2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a refined and modern aesthetic, with its updated front and rear styling aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The test vehicle, a Q7 55 TFSI in Prestige trim, featured Navarra Blue metallic paint and 20-inch turbine-style wheels, enhancing its upscale appearance. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded luxury and sophistication, further enhanced by multi-color ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a conservative yet timeless design, appealing to those who appreciate clean lines and balanced proportions. Its larger size for a compact SUV provided a roomy interior, nearly matching the space of larger models like the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Tiguan's interior combined modern geometric forms with a straightforward control layout, though it featured more hard plastic than the Audi. The SEL trim test vehicle included 4Motion AWD and a panoramic sunroof, adding to its practicality and comfort.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was powered by a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive, delivered a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The Q7's 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency, achieving an average of 21 mpg during testing. The SUV's adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select system offered various driving modes, enhancing its agility and comfort on different terrains. Despite its size, the Q7 handled well on winding roads and provided a quiet cabin experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. While adequate for daily driving, the engine experienced turbo lag and felt underpowered during acceleration. The Tiguan's eight-speed automatic transmission and optional 4Motion AWD provided a smooth ride, but its nearly 4,000-pound curb weight affected performance. The SUV averaged 22.6 mpg with AWD, slightly below EPA estimates. Despite its limitations, the Tiguan offered a nimble driving experience, with light steering and a compliant ride, though it struggled with sharper bumps and corners.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers due to the cramped third row. With the third row folded, cargo space increased from 14.2 to 35.7 cubic feet, and up to 69.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The Prestige trim's front seats were comfortable for long journeys, and the second row provided ample legroom and climate control features. However, interior storage was limited, with minimal space for personal items.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in comfort, with easy access through large doors and supportive front seats. The back seat offered generous legroom and amenities like air vents and USB ports. The Tiguan's 40/20/40-split rear seat allowed for flexible cargo arrangements, with a maximum capacity of 73.5 cubic feet. While storage was limited, the SUV's cargo area was well-designed for practical use.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response system, featuring dual touchscreens for accessing various functions. While the system was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsiveness. The Prestige trim included a head-up display and a Bose sound system, though the latter was replaced by a Bang & Olufsen system in 2021 models. The Q7's technology suite supported remote learning and working with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan's MIB3 infotainment system, available from the SE trim, offered an 8-inch touchscreen with faster processing and features like wireless smartphone integration and Amazon Alexa compatibility. While an improvement, the system had quirks, and the standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music. Higher trims featured a Fender premium audio system and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation.

The 2020 Audi Q7 came equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the latter's traffic-sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to abrupt braking. The Q7's HD Matrix LED headlights, while effective, received a "poor" rating from the IIHS due to glare issues. Despite this, the Q7 earned high safety ratings overall.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the IQ Drive suite, with standard safety features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Tiguan's parking sensors were sensitive, sometimes mistaking the street for a collision threat. The SUV earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in higher trims, thanks to its LED headlights.