2021 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a balanced approach to styling within the Range Rover family, avoiding the extremes of its siblings. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from the traditional upright Range Rover design. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs and optional air suspension provided off-road capability. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar offered a luxurious experience with high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan embraced clean lines and balanced proportions, offering a conservative yet timeless aesthetic. Its larger size for a compact SUV provided ample interior space, nearly matching that of larger models like the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Tiguan's interior was roomy and accommodating, with a focus on comfort and practicality. The optional third-row seat expanded passenger capacity, though it was best suited for children. Volkswagen's design combined modern geometric forms with a straightforward control layout, though some materials felt less premium. The Tiguan's understated design and spacious interior made it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in its SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, marked a shift towards performance with the introduction of a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with 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, though it felt large on tight roads. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 hp, while a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 was also available. The Velar retained its off-road capabilities with features like the Terrain Response system, though it lacked a low range for serious off-roading.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. While adequate for daily driving, the engine suffered from turbo lag, affecting its responsiveness. The Tiguan's nearly 4,000-pound curb weight contributed to a perception of lethargy during acceleration. Fuel economy was modest, with the AWD model averaging 22.6 mpg during testing. Despite these drawbacks, the Tiguan offered a pleasant driving experience with light steering, a compliant ride, and nimble handling. It excelled in urban environments, though its suspension struggled over sharper bumps. On highways, the Tiguan was quiet and composed, making it suitable for long road trips.

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. However, this did not translate to more interior space, as competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC offered more legroom. The Velar's cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. Its avant-garde styling, while visually appealing, limited headroom and visibility. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

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 interior was practical, with features like air conditioning vents and USB ports for rear passengers. Cargo space varied depending on the presence of the optional third-row seat, ranging from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 73.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Tiguan's design focused on practicality, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens handling various functions. While the system offered high-quality graphics and a built-in WiFi hotspot, it was criticized for slow response times. The Velar also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, though the capacitive steering-wheel controls were prone to glare. The technology suite was comprehensive, but the system's performance lagged behind newer offerings.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system, available from the SE trim. This system featured an 8-inch touchscreen, faster processing, and a range of features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tiguan's infotainment system was an improvement, though the user interface had some quirks. The SEL Premium R-Line trim offered a nine-speaker Fender audio system, while other trims had a standard six-speaker setup. The Tiguan's technology was understated but effective, providing a modern and connected experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring available as options. Land Rover's driver-assist tech was less sophisticated compared to competitors, with limited standard features.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped 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, while the SEL added lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist. The Tiguan's safety features were comprehensive, and the SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. The Tiguan's safety technology was robust, providing peace of mind for drivers.