2020 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Acura RDX

Volkswagen completely overhauled the Tiguan for the 2018 model year, introducing an all-new second generation of its compact crossover SUV. The 2020 model retained the stylish and conservatively German design, with clean and simple lines and a new flat logo on a horizontal grille. However, the interior showed signs of cost-cutting, with dull surfaces and hard black plastic, making it appear plain and somewhat boring. The focus seemed to have shifted to electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system being the highlights.

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a good-looking SUV with subtle yet effective styling changes that conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided making the RDX look like an off-roader, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping. The A-Spec Package added sporty interior features like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient cabin lighting. However, the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was hard to read, except at night.

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 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 fleet of foot. The Tiguan's larger size and longer wheelbase impacted its handling, making it less nimble than some competitors. The suspension was soft, ensuring a comfortable driving experience, but the steering was too light in normal mode.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 rpm to 4,500 rpm. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive was standard, with the SH-AWD system available for improved handling. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The RDX A-Spec's handling was enhanced by 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, but it lacked adaptive dampers, resulting in some body motion on uneven roads. Despite this, the RDX was rewarding to drive, with precise steering and fade-resistant brakes.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan offered practicality with its second-row seats that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row useful for shorter adults and kids. Front-drive Tiguans had a standard third row, while AWD models had it as an option. The third row's low cushion position relative to the floor was a drawback, but the seats were roomier than many third rows in larger vehicles. The split second-row seats folded flat, providing 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 it feel as roomy as many midsize SUVs.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered remarkable passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, the rear seats lacked leg support and had too much recline angle, making them less comfortable. The cargo area measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, with additional storage compartments under the floor. Folding the rear seats provided 58.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which was competitive but not class-leading. Acura also quoted a maximum cargo volume of 79.8 cubic feet, based on moving the front seats all the way forward.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which was set to be replaced by MIB3 the following year. The current system was already one of the best on the market, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display in the base S trim and an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen in higher trims. 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 be customized and reconfigured. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. The TTI mirrored the screen, making it easier to use than similar systems from Lexus, but it still required some adjustment. The RDX included physical knobs and buttons for stereo and climate controls, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and integrated voice-recognition technology. The A-Spec trim featured a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which sounded terrific.

For the 2020 model year, Volkswagen improved the Tiguan’s standard safety package, adding forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert to all models. However, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance and LED headlights with automatic high beams were reserved for the top SEL trim. The Tiguan was equipped with Car-Net, a telematics package that connected the vehicle to an owner’s smartphone or watch through an app. The IIHS rated the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick for top-of-the-line SEL Premium models with LED headlights, while most Tiguans with halogen headlights received a poor rating.

Acura equipped every 2021 RDX with AcuraWatch, a collection of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.