2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner had a timeless design characterized by tall slab sides, a high beltline, short overhangs, and a near-vertical front fascia. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate bulky off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep pitches. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the off-road-focused TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. Small, angular headlights highlighted the front end, and the grille varied by trim, with body-color bars on most trims and blacked-out accents on the TRD Pro. The trim lineup included SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, Limited, Nightshade Special Edition, and Venture Special Edition. The Limited trim, aimed at comfort, featured leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, but still had plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-roading.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan had clean lines and balanced proportions, giving it a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic. It was large for its class, nearly as big inside as a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento, thanks to a long-wheelbase version. The roomy interior accommodated four people comfortably, 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, but hard plastic and flimsy steering wheel stalks detracted from the overall feel. The trim levels included S, SE, SEL, SE R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line, with pricing ranging from $25,245 to $39,095.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, managed by a 5-speed automatic transmission. This engine was designed for durability and off-road capability rather than smoothness or fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its body-on-frame construction, advanced traction systems like Toyota’s CRAWL control, and Multi-Terrain Select. On-road performance was less impressive, with significant body roll and vague steering. The 4Runner offered both RWD and 4WD options, with the latter being more suitable for off-roading.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came with 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 suffered from turbo lag, making it feel breathless during passing maneuvers, especially given the nearly 4,000-pound curb weight. The EPA estimated 25 mpg combined for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, but real-world testing showed an average of 22.6 mpg. The Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light, responsive steering, a compliant ride, and refined braking, though it struggled with sharper speed bumps and railroad tracks. It was quiet and composed on the highway, but the tires lacked grip in corners, and the suspension allowed too much body motion.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. The interior featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The tall seating position and power-retractable running boards made entry and exit easier, though the third-row seats were best for short, occasional use. The third row lacked legroom and comfort, with narrow and thin seats.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with large doors, tall seating hip points, and a wide range of adjustments for the front seats. The back seat provided excellent support, generous legroom, and foot space, with air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The panoramic sunroof was a nice touch, though storage space was limited. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allowed for flexible cargo space, with a maximum capacity ranging from 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet, depending on the presence of the third-row seat.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system included Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, and various subscription services. However, the onboard navigation system was less user-friendly compared to smartphone apps. The 4Runner lagged behind competitors in terms of total features and usability, with the most advanced features hidden in the powertrain.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system starting with the SE trim, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi, SiriusXM 360L, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and Car-Net connected services. The system had some quirks, and the voice recognition technology was subpar. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation, adding a touch of sophistication to the technology suite.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It also had eight standard airbags. The NHTSA awarded it four out of five stars overall, with three stars in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it a Good rating in most crash tests, except for a Marginal rating in the small overlap front: driver-side test.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured 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. The SE trim added adaptive cruise control, while the SEL included lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist. The SEL Premium R-Line featured 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, thanks to high-performing LED headlights.