2020 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 BMW X5
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 BMW X5 scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 BMW X5 is the recommended choice for its higher overall score, luxury features, and powerful engine options.
Choose the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan if:
- You need a practical and spacious compact crossover with a usable third row.
- You prefer a user-friendly infotainment system with responsive touchscreens.
- You want a vehicle with a Top Safety Pick rating for top trims.
Choose the 2021 BMW X5 if:
- You desire a luxury SUV with high-quality craftsmanship and a sporty appearance.
- You need a range of powerful engine options, including a plug-in hybrid.
- You want a comprehensive list of standard and optional technology features.
Overview | |
MSRP$24,945 | MSRP$59,400 |
Average price$19,355 | Average price$42,349 |
Listings974 | Listings769 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews SummaryThe Volkswagen Tiguan is one of only two compact crossover SUV’s that currently offer third-row seating. (And the other is the hopelessly outdated Mitsubishi Outlander.) To fit the extra pair of surprisingly spacious seats, VW made the Tiguan much larger than average for its competitive set—which suits a vehicle that fills big shoes in VW dealerships. With five trim levels and prices that stretch from just under $26,000 to a bit over $40,000, the Tiguan is the German brand’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. | |
2021 BMW X5 Reviews SummaryThe BMW X5 was fully redesigned for the 2019 model year. In 2020, high-performance models were added to the mix and for 2021, the SUV’s second-generation plug-in hybrid variant joins the family. All feature similar body design and utility, including a large cargo area. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 184 hp I4 | Engine3.0L 335 hp I6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower184 hp @ 4400 rpm | Horsepower335 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City22 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 184 hp I4 | Engine Name3.0L 335 hp I6 |
Torque221 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | Torque330 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower184 hp @ 4400 rpm | Horsepower335 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City22 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space12.0 cu ft | Cargo Space33.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight3757 lbs | Curb Weight4828 lbs |
Height66.3 in | Height68.7 in |
Length185.1 in | Length194.3 in |
Width72.4 in | Width87.3 in |
Wheelbase109.8 in | Wheelbase117.1 in |
Maximum Payload1124 lbs | Maximum Payload974 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity7209 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 BMW X5 scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 BMW X5 is the recommended choice for its higher overall score, luxury features, and powerful engine options.
Choose the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan if:
Shop Now- You need a practical and spacious compact crossover with a usable third row.
- You prefer a user-friendly infotainment system with responsive touchscreens.
- You want a vehicle with a Top Safety Pick rating for top trims.
Choose the 2021 BMW X5 if:
Shop Now- You desire a luxury SUV with high-quality craftsmanship and a sporty appearance.
- You need a range of powerful engine options, including a plug-in hybrid.
- You want a comprehensive list of standard and optional technology features.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $24,945 | $59,400 |
Average price | $19,355 | $42,349 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.6 | 4.9 |
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of only two compact crossover SUV’s that currently offer third-row seating. (And the other is the hopelessly outdated Mitsubishi Outlander.) To fit the extra pair of surprisingly spacious seats, VW made the Tiguan much larger than average for its competitive set—which suits a vehicle that fills big shoes in VW dealerships. With five trim levels and prices that stretch from just under $26,000 to a bit over $40,000, the Tiguan is the German brand’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. | The BMW X5 was fully redesigned for the 2019 model year. In 2020, high-performance models were added to the mix and for 2021, the SUV’s second-generation plug-in hybrid variant joins the family. All feature similar body design and utility, including a large cargo area. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 184 hp I4 | 3.0L 335 hp I6 |
Drive Train | FWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Horsepower | 184 hp @ 4400 rpm | 335 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 22 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 26 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 184 hp I4 | 3.0L 335 hp I6 |
Torque | 221 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 330 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower | 184 hp @ 4400 rpm | 335 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 22 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 26 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 12.0 cu ft | 33.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3757 lbs | 4828 lbs |
Height | 66.3 in | 68.7 in |
Length | 185.1 in | 194.3 in |
Width | 72.4 in | 87.3 in |
Wheelbase | 109.8 in | 117.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1124 lbs | 974 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1500 lbs | 7209 lbs |
Volkswagen completely overhauled the Tiguan for the 2018 model year, introducing an all-new second generation of its compact crossover SUV. The 2020 Tiguan maintained this contemporary Volkswagen styling with clean and simple lines, featuring a horizontal grille that connected the headlights. The interior, however, was less impressive, with dull surfaces and hard black plastic that felt plain and uninspired. The focus seemed to be on electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system standing out as highlights.
The 2021 BMW X5, known for its high-quality craftsmanship, delivered a luxury SUV experience with its unmistakable BMW design, including the signature kidney grille and full adaptive LED headlights. The X5 offered a sporty appearance with M Sport styling options and a range of wheel sizes from 19 to 22 inches. Inside, the X5's interior featured an abundance of leather and soft-touch materials, though it shared many design elements with other BMW models. The M Sport models included unique styling touches like an M sports steering wheel and M-specific pedals.
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 was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, driving either the front or all four wheels. The Tiguan's powertrain offered a snappy throttle response with minimal turbo lag, but its larger size and weight made it only moderately fleet of foot. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its longer wheelbase, resulting in a comfortable but less nimble driving experience.
The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i came with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M offered even more power with 600 horsepower, or 617 with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid achieved 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, with up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were less impressive, with steering issues at both low and high speeds, and a less engaging handling experience compared to other BMW SUVs.
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, with a second row of seats that could slide up to seven inches fore and aft, making the third row more usable. Front-drive Tiguans came with a standard third row, while AWD models offered it as an option. The third row, though not spacious, provided enough legroom for shorter adults and children. The Tiguan's cargo capacity was impressive, with 65.7 cubic feet with the third row collapsed and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The driver's seat offered a roomy feel, comparable to midsize SUVs.
The 2021 BMW X5 made good use of space, with cupholders at the front of the center console and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats felt hard after a few hours. The rear seats were comfortable for kids and adults, with an available third row option. The X5's split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button made loading cargo easier. The cargo area was spacious without the third row, though moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was less convenient due to the narrow door openings.
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display in the base S trim and an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen in higher trims. The system was responsive and user-friendly, with bright colors and graphics. The Tiguan S had a single USB-C port, while higher trims had two USB-A ports and a wireless charging pad. VW's Digital Cockpit was available on top SEL trims, offering a customizable digital instrument panel. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.
The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features list included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The BMW iDrive system required some acclimation but was easy to use once familiar.
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan came with a standard safety package that included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance and LED headlights with automatic high beams were reserved for the top SEL trim. VW's Car-Net telematics package offered remote locking and unlocking, status checks, vehicle location, and more. The Tiguan received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, but most models with halogen headlights were rated poorly.
The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, though it had issues with reacting to stopped traffic and lane-keeping. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
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