2020 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-gen Outback was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, had 90% new parts, while higher trims featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent. Exterior changes were subtle, mainly in the head- and taillights, but the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus system, which used facial recognition to adjust settings and monitor driver alertness. The Outback was available in seven trims, starting at $26,645, with a range of features and safety systems, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.

Volkswagen completely overhauled the Tiguan for 2018, addressing its size and price issues. The 2020 model retained its stylish, conservative German design with clean lines and a horizontal grille. Inside, the Tiguan’s interior was plain, with hard black plastic surfaces, but it featured a digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system. The Tiguan’s design was practical, with a focus on electronics, though it lacked the luxurious feel of earlier VW interiors. The infotainment system, despite being due for an upgrade, was one of the best in the market, with a responsive touchscreen and a digital cockpit available on higher trims.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over 2019, and improved fuel efficiency at 26 mpg city and 33 highway. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in XT trims produced 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and better handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. The Outback’s design ensured less wear on components and a lower center of gravity for improved stability.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It was available with either FWD or AWD, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan’s powertrain offered a snappy throttle response, but its larger size and weight made it less nimble. The Tiguan’s suspension provided a comfortable ride, even on rough roads, and the drive mode selector allowed for off-road settings. However, its handling was less agile compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-5. The Tiguan’s engine was relatively quiet, and the cabin was well-insulated from wind noise, making it a comfortable highway cruiser.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The Outback’s design prioritized visibility, with great sightlines in nearly every direction, though the rear quarters had a significant blind spot. The low load height and lower center of gravity provided better handling and less chance of rollover compared to SUVs.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, with a second row of seats that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. The third row, available on FWD models and as an option on AWD models, was suitable for shorter adults and children. The Tiguan offered 65.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded, and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The front seats provided plenty of hip and shoulder room, and the abundant glass made the interior feel spacious. The Tiguan’s design made it feel larger than it was, appealing to those downsizing from larger SUVs.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was large and easy to navigate but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The system’s lag affected various functions, including navigation and volume control. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the screen had potential if Subaru addressed the lag and resolution problems.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan’s infotainment system, MIB II, was one of the best on the market, with a responsive 8-inch touchscreen on SE and higher trims. The system featured bright colors, a glass surface, and a speedy processor. 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, offered a customizable digital instrument panel. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. However, the EyeSight system, which relied on optical sensors, could be obstructed by weather conditions. The DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was overly sensitive and often gave false alerts, making it more of a distraction than a safety feature.

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 and LED headlights with automatic high beams were reserved for the top SEL trim. The Tiguan featured Car-Net, a telematics package with remote locking, status checks, and vehicle location. The IIHS rated the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, while other models with halogen headlights received a poor rating.