2021 Audi Q3 vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen had completely revamped the Tiguan for the 2018 model year, introducing a second generation of its compact crossover SUV. This redesign addressed the original Tiguan’s small size and high price, making it more competitive against the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The 2020 Tiguan maintained a stylish and conservatively German exterior, featuring clean lines and a horizontal grille with the new flat VW logo. However, the interior showed signs of cost-cutting, with plain and hard black plastic surfaces that lacked the premium feel of older Volkswagen models. The optional digital dashboard and glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system were highlights, offering a modern, smartphone-like appeal.

The 2021 Audi Q3, on the other hand, embraced a postmodern automotive styling with its massive corporate grille and stout, chunky design. This aesthetic suggested utility and dynamic handling, though it primarily delivered on the latter. Inside, the Q3’s cabin echoed this modern look, with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen. When the redesigned Q3 debuted in 2019, its interior was a standout, but Volkswagen’s newer interiors had since caught up. Despite this, the Q3’s cabin remained modern and refined, though it no longer felt as special. The 2021 Q3 offered two trims: Premium and Premium Plus, with a range of standard and optional features that enhanced comfort and convenience.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine drove either the front or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan’s powertrain was tuned for torque, providing a snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag. However, its larger size and weight—3,757 pounds for the front-drive model and 3,847 pounds for the AWD model—meant it was only moderately quick. The Tiguan’s handling was impacted by its longer wheelbase, making it less nimble than some competitors. Despite this, it offered a comfortable ride, with a soft suspension that handled rough roads well. The Tiguan’s cabin was well-insulated from wind noise, though some road noise could filter through on rough surfaces.

The 2021 Audi Q3 also featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque in its base form. The S-Line trim offered a more potent version of this engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided lively performance, with solid power for passing and quick acceleration in Sport mode. The Q3’s Drive Select system offered Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes, though the latter was best suited for light dirt trails. The base engine had some turbo lag, particularly under hard acceleration or when passing on the highway. The Q3’s handling was nimble and engaging, without compromising ride quality, making it a well-rounded performer.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, starting with its second-row seats that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. While the third row was not spacious, it offered enough legroom for shorter adults and was comfortable for kids. Front-drive Tiguans came standard with the third row, while AWD models had it as a $595 option. 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 front seats offered plenty of hip and shoulder room, and the abundant glass made the cabin feel spacious.

The 2021 Audi Q3, in contrast, provided 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. While the cargo space was subpar for the class, the Q3 made up for it with ample passenger space. The front seats were comfortable, with deep cargo pockets for storage. The rear seats offered impressive headroom and legroom, making it comfortable for four passengers on a road trip, though packing light was advisable.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which was set to be replaced by MIB3 the following year. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen with a glass surface, bright colors, and a responsive 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, was a customizable digital instrument panel that could display a panoramic map. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen running the MMI system, which offered logical menu navigation and standard Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The upgraded system featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. Other available features included wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit, an optional digital instrument cluster, could be customized and display the navigation map across nearly the entire screen.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan’s standard safety package included 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 through an app. The IIHS rated the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, while most Tiguans with halogen headlights received a poor rating.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard. Optional driver assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional available features included a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist.