2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal with its classic 7-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and a variety of aluminum wheel designs. The Laredo trim started at $31,945, with an additional $1,495 destination charge, and 4WD added another $2,000. The Grand Cherokee offered 11 additional trims, each catering to different needs, from style to off-roading to luxury and performance. The Limited X trim, priced at just over $50,000, featured a performance vented hood, unique 20-inch wheels, and special leather seats, but the interior had some hard plastic panels and build quality issues.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned in 2018, addressed its predecessor's size and price issues. The Tiguan showcased contemporary Volkswagen styling with clean lines and a horizontal grille. Inside, the design was plain, with dull surfaces and hard black plastic, a departure from VW's once superior interiors. However, the focus on electronics was evident with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system, making the Tiguan's interior feel modern and tech-savvy.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 295 horsepower. For more power, buyers could opt for a 360-hp 5.7-liter V8, a 425-hp 6.4-liter V8 in the SRT, or the Trackhawk's 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8. An 8-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with three 4WD systems available depending on the trim. The Limited X test vehicle featured the Quadra-Drive II system, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and Selec-Terrain driving modes. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Grand Cherokee's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 18.3 mpg during testing. On pavement, it felt robust, with heavy steering and a tight turning radius, but the brakes struggled during long descents.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The engine drove either the front or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan's powertrain offered a snappy throttle response, but its larger size and weight made it only moderately quick. The cabin was well-insulated from noise, and the suspension provided a comfortable ride. However, the Tiguan's handling was less nimble due to its longer wheelbase, and the steering, even in sport mode, remained light.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 5-passenger midsize SUV, offered a roomy interior with comfortable, power-adjustable, and heated front seats. However, the hard plastic front-seatback panels were uncomfortable for rear passengers. Storage space was limited, with small bins and cup holders, but the cargo area was usefully shaped, providing 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

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 came with a standard third row, while AWD models offered it as an option. The third row, though not spacious, was more accommodating than many larger vehicles. The Tiguan's cargo space was impressive, with 65.7 cubic feet with the third row collapsed and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The front seats offered plenty of room, and the abundant glass made the cabin feel even more spacious.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee's standard Laredo trim included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims featured an upgraded Uconnect system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. The voice recognition system was excellent, and the 9-speaker Alpine audio system in the test car sounded good, with an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available in higher trims.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system, MIB II, featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base S trim, with an 8-inch upgrade in higher trims. The system was responsive and user-friendly, with bright colors and graphics. The Tiguan S had a single USB-C port, while higher trims had USB-A ports and a wireless charging pad. The Digital Cockpit, available on top SEL trims, offered a customizable digital instrument panel. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered modern driver-assistance and collision-avoidance technologies, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and available adaptive cruise control. However, its safety ratings were concerning, with a Marginal rating for small-overlap frontal-impact protection for the driver and a Poor rating for the front passenger from the IIHS. The rear-drive model had a 3-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and LED headlights. The Tiguan also featured Car-Net, a telematics package with remote locking, status checks, and vehicle location. The IIHS rated the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, but most models had poor-rated halogen headlights.