2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB had a boxy and tall design compared to other small Mercedes SUVs. It sat on a front-wheel-drive platform with an optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The vehicle featured a long, flat hood, an upright windshield, large side windows, and a nearly vertical rear liftgate. The front and rear overhangs were symmetrical, emphasizing its functional design. The GLB prioritized interior volume over sleek aesthetics, highlighted by robust roof rails ready for action.

Painted in Mountain Gray metallic and equipped with the AMG Line design package and 20-inch AMG wheels, the test vehicle exuded style and attitude. Prices started at $36,600, with the tested GLB 250 4Matic priced at $55,890, including numerous options. The interior featured dual 10.25-inch screens, ambient lighting, and a mix of MB-Tex leatherette and Dinamica suede seats. The design blended high style with simplicity, though some metallic trim pieces revealed its more affordable status within the Mercedes lineup.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan had 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 second-generation model corrected the size issues of its predecessor, adding a long-wheelbase version for regions favoring larger vehicles.

The Tiguan's upsizing resulted in a roomy interior with ample space for four people, and the optional third-row seat expanded capacity to seven, though three of those would need to be 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 hard plastics and flimsy steering wheel stalks detracted from the overall premium feel. Prices ranged from $25,245 to $39,095, with the tested SEL trim and 4Motion AWD priced at $35,040.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, both equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm. Mercedes claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, though it felt faster due to the engine's wide torque band and the snappy eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The DCT powered the front wheels unless the 4Matic AWD was optioned, which optimized grip and performance. An Off-Road driving mode locked the drivetrain in a 50:50 power split for maximum traction.

The test vehicle, equipped with an adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, delivered a soft, pillowy ride in Comfort mode, ideal for city and highway driving. In Sport mode, the suspension provided greater road feel and reduced body motion, while the turbo powertrain responded quickly to accelerator inputs. The GLB's unusual driving position and large windows made it fun to drive on mountain roads, despite its modest engine specifications. However, the brakes faded prematurely during enthusiastic driving, cutting short an otherwise enjoyable experience. The test vehicle averaged 21.4 mpg, below the EPA's 26-mpg estimate.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower at 4,360 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels by default, with the 4Motion AWD system available as a $1,400 option on most models and standard on the SEL Premium R-Line. The powertrain was adequate but suffered from turbocharger lag, making the engine feel breathless during passing maneuvers or freeway merges. The nearly 4,000-pound curb weight contributed to this perception of lethargy.

The EPA rated the Tiguan at 25 mpg in combined driving with FWD and 24 mpg with AWD. During testing, the AWD model averaged 22.6 mpg, indicating no clear fuel economy benefit despite the drivetrain's laggardly response. The Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light, responsive steering, a compliant ride, refined braking, and nimble handling, ideal for urban and suburban environments. However, the suspension's lack of isolation over sharp bumps and railroad tracks detracted from the overall refinement. On curvy roads, the Tiguan's tires lost grip early, and the suspension allowed too much body motion, encouraging slower driving. The SUV was quiet and composed on the highway, making long road trips more enjoyable.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB offered generous interior dimensions, even more so than the larger and more expensive GLC. It could be equipped with an optional third row of seats, a feature unavailable on other Mercedes SUVs except the significantly larger GLS. The GLB comfortably accommodated four adults, with ample headroom, tall seating positions, large windows, and an available panoramic sunroof. Entry and exit were easy, and the second-row seat could slide to adjust space for third-row passengers or cargo.

The test vehicle's front seats offered power adjustment but lacked heating and ventilation, which would have added over $1,000 to the price. A heated steering wheel and multi-contour adjustable seats were available options. The second-row seat could fit three people, but the narrow width made it more suitable for two. The third-row seat, an $850 option, was not included in the test vehicle. Cargo space measured 22 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 62 cubic feet with the seats folded down, offering more space than the GLA and GLC.

The Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with large doors and tall seating hip points for easy entry and exit. The front seats provided a wide range of adjustments for proper support and excellent visibility. The V-Tex leatherette upholstery mimicked real leather, and the dual-zone climate control system was effective. The back seat offered generous legroom and foot space, with air conditioning vents and USB charging ports for passengers. The soft front seatback material ensured comfort for tall riders, and the Tiguan provided ample clearance for reverse-facing child safety seats.

A large panoramic sunroof was available, featuring a wind deflector to eliminate noise and buffeting. Storage space was limited, with a large glovebox and fabric-lined door panel bins. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allowed for carrying long items and four passengers simultaneously. Cargo space ranged from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, depending on whether the SUV had the optional third-row seat. Maximum capacity ranged from 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet, offering a usefully shaped cargo area with deep wells for carrying items like jugs of milk or bottles of wine.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB's Premium Package, priced at $2,200, was a worthwhile upgrade, replacing the standard 7-inch screens with twin 10.25-inch displays under a single piece of glass. These displays featured lush graphics, high customization, and fast response times. The GLB came with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with standout natural voice recognition technology.

The test vehicle also had the Multimedia Package, adding a navigation system with augmented video, using the forward-facing camera to provide a live video feed with turn-by-turn directions. The Parking Assistance Package included a high-definition surround-view camera system and a semi-autonomous active parking assistance system. The 12-speaker Burmester premium sound system was a highlight, offering excellent sound quality and stylish aluminum speaker grilles.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system, available starting with the SE trim. MIB3 featured an 8-inch touchscreen, faster processing, and an expanded range of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi for up to four devices, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and Car-Net connected services. These services included remote engine starting, automatic crash notification, and Family Guardian safe teen driving settings.

The MIB3 system was an improvement, though the user interface had some quirks, and the voice recognition technology was lacking. The standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music, while the SEL Premium R-Line's nine-speaker Fender premium audio system performed better. The SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims featured Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation, offering an understated approach to technology and information display.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came standard with several safety features, including a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a Pre-Safe front collision preparation system. Emergency call service was also standard. Optional safety features included second-row side-impact airbags and blind-spot monitoring with Exit Warning Assist.

The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and an automatic emergency stop system. Enhancements to the Pre-Safe technology included rear-impact preparation and ear damage protection at the moment of impact. These systems operated with accuracy and refinement, encouraging their use. However, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had performed crash tests on the GLB at the time of publication.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with the IQ Drive collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Starting with the SE trim, adaptive cruise control was included. The SEL trim added lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, while the SEL Premium R-Line featured automatic high-beam headlights and front and rear parking sensors.

During testing, the adaptive cruise control demonstrated smooth braking but was slow to recognize vehicles cutting into the gap ahead. Lane-keep assist was effective but inconsistent. The blind-spot warning indicator was easy to see, and the parking sensors beeped with increasing intensity as objects approached. The standard reversing camera provided a clear view, while the SEL Premium R-Line offered a top-down surround-view. Automatic post-collision braking was standard, designed to prevent secondary impacts. Car-Net connected services included automatic collision notification, emergency calling, and Family Guardian alerts. The IIHS awarded the Tiguan a "Top Safety Pick" rating for the SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, while the NHTSA had not published complete crash-test results.