2021 Ford Explorer 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 design elements and hard black plastic surfaces. Despite this, the Tiguan offered advanced electronics, including an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system, which were highlights of its interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Explorer showcased a family resemblance to other Ford SUVs, with sporty, raked belt lines and distinctive visages. The Explorer offered six trim levels, each with varying grille designs and price points ranging from $32,925 to $52,730. Inside, the Explorer provided three rows of seating as standard, with cloth upholstery on the base model. The dashboard featured familiar gauges and an 8-inch LCD touchscreen, complemented by a center console with a rotary gearshift and ample storage space. The XLT trim, popular among consumers, offered enhanced equipment and finishes.

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. Despite its larger size and curb weight of 3,757 pounds for FWD and 3,847 pounds for AWD, the Tiguan offered a snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag. However, its handling was less nimble due to its longer wheelbase, and while the suspension provided a comfortable ride, the steering remained light even in sport mode.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, at its lightest, weighed 4,345 pounds and featured a base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer's 10-speed automatic transmission was standard across all trims. The Limited Hybrid trim offered a V6 hybrid drivetrain with 310 horsepower, while higher trims featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering up to 400 horsepower in the Explorer ST. The Explorer excelled in towing capacity, ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the trim and engine.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan offered practicality with its sliding second-row seats, allowing for a more usable third row. While the third row was not spacious, it provided enough legroom for shorter adults and children. The Tiguan's cargo capacity was impressive, with 65.7 cubic feet when the third row was collapsed and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The front seats offered ample hip and shoulder room, and the abundant glass and seating position made the Tiguan feel roomy.

The 2021 Ford Explorer provided seating for seven in the base model, with captain's chairs in higher trims reducing capacity to six. The second row offered 39 inches of legroom, surpassing some competitors. With the third row deployed, the Explorer still offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space, but its overall cargo volume of 81 cubic feet was less impressive compared to smaller SUVs.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base S trim and an 8-inch upgrade in higher trims. The system was praised for its bright colors, responsive processor, and ease of use. The Tiguan included a single USB-C port in the front, with additional USB-A ports in higher trims. The Digital Cockpit, available on top SEL trims, offered a customizable digital instrument panel, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2021 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, offering AM/FM radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Explorer provided multiple USB ports and 12-volt power points, with a 110-volt AC power outlet available on higher trims.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were reserved for the top SEL trim. The Tiguan was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for SEL Premium models with LED headlights.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, achieving top scores in crash tests. The Explorer's base model included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, offering features like auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. Higher trims included additional driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.