2020 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish addition to the Range Rover family, positioned between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover. Its design featured a low roof and steeply-raked windshield, giving it a unique profile compared to the traditional upright Range Rover. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end and short overhangs, which not only contributed to its performance car aesthetics but also enhanced its off-road capabilities. The interior of the Velar was a blend of high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a luxurious and cockpit-like feel, although it felt more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was a product of a complete overhaul in 2018, resulting in a larger and more competitively priced compact crossover. Its design was characterized by clean, simple lines and a horizontal grille, embodying a conservative yet stylish German aesthetic. Inside, the Tiguan's interior was more utilitarian, with plain surfaces and hard plastics, a departure from Volkswagen's previous reputation for superior interiors. However, the focus on electronics was evident, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system that stood out as highlights in an otherwise simple cabin.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar saw a significant performance boost with the introduction of the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, featuring a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, as competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S were quicker. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, but its size made it less agile on tight roads. The rest of the Velar's powertrain lineup included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 247 hp and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with up to 380 hp, all equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was tuned for torque rather than horsepower, providing a snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag. The Tiguan's curb weight ranged from 3,757 pounds for front-wheel drive models to 3,847 pounds for all-wheel drive versions. While the Tiguan offered a comfortable and quiet ride, its larger size impacted its handling, making it less nimble than some competitors. The Tiguan's suspension provided a smooth driving experience, and its drive-mode selector allowed for off-road capability. However, for those seeking a more engaging driving experience, other compact crossovers like the Mazda CX-5 offered better performance.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than small luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar's interior space was not as generous as expected, with competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC offering more legroom and the BMW X3 providing more headroom. The Velar's cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling, including its chopped roof, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat claustrophobic interior. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, offering a versatile interior with a second row of seats that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. While the third row was not spacious, it provided enough legroom for shorter adults and children. Front-drive Tiguans came standard with the third row, while all-wheel drive models offered it as an option. The Tiguan's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 73.5 cubic feet available in two-row models. The Tiguan's interior felt roomy, with ample hip and shoulder room in the front seats, and its abundant glass and seating position contributed to a sense of spaciousness.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, which included dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The upper screen handled smartphone, navigation, and media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. While the system boasted high-quality graphics, its slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with the MIB II infotainment system, which was set to be replaced by MIB3 in the following year. The base S trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen with bright colors and a responsive processor. The Tiguan's infotainment system was praised for its user-friendly interface. The Tiguan S had a single USB-C port, while higher trims offered USB-A ports and a wireless charging pad. VW's Digital Cockpit, available on top SEL trims, provided a customizable digital instrument panel. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as part of an option package. However, Land Rover's driver-assist tech offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors, with only lane-keep assist available.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package by adding forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, features like adaptive cruise control with 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 IIHS rated the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, while most Tiguans with halogen headlights received a poor rating.