Compare the2026 Volkswagen TiguanVS 2027 Infiniti QX65

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Volkswagen Tiguan achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Infiniti QX65 has not been tested.

The Tiguan has a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The QX65 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Tiguan 4Motion’s standard Hill Descent Assist allows you to creep down safely. The QX65 doesn’t offer Hill Descent Assist.

The Volkswagen Tiguan’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Infiniti QX65 does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the Tiguan and QX65 have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Tiguan has Rear Traffic Alert (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The QX65’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Tiguan and the QX65 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

There are over 3 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are Infiniti dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Tiguan’s warranty.

The Volkswagen Tiguan’s engines use a cast iron block for durability, while the QX65’s engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Volkswagen vehicles are better in initial quality than Infiniti vehicles. With 17 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Volkswagen higher than Infiniti.

On the EPA test cycle the Tiguan gets better mileage than the QX65:

Regenerative brakes improve the Tiguan’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The QX65 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Tiguan uses regular unleaded gasoline. The QX65 requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Tiguan has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the QX65. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

The Tiguan’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the QX65 Autograph’s 45 series tires.

For better maneuverability, the Tiguan’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the QX65’s (38.1 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Tiguan has a 1.13 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the QX65 (7 vs. 5.87 inches), allowing the Tiguan to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Volkswagen Tiguan may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 to 1100 pounds less than the Infiniti QX65.

The Tiguan is 1 foot, 2.1 inches shorter than the QX65, making the Tiguan easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Tiguan has 2.8 inches more rear headroom and 4.5 inches more rear legroom than the QX65.

The Tiguan has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the QX65 with its rear seat folded (69.8 vs. 67.7 cubic feet).

trailer stability control is standard on the Tiguan, using the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the QX65 and is only available on the QX65 Sport/Autograph.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the QX65, the Tiguan SEL has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

If the windows are left open on the Tiguan the driver can close all of them from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the QX65 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Tiguan to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The QX65 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Tiguan SEL’s Park Assist Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The QX65 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Tiguan is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The QX65 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Volkswagen Tiguan, based on reliability, safety and performance.