2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a combination that had defined the brand since its inception. Originating from the rugged Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with stout 4x4 underpinnings, appealing to wealthy British landowners. By 2020, the Range Rover offered multiple trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, while higher trims added more luxurious options like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned in 2018, aimed to address its predecessor's size and price issues. It maintained a stylish, conservative German design with clean lines and a horizontal grille. Inside, the Tiguan's interior was simple, with some cost-cutting evident in the use of hard plastics. However, the focus on electronics was clear, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system. While the interior might have lacked flair, the Tiguan's practicality and technology offerings were strong points.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid powertrain was an option, combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with electric motors for a combined 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to produce 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and automatic load leveling ensured a comfortable ride, while its off-road capabilities were enhanced by the Terrain Response System.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine drove either the front or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan's powertrain offered a snappy throttle response, though it was only moderately quick. The Tiguan's larger size and weight impacted its handling, but its soft suspension provided a comfortable ride. The Tiguan's engine was relatively quiet, and the cabin was well-insulated from wind noise, making it a pleasant highway cruiser.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: LWB and SWB. Both configurations provided standard seating for five, with the option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to four. The SWB version offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model provided 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover's unique two-piece power liftgate made loading large items easier. The interior featured a convenient center-console compartment and decently sized door compartments and cupholders.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, with a second row of seats that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. Front-drive Tiguans came with a third row, while AWD models were standard five-seaters with the third row as an option. The Tiguan's third row offered more space than many larger vehicles, and the split second-row seats folded flat, providing up to 73.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The Tiguan's interior felt roomy, with a wide beam offering ample hip and shoulder room. The abundant glass and seating position made the Tiguan feel larger than its competitors.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen controlled navigation, phone, stereo, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the lower screen managed climate controls, seat settings, and Terrain Response settings. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu. The Range Rover also came with a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system, MIB II, was set to be replaced by MIB3 in 2021. The current system was highly regarded, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base S trim and an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen in higher trims. The Tiguan offered USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and VW's Digital Cockpit on top trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features such as low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Range Rover's safety features were comprehensive, though some competitors offered more standard equipment.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package, adding forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and LED headlights with automatic high beams were reserved for the top SEL trim. VW's Car-Net telematics package connected the vehicle to an owner's smartphone, offering features like remote locking and unlocking, vehicle location, and roadside assistance. The Tiguan was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for SEL Premium models with LED headlights.