2020 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted design compared to its predecessors, with softened lines and removed edges, contributing to a reduced drag coefficient from .32 to .29. The front end showcased the most significant visual transformation, making the vehicle appear handsome yet unoffensive. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch extended wheelbase, allowing for an optional third row, although this feature was not available in the test model. However, the $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint revealed an unexpected orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium paint option.

The GLE 350 started at $53,700, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Adding the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system cost an additional $2,500. The test model included numerous options, such as black leather upholstery for $1,620, a cabin air purifier and fragrance system for $350, and multi-contour front seats with a massage feature for $1,100. Despite the luxurious additions, some features like heated and ventilated seats required extra costs. The total price of the test model reached $78,370, including a $995 Delivery & Destination fee.

Volkswagen completely overhauled the Tiguan for the 2018 model year, addressing its previous size and price issues. The 2020 model maintained a stylish and conservatively German design with clean lines and a horizontal grille. The interior, however, appeared plain with dull surfaces and hard black plastic, a departure from Volkswagen's previous reputation for superior interiors. The focus shifted to electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system that stood out.

The Tiguan's practicality shone through with its second-row seats that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. Front-drive models came standard with a third row, while AWD models offered it as a $595 option. The third row, though not spacious, provided enough legroom for shorter adults and children. The split second-row seats folded flat, offering 65.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row collapsed, and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The Tiguan's wide beam and abundant glass made the interior feel roomy, comparable to midsize SUVs.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Despite its power, the engine felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The start-stop system was notably inelegant, detracting from the overall driving experience. However, the engine was smooth and powerful at speed, and the 9-speed automatic transmission performed well, though not as smoothly as the BMW X5's 8-speed. The GLE 350 4Matic's fuel economy was impressive, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The engine drove either the front or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan's powertrain offered a snappy throttle response with minimal turbo lag, but it was only moderately quick due to its weight of 3,757 pounds for FWD and 3,847 pounds for AWD models. The Tiguan's engine was relatively quiet, and the cabin was well insulated from wind noise, making it a comfortable highway cruiser. The suspension provided a smooth ride, though the vehicle's larger size impacted its handling.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided significant interior space, especially in the second row. The GLE offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, with a total of 79.4 cubic feet available with the seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. The seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent cramping on long drives. However, the steering wheel often blocked part of the screen, and the upgraded Burmester stereo caused vibrations through the brake pedal.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, with second-row seats that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. The third row, though not spacious, provided enough legroom for shorter adults and children. The split second-row seats folded flat, offering 65.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row collapsed, and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The Tiguan's wide beam and abundant glass made the interior feel roomy, comparable to midsize SUVs. The driver's seat offered plenty of hip and shoulder room, and the seating position made the Tiguan feel larger than it was.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which was deep and daunting at first but became second nature with use. The system included two giant 12.3-inch screens, a head-up display, and options like augmented reality for directions and traffic signals. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's, though it still had issues at high speeds. The voice control system, while great in the A-Class, did not work as well in the GLE.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system, MIB II, was set to be replaced by MIB3 in 2021. The current system, however, was already one of the best on the market, 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 easy to use, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tiguan S had a single USB-C port, while higher trims had USB-A ports and a wireless charging pad. The Digital Cockpit, available on top SEL trims, was a fully digital instrument panel that could display a panoramic map and other information.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current testing data from NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Features like Attention Assist and Seat Kinetics aimed to prevent driver fatigue. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems were less reliable at high speeds, causing the car to bounce around the lane and get confused by shadows and unexpected lines.

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. However, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance and LED headlights with automatic high beams were reserved for the top SEL trim. All models came with Car-Net, a telematics package that connected the vehicle to an owner's smartphone or watch. The IIHS rated the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, while most models with halogen headlights received a poor rating.