2021 Dodge Durango vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned in 2018, presented a stylish yet conservative German aesthetic. Its exterior featured clean lines and a horizontal grille adorned with Volkswagen's new flat logo, connecting the headlights. While the exterior maintained a classic car look, the interior was less impressive, with plain surfaces and hard black plastic that lacked the sophistication of earlier Volkswagen models. The focus seemed to shift towards electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system standing out as highlights.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango retained its muscular stance and athletic styling, aligning with Dodge's family of vehicles. The Durango SRT Hellcat model showcased a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler, emphasizing its sporty design. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and exterior colors, along with a new instrument panel and touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The interior became more premium with options like leather and suede upholstery, and the updates brought the Durango in line with Dodge's muscle cars.

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. Despite its larger size and curb weight of up to 3,847 pounds, the Tiguan delivered a snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag. However, its performance was moderate, with highway passing requiring patience. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its size, with a longer wheelbase affecting nimbleness. The suspension provided a comfortable ride, but the steering was light, even in sport mode.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. The V6 produced up to 295 horsepower, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 horsepower. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 horsepower, and the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the SRT Hellcat model boasted 710 horsepower. The Durango's power was easily controlled, with smooth shifts and acceleration. Steering was precise, but the chassis showed its age, with a reactionary suspension on rough roads. The Durango's braking system, especially in the Hellcat, provided ample stopping power.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, with a second row that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. Front-drive models included a third row, while AWD models offered it as an option. The third row, though not spacious, was more accommodating than many larger vehicles. The Tiguan's cargo space was impressive, with up to 73.5 cubic feet available in two-row models. The driver's seat offered a roomy feel, comparable to midsize SUVs, with abundant glass enhancing the sense of space.

The 2021 Dodge Durango was a versatile family hauler, offering seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, with the third row providing more room than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, but its fit and finish had improved significantly. The SUV's midsize packaging made it a practical choice for families, balancing comfort and athletic design.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base trim and an 8-inch upgrade in higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with bright graphics and a responsive processor. The Tiguan offered USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and VW's Digital Cockpit on top trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Dodge Durango introduced the Uconnect 5 system, five times faster than its predecessor. It offered personalization, connected services, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was easy to navigate, with clear graphics and a responsive touchscreen. A family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players was available, and SRT models featured unique infotainment and instrument cluster designs. The TomTom navigation system was a standout, providing clear and responsive guidance.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package with 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 top trims. The Tiguan was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for models with LED headlights, but most models had halogen headlights rated poorly.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's standard safety features were limited to a rearview camera and federally mandated equipment. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The NHTSA gave the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but front crash testing ratings were not available.