2020 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was a vehicle that stood out on the road with its iconic design. It featured circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and a boxy style that was unmistakably Jeep. The Wrangler's industrial look was further enhanced by exposed hinges and bolts, and its removable top added to its rugged persona. Inside, the Wrangler embraced a retro aesthetic with circular climate vents and gauges, focusing on utility over luxury. The various trims, from the basic Sport to the off-road-ready Rubicon, offered a range of features, with the Rubicon standing out for its off-road capabilities and mechanical upgrades.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a more understated and conservative design. Its clean lines and balanced proportions gave it a timeless appeal that was likely to age well. The Tiguan was larger than its predecessor, providing ample interior space comparable to larger SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe. Inside, the Tiguan prioritized comfort with a roomy cabin, supportive seating, and a practical layout. The interior was dressed with shiny detailing and a well-integrated infotainment system, though it fell short of the luxury feel of an Audi due to the presence of hard plastics.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler came with a base 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was also available, offering 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine delivered 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque, making it ideal for off-road adventures. Despite its off-road prowess, the Wrangler's on-road performance was less refined, with significant road noise and a rough ride. Fuel economy for the diesel engine was 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, which was an improvement over the gas-powered versions.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to the front wheels by default and an optional 4Motion AWD system. While the Tiguan's engine was adequate, it suffered from turbo lag and felt underpowered during acceleration. The Tiguan offered a comfortable and nimble driving experience, with light steering and a compliant ride. However, its suspension struggled with sharper bumps, and the tires lacked grip in corners. Fuel economy was 25 mpg combined for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, with real-world testing showing slightly lower figures.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, a four-door variant, was known for its versatility and off-road capabilities. It featured removable doors, a foldable windshield, and a droppable roof, with options for both soft and hard tops. The Wrangler offered 72 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear bench lowered, though this was less than other less-capable SUVs. Despite its rugged nature, the Wrangler's interior was designed for utility, with a focus on off-road functionality rather than comfort.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in interior comfort and space. It featured large doors and tall seating positions for easy access, with supportive front seats and generous back-seat legroom. The Tiguan's interior was equipped with dual-zone climate control, USB ports, and air conditioning vents for rear passengers. The SUV offered a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat and a spacious cargo area, with capacity ranging from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, depending on the presence of a third-row seat. Maximum cargo capacity was between 65.7 and 73.5 cubic feet.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler's technology offerings varied by trim. The Sport and Sport S trims featured a basic 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Rubicon and Sahara trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen with Uconnect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An optional 8.4-inch Uconnect system added navigation, HD Radio, and a premium audio system. The Wrangler's infotainment system was robust, with options for real-time traffic updates and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment platform, available from the SE trim. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen with faster processing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a range of connected services. The Tiguan's infotainment system was an improvement, though it had some user interface quirks and subpar voice recognition. The SEL Premium R-Line trim offered a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system, while other trims had a standard six-speaker system.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler included standard safety features such as airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Optional safety packages added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection. The Advanced Safety Group offered adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning, enhancing the Wrangler's safety profile.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came with the IQ Drive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Starting with the SE trim, adaptive cruise control was included, with lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Tiguan's safety features were comprehensive, with parking sensors and a reversing camera standard on most trims. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims.