The Volkswagen Tiguan is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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