2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Honda Pilot exhibited a dynamic styling consistent with the Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. Its design cleverly masked its size, giving it a more streamlined appearance. Inside, the Pilot offered a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, combining analog gauges with a digital screen for essential information. While the cabin was comfortable and spacious, it did incorporate hard plastics, which detracted from its overall refinement compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The Pilot was available in several trims, with the EX trim recommended for its added features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and tri-zone climate control.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was noted for its clean lines and balanced proportions, offering a conservative yet upscale design that promised to age well. The Tiguan was larger than its predecessor, providing a roomy interior with ample space for four adults, and an optional third-row seat for additional passengers. The interior featured modern geometric forms and a straightforward control layout, though it was criticized for excessive hard plastics. The Tiguan was available in several trims, with the SEL trim offering a well-rounded package. Despite its understated design, the Tiguan's interior was praised for its comfort and practicality.

The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The LX, EX, and EX-L trims featured a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims came with a 9-speed automatic for smoother acceleration and better fuel economy. The Pilot's ride was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked athleticism. The Intelligent Traction Management System offered various drive modes for different conditions, enhancing its versatility.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, 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, with all-wheel drive as an option. The Tiguan's engine was adequate but suffered from turbo lag, affecting its responsiveness. Despite this, the Tiguan offered a pleasant driving experience with light steering, a compliant ride, and nimble handling. However, its suspension struggled with sharper bumps, and the tires lacked grip in corners. The Tiguan was quiet on highways, making it suitable for long trips.

The 2020 Honda Pilot provided a spacious cabin with seating for up to eight passengers, or seven with second-row captain's chairs in higher trims. Its third row was adult-friendly, and the EX trim and above offered one-touch fold-down rear seats for easy access. The Pilot's cargo space was competitive, with 83.9 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. It featured numerous storage spaces, making it ideal for family use. Higher trims included a power liftgate and hands-free tailgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with large doors and tall seating positions for easy access. The front seats offered a wide range of adjustments, and the back seat provided excellent support and legroom. The Tiguan's cargo space varied depending on the presence of a third-row seat, ranging from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, with a maximum capacity of 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet. The interior featured practical storage solutions, though overall space was limited compared to some competitors.

The 2020 Honda Pilot's base LX trim included a 5-inch color LCD screen and a 215-watt stereo system. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the system's interface was criticized for its complexity. Additional features included HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Cabin Control Remote Capability. The Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims offered navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a premium audio system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system starting with the SE trim, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a range of connected services. While the system was an improvement, it had some quirks, and the standard six-speaker sound system was underwhelming. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a nine-speaker Fender audio system and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation, enhancing the overall technology experience.

The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS, with a "Superior" score for crash prevention technology.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the IQ Drive suite, with standard forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, though the NHTSA had not published complete crash-test results.