2021 Buick Envision vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned in 2018, maintained its stylish and conservative German aesthetics, with clean lines and a horizontal grille connecting the headlights. Despite its contemporary exterior, the interior was less impressive, featuring plain and dull surfaces with hard black plastic. The focus seemed to have shifted to electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system standing out as highlights. The Tiguan's design was practical but lacked the adventurous flair seen in some competitors.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, showcasing a lower and wider stance with premium crossover styling. It offered three trim levels—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir—with the Avenir trim introducing upgraded exterior elements like a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch Avenir-specific wheels. The interior of the Avenir featured leather-appointed seating and a head-up display. Despite these enhancements, the Envision's cabin design was not as functional as expected, with a driver-centric layout that limited passenger access to controls.

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 offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter being a $1,300 upgrade. The Tiguan's performance was characterized by a snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag, although it was not the fastest in its class. The vehicle's larger size and weight impacted its handling, making it less nimble than some competitors. However, it provided a comfortable driving experience with a well-insulated cabin and a quiet highway ride.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Despite a reduction in power compared to the previous model, the Envision's weight loss contributed to improved fuel efficiency. The front-wheel drive version achieved an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel drive variant offered slightly lower figures. The Envision's driving dynamics were more comfort-oriented, with a focus on smooth cruising rather than sporty performance. However, engine and road noise were noticeable during acceleration and deceleration.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, offering a versatile interior with a sliding second row and an optional third row. The third row, while not spacious, provided enough legroom for shorter adults and children. The Tiguan's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 73.5 cubic feet of space in two-row models. The driver's seat offered ample room, and the vehicle's abundant glass contributed to a sense of spaciousness. The Tiguan's design catered to those seeking a roomy and practical compact crossover.

The 2021 Buick Envision, despite its aesthetic improvements, fell short in terms of interior space. The redesigned model had less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room compared to its predecessor. Rear-seat passengers experienced reduced legroom and hip room, making the Envision less accommodating for adults. The cargo capacity was also limited, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit restricted passenger access to controls, and forward visibility was compromised by the vehicle's design.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which was set to be replaced by MIB3 in the following year. Despite this, the current system was highly regarded, with an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen available in higher trims. The Tiguan offered a digital cockpit, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot as standard features. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with responsive touch controls and bright graphics.

The 2021 Buick Envision boasted a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, providing a clear and responsive interface. The driver information display, available in 8.0-inch and 4.2-inch sizes, offered quick access to station and song information. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features such as navigation, a surround-view camera, and wireless charging enhanced the Envision's tech offerings, although the layout limited passenger interaction with the system.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with a comprehensive safety package, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were reserved for higher trims. The Tiguan was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for models with LED headlights, although most models had halogen headlights rated poorly by the IIHS.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS due to its new generation. Standard safety features included forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, and automatic emergency braking. The Envision also featured a Buckle to Drive system, ensuring seatbelt use before shifting from park. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced park assist were available on Avenir models, but the Envision lacked advanced driver-assist systems like GM's Super Cruise.