2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Lexus GX had a design that was starting to show its age. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, the second generation continued into 2020 with some new design tweaks. The updated GX adopted the hourglass grille design seen across the Lexus lineup, which looked better on the GX than on some other models. Despite the new front end and headlights, the GX retained a decade-old design, sharing a platform with the Toyota 4Runner, known for its rugged capability.

Inside, the GX's age was evident. The cabin featured a large, chunky center console with big buttons and a recessed infotainment screen, reminiscent of early 2010s Lexus styling. While this might not be desirable in a new Lexus RX, it worked for the GX's rugged nature. The GX was available in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery to advanced navigation systems. The Luxury trim even included a rear-seat entertainment system, though its relevance was questionable in the age of smartphones and tablets.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, boasted clean lines and balanced proportions, offering a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic. It was large for its class, nearly as spacious inside as a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. The Tiguan's upsizing resulted in a roomy interior with plenty of space for four people, and an optional third-row seat expanded capacity to seven, though the third row was best suited for children.

The Tiguan's interior combined modern geometric forms with a no-nonsense control layout. The cabin featured shiny detailing, digital instrumentation, and a well-integrated touchscreen infotainment system. However, it had more hard plastic than an Audi, and the steering wheel stalks felt a bit flimsy. The Tiguan was available in S, SE, and SEL trims, with sporty R-Line variants adding design and equipment upgrades. Our test vehicle, an SEL with 4Motion AWD, had a sticker price of $35,040, including destination charges.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). While these specs might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 offered a distinctive swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's light steering was direct and responsive, and the self-leveling air suspension provided a smooth yet composed ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with various 4WD modes and a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.3 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 4Motion AWD system was optional on most models and standard on the SEL Premium R-Line. The Tiguan's powertrain was adequate but suffered from turbo lag, making it feel breathless during passing maneuvers. The Tiguan averaged 22.6 mpg during testing, slightly below its EPA rating. Despite this, the Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light, responsive steering, a compliant ride, and nimble handling, though it struggled over sharp speed bumps and railroad tracks.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with the latter also featuring power-folding third-row seats. While the captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, getting adults into the third row was challenging. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors. The GX's side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a useful feature.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with large doors, tall seating hip points, and adjustable front seats. The back seat offered excellent support, generous legroom, and air conditioning vents, making it comfortable for tall passengers and accommodating for reverse-facing child seats. The Tiguan's 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo configurations, with cargo volume ranging from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 73.5 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, featuring a true touchscreen with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a dealbreaker for some. The simplicity of the system was a plus for those who preferred straightforward interfaces.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system starting with the SE trim, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, faster processing, and expanded features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. However, the system had some quirks, and the standard six-speaker sound system struggled with certain music. The SEL Premium R-Line's nine-speaker Fender audio system was a notable upgrade. Both the SEL and SEL Premium R-Line featured Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's great visibility, thanks to large windows and mirrors, added to its safety.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with IQ Drive, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The SE trim added adaptive cruise control, while the SEL included lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist. The SEL Premium R-Line featured automatic high-beam headlights and front and rear parking sensors. The Tiguan's adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were effective but had some inconsistencies. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims.