2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades both 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 Lexus cars more closely, and two new paint colors were introduced: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The rear received a fresh look with dual exhausts, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin remained well-appointed with various interior color and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique elements like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels, among other features. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's dated look was a drawback.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, with its clean lines and balanced proportions, offered 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 roomy interior comfortably accommodated four people, with an optional third-row seat expanding capacity to seven, though the third row was best suited for children. The interior featured modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout, with the engine start button oddly placed on the center console. Shiny detailing, digital instrumentation, and a flush touchscreen infotainment system added a touch of sophistication, though the presence of hard plastic and flimsy steering wheel stalks detracted from the overall feel. The Tiguan was available in S, SE, and SEL trims, with sporty R-Line variants offering additional design and equipment upgrades.

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 a combined output of 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX achieved 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds, with fuel economy ranging from 21 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the model. The F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and other performance enhancements, offering a smooth and connected driving experience, though the RX struggled in snowy conditions without torque-vectoring technology.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 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 engine experienced some turbo lag, making it feel breathless during passing maneuvers, especially given the nearly 4,000-pound curb weight. The Tiguan achieved an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined with FWD and 24 mpg with AWD, though real-world testing showed an average of 22.6 mpg. The Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light steering, a compliant ride, and nimble handling, though it struggled over sharp bumps and lacked suspension isolation. On the highway, the Tiguan was quiet and composed, making it suitable for long road trips.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior, while not as minimalist or stylish as its German competitors, was functional and comfortable. The two-row RX model 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 good outward visibility, though the A-pillar impeded the driver's view of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with large doors and tall seating hip points for easy ingress and egress. The front seats offered a wide range of adjustments and excellent outward visibility, with V-Tex leatherette upholstery mimicking real leather. The back seat provided generous legroom and foot space, with air conditioning vents and USB charging ports for passengers. 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, depending on the presence of the third-row seat. Maximum capacity ranged from 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system, though often criticized, saw improvements with the 2020 model. 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, but Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations provided workarounds. The RX featured six USB ports, a standard 12-speaker audio system, and an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

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, SiriusXM 360L, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system had some quirks, and the standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music. The SEL Premium R-Line offered a nine-speaker Fender audio system and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation.

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 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured IQ Drive with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. SE trim added adaptive cruise control, while the SEL included lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist. The SEL Premium R-Line had automatic high-beam headlights and front and rear parking sensors. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, though NHTSA had not published complete crash-test results.