2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble other Lexus cars, and two new paint colors were introduced: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The rear received a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin remained well-appointed with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's design was starting to show its age.

Volkswagen completely overhauled the Tiguan for the 2018 model year, addressing its size and price issues. The 2020 model retained its contemporary Volkswagen styling with clean lines and a horizontal grille connecting the headlights. The interior, however, was plain with dull surfaces and hard black plastic, a far cry from VW's previous interior excellence. The focus shifted to electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system. Despite the cost-cutting measures, the Tiguan's displays were a highlight, offering a modern, smartphone-like experience.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The three-row RX 350L had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor for 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL had 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX's performance was smooth, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds for most models. Fuel economy varied, with the RX 350 achieving 23 mpg combined, the RX 350L and RX 350 AWD at 22 mpg, and the RX 350L AWD at 21 mpg. The RX 450h AWD excelled with 30 mpg combined, and the RX 450hL at 29 mpg. The F Sport models offered enhanced agility with adaptive variable suspension and sportier features.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It was available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan's powertrain provided snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag, but its larger size made it less nimble. The Tiguan's handling was comfortable, with a soft suspension and a drive-mode selector for off-road settings. The steering firmed up in sport mode but remained light. The Tiguan's fuel economy was competitive, though not exceptional, and its performance was adequate for most driving situations.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was functional but not as stylish as its German competitors. The two-row RX comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was spacious in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and decent visibility. However, the cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, with a second row that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. The third row had enough legroom for shorter adults and was cozy for kids. Front-drive Tiguans came with a third row, while AWD models had it as an option. The split second row folded flat, providing 65.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row collapsed, and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The Tiguan's interior felt roomy, with abundant glass and a seating position that made it feel larger than it was.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for 2020. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained difficult to navigate. However, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate these issues. The RX also featured six USB ports and an available 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system, called MIB II, was set to be replaced by MIB3 in 2021. The current system was still one of the best, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base S trim and an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen in higher trims. The system was responsive and user-friendly. The Tiguan S had a single USB-C port, while higher trims had USB-A ports and a wireless charging pad. VW's Digital Cockpit was available on top trims, offering a customizable digital instrument panel. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot were standard.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. New for 2020 were daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also included a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and 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.