2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Subaru Ascent presented itself as a practical and utilitarian SUV, reminiscent of a larger Subaru Forester. It featured gray plastic cladding for protection, an oversized grille, and exaggerated fender flares that added visual strength. The robust roof rails and 20-inch aluminum wheels on most trims highlighted its purposeful design. The Ascent's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was noted for its stylish appearance, quality materials, and thoughtful details, making it feel like a worthwhile investment. CarGurus recommended the Ascent Premium with additional packages for a similar look to the Touring trim but at a lower price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was appreciated for its clean lines and balanced proportions, offering a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic. It was larger than its predecessor, providing a roomy interior comparable to larger SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Tiguan's interior was characterized by modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout, though it was noted for having too much hard plastic. The SEL trim, tested with 4Motion AWD, was priced at $35,040, including destination charges, and offered a quiet and composed highway experience.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a CVT and standard AWD, providing good acceleration and maintaining power at higher elevations. However, it was criticized for its fuel consumption, averaging 18.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate. The Ascent's handling was not particularly engaging, with numb steering and a suspension that struggled on uneven surfaces. Despite these drawbacks, it excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its AWD system, X-Mode, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD as standard and AWD as an option. The Tiguan's powertrain was adequate but suffered from turbo lag and felt underpowered during passing maneuvers. It averaged 22.6 mpg with AWD, slightly below the EPA estimate. The Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light steering and a compliant ride, though it struggled with suspension isolation over sharp bumps. It was quiet and composed on highways, making it suitable for long trips.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent offered a comfortable interior, especially in the Touring trim, with soft leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. It provided ample space for tall passengers and featured a useful dashboard shelf and various storage compartments. The Ascent could be configured with a second-row bench or captain's chairs, offering flexibility for passengers and cargo. It provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with easy entry and exit, adjustable front seats, and V-Tex leatherette upholstery. It offered generous rear-seat space, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. The Tiguan's cargo space varied depending on the presence of a third-row seat, ranging from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, with a maximum capacity of 73.5 cubic feet. It featured a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent came with the Starlink infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. Premium trims and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen, WiFi hotspot, and connected services. The Touring trim added a high-resolution screen and navigation, though the voice-control system was outdated. The Ascent also included a 180-degree front camera view and a PIN Code Vehicle Access system for active lifestyles.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system, available from the SE trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected services. The system had some quirks, and the standard six-speaker sound system was underwhelming. Higher trims featured Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a nine-speaker Fender audio system.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was built on a platform designed for exceptional occupant protection, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured the EyeSight suite of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and more. The Ascent also offered a rear-seat reminder system and Starlink Safety Plus connected services.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came with the IQ Drive suite of ADAS, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and more. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Tiguan earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS in certain trims, and Car-Net connected services provided additional safety features.