2020 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

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. The new flat logo adorned a horizontal grille that connected the headlights, giving it a contemporary Volkswagen look. However, the interior was less impressive, with plain and dull surfaces, hard black plastic, and a design that seemed to prioritize electronics over aesthetics. The optional digital dashboard and glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system were highlights, but the overall cockpit design felt boring.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Encore GX boasted a stylish exterior that was a significant improvement over the original Encore. The SUV came in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence, with an optional Sport Touring package. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines available. The interior, while not as clean as the exterior, offered quality materials and a thoughtful design. However, the placement of analog gauges and the vibrating head-up display (HUD) detracted from the overall refinement.

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 offered a snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag, but its larger size and weight made it only moderately fleet of foot. The cabin was well insulated from wind noise, making it a quiet highway cruiser, though some road noise could filter through on rough surfaces. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its larger size, with a longer wheelbase that made it less nimble. However, the suspension provided a comfortable driving experience, even on rough roads.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and a 1.3-liter engine with 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The larger engine provided adequate power for highway cruising, though the driving experience was described as adequate. FWD models had a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models used a nine-speed automatic transmission. The ride quality was inconsistent, with a brittle feel over poorly maintained roads and a bouncy ride over bumps. Despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the Encore GX was not particularly quiet inside. The steering effort was light, making it easy to drive and maneuver, but the overall driving experience lacked refinement.

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 useful for shorter adults and children. Front-drive Tiguans came with a standard third row, while AWD models had it as an 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 wide beam offered plenty of hip and shoulder room in the front seats, and the abundant glass and seating position made it feel roomier than its competitors.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX had supportive front seats with power adjustments and heating, but the back seat was less hospitable, with a low, flat cushion and limited thigh support. Interior storage was good, with a trunk measuring 23.5 cubic feet and 50.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The test vehicle had a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items. However, the rear seatback shape and lack of rear air conditioning vents detracted from passenger comfort.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which was set to be replaced by MIB3 in 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 system was responsive and user-friendly, with bright colors and graphics. The Tiguan S had a single USB-C port, while higher trims had 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 Buick Encore GX Essence came with an 8-inch touchscreen display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system featured Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, Buick Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and stereo controls on the backs of the steering wheel spokes. The test vehicle had a navigation system, natural voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a high-definition surround-view camera. Wireless smartphone charging was part of the optional Convenience Package. The infotainment system was quick to respond, with impressive voice recognition and a simple user interface.

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 connected the vehicle to an owner's smartphone or watch, offering remote locking and unlocking, status checks, and vehicle location. The Tiguan earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for top-of-the-line SEL Premium models with LED headlights.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came with Buick Driver Confidence, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard on Select and Essence trims. Adaptive cruise control was available, along with Teen Driver technology and automatic collision notification. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).