2019 Honda Passport vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Honda Passport as 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan as 8 out of 10. The Passport immediately looks boxier and more broad-shouldered than the Pilot’s minivan composure. Inside, the Passport is a Pilot once more, with an upright dash, a digital instrument panel, and a glossy black touchscreen. The Passport's overall quality is high, and its style is both practical and attractive. Volkswagen completely overhauled the Tiguan for the 2018 model year, introducing an all-new second generation of its compact crossover SUV. The styling of the Tiguan screams contemporary Volkswagen with clean and simple lines. Inside, the Tiguan’s cockpit is described as “simple” and “boring,” but the infotainment system is among the best in the industry.

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Honda Passport 8 out of 10 and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 7 out of 10. The Passport comes with a large, naturally aspirated V6 and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5-liter engine makes 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, providing safe and predictable passing power. The Passport will tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it very strong in the crossover segment. All Tiguan trims are powered by Volkswagen’s signature engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It makes 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The Tiguan’s handling is impacted by its larger size, and it doesn’t feel quite as nimble as its competitors.

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Honda Passport 9 out of 10 and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 9 out of 10. The Passport has ample space, with 41.2 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats and 77.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior is described as practical and airy, with a tall seating position and logically placed controls. The Tiguan’s second row of seats can slide up to seven inches fore and aft, making the third row actually useful. The Tiguan’s available third row is roomier than many third rows in larger vehicles.

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Honda Passport 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 9 out of 10. The Passport comes with an 8-inch, high-res touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Honda Sensing, which includes forward emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist, comes standard on all Passport models. The Tiguan’s infotainment system is among the best in the industry, particularly in non-luxury segments. It offers a wireless charging pad, a fully digital instrument panel, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Honda Passport 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 6 out of 10. The Passport comes with Honda Sensing driver assists and blind-spot monitoring as standard on higher trims. Volkswagen improved the Tiguan’s standard safety package for the 2020 model year, adding forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert to all models. The Tiguan has been rated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Honda Passport 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 7 out of 10. The Passport pricing ranged when new from $31,990 for the FWD Sport and ranges up to $43,680 for the AWD Elite. The EX-L trim level is recommended for its value and amenities. The Tiguan's MSRP started at just $25,290 when new for the S model with front-wheel drive. The SE trim level is considered the value leader, offering high-quality features at a reasonable price.