2019 Acura RDX vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2019 Acura RDX showcased a bold new exterior design, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the Acura MDX. The front end featured angular headlights and a broad grille, a significant improvement from the previous "shield" grille. The RDX's upright layout promised more cabin space, and the A-Spec trim added dark accents reminiscent of the Porsche Macan. Inside, the RDX boasted soft-touch surfaces, unique stitching, and brushed aluminum accents, although the latter could be blinding in direct sunlight. The redesigned center console housed Acura’s unique shifter and the new True Touchpad infotainment system. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, a power liftgate, and a panoramic moonroof, with additional luxury and tech options available in higher trims.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned in 2018, maintained a stylish yet conservative German aesthetic. Its clean lines and horizontal grille were complemented by VW's new flat logo. Inside, the Tiguan's interior was simple, with some hard plastic surfaces, but it excelled in electronics. The optional digital dashboard and glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system were highlights. The Tiguan's design was practical, with a focus on functionality over flair, appealing to those who preferred a straightforward approach to car design.

The 2019 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive or Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system could divert torque between the front and rear wheels, enhancing performance in various conditions. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to switch between Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport+ modes, adjusting throttle response and steering feel. Fuel economy for the front-wheel drive model was 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while the AWD version returned 21/27 mpg.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive as an option. The Tiguan's powertrain prioritized torque, providing a snappy throttle response with minimal turbo lag. Despite its size, the Tiguan was a comfortable highway cruiser, with a well-insulated cabin and a soft suspension. However, its larger wheelbase impacted nimbleness, making it less agile than some competitors.

The 2019 Acura RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior was spacious, with ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The RDX featured numerous storage options, including a floating center stack design with power and USB ports, a center console with a cupholder tray, and door pockets for water bottles.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, with a second row that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. Front-drive models included a third row, while AWD models offered it as an option. The Tiguan's cargo capacity was impressive, with 65.7 cubic feet available when the third row was collapsed, and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The Tiguan's interior felt roomy, with a wide beam providing ample hip and shoulder room, and a seating position that enhanced the sense of space.

The 2019 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad infotainment system, replacing the previous two-screen setup. The high-definition screen was visually appealing, but the touchpad interface had a steep learning curve. Users had to navigate multiple menus for simple tasks, and preset management was cumbersome. Apple CarPlay was available, but required navigating icons manually.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system, MIB II, was highly regarded, with an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen available in higher trims. The system was responsive and user-friendly, with bright graphics and a glass surface. The Tiguan offered USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and VW’s Digital Cockpit on top trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2019 Acura RDX came with a reversing camera, tire pressure monitoring, traction control, and a full array of airbags. The AcuraWatch suite included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Technology Package added parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance trim included a head-up warning system.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its safety package with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were available on top trims. VW's Car-Net telematics package offered remote access and monitoring features. The Tiguan was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for models with LED headlights.