2019 Kia Sorento vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2019 Kia Sorento was an attractive SUV, featuring updated styling with revised front and rear bumpers, a new grille, and redesigned headlights and taillights. The SX Limited trim, which was the top-tier option, showcased premium touches like Nappa leather upholstery and metallic accents. However, despite these high-end features, the presence of inexpensive plastic surfaces was noticeable, especially given the nearly $50,000 price tag for the fully loaded model.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan maintained a conservative yet stylish German design with clean lines and a horizontal grille. Inside, the Tiguan's interior was more plain, with dull surfaces and hard black plastic that lacked the premium feel of earlier Volkswagen models. The focus seemed to be on electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system that stood out as highlights.

The 2019 Kia Sorento offered two engine options: a standard 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a more powerful 290-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6. The V6 engine provided smooth power and quick acceleration, paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with AWD available for an additional $1,800. During testing, the Sorento SX Limited returned 20.7 mpg, close to the EPA rating of 21 mpg. The SUV's handling was athletic, with impressive road grip and responsive steering, while the ride remained solid and quiet.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine drove either the front or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its snappy throttle response, the Tiguan's 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 Kia Sorento was a 3-row, 7-passenger SUV, but the third-row seat was best suited for emergency use due to its difficult access and lack of cushion support. As a 5-passenger SUV, the Sorento offered 38 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 73 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The SX Limited trim featured luxury options like Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Front-seat comfort was good, but rear-seat comfort was less impressive due to tight legroom and a flat bottom cushion.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's second-row seats could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. Front-drive models came standard with a third row, while AWD models offered it as a $595 option. The third row, though not spacious, provided enough legroom for shorter adults and kids. The second-row seats folded flat, offering 65.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row collapsed, and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The Tiguan's front seats provided ample hip and shoulder room, and the abundant glass made the cabin feel roomy.

The 2019 Kia Sorento featured three infotainment systems depending on the trim level. The base system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim added UVO eServices with a 5-year service plan, Bluetooth music streaming, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The top-tier system, available on the SX and SX Limited trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. A 360-degree surround-view camera system was also available.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan used the MIB II infotainment system, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base S trim and an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen in higher trims. The system was praised for its bright colors, responsive processor, and ease of use. The Tiguan S had a single USB-C port, while higher trims featured USB-A ports and a wireless charging pad. VW's 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 Kia Sorento came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. All trims except the base L included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The EX trim added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and new features like lane-keeping assist and driver-attention monitoring. The Sorento received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

For 2020, the Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package, adding forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were reserved for the top SEL trim. VW's Car-Net telematics package connected the vehicle to an owner's smartphone, offering remote locking, status checks, and vehicle location. The Tiguan received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, but most models with halogen headlights were rated poorly.