2021 GMC Yukon vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen completely overhauled the Tiguan for the 2018 model year, introducing an all-new second generation of its compact crossover SUV. The redesign addressed the original Tiguan’s biggest shortcoming—its diminutive size—and aimed to make it more competitively priced against the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The result was a stylish and conservatively German vehicle on the surface, though some cost-cutting measures were evident upon closer inspection.

The Tiguan's exterior featured clean and simple lines, with a horizontal grille connecting the headlights and the new flat VW logo. Inside, however, the design was plain, with dull surfaces and hard black plastic. The cockpit was simple, bordering on boring, though the optional digital dashboard and glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system were highlights.

GMC positioned itself as a “premium grade” brand, landing between Chevrolet and Cadillac. The redesigned 2021 GMC Yukon, a truck-based full-size SUV, was available in standard- and extended-length body styles and in SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. The Yukon AT4 was new for 2021, designed for off-road adventures with improved approach angles, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. However, the Denali trim was the most popular, offering a more upscale experience without the Cadillac badge.

The Yukon Denali featured a bold design with a large grille, intricate grillework, vent-style fender badges, chrome lower body trim, and appealing rear styling. The Denali also had an exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, unique interior stitching, and a panoramic sunroof, creating an upscale cabin environment.

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 with minimal turbo lag, but it was only moderately quick due to its substantial curb weight of 3,757 pounds for the front-wheel-drive model and 3,847 pounds for the all-wheel-drive version.

The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its larger size and longer wheelbase, making it less nimble than some competitors. The suspension was soft, ensuring a comfortable ride even on rough roads. However, the steering was light, and the vehicle was not particularly fun to drive compared to sportier options like the Mazda CX-5.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options. The standard engine for most trims was a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, while the Denali trim featured a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. A 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine was also available for all trims except the AT4. The Denali's 6.2-liter V8 provided robust acceleration and a satisfying V8 burble, but fuel economy was not its strong suit, averaging 14.4 mpg on a testing loop with 4WD.

The new Yukon featured an independent rear suspension and an available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension with Magnetic Ride Control, improving ride quality and handling. The oversized wheels and tires provided impressive grip, and the steering was reasonably quick and accurate. The Yukon Denali was capable when needed, thanks to its Active Response 4WD system, which included a two-speed transfer case, Traction Select driving modes, and an electronic limited-slip differential.

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. The third row was standard on front-drive models and optional on all-wheel-drive versions. 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 interior felt roomy, with plenty of hip and shoulder room in the front seats. The abundant glass and seating position made the vehicle feel larger than it was, appealing to those downsizing from larger SUVs.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with 12-way power adjustments, but lacked a massage function. The second-row seats slid and folded flat, enhancing comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat provided actual thigh support, making it comfortable for adults.

Cargo volume in the Yukon Denali was impressive, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 72.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet. The Denali XL offered even more space, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which was set to be replaced by MIB3 the following year. The current system was still one of the best on the market, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen 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 in the front and one in the second row. A wireless charging pad was available in the center console. VW’s Digital Cockpit, a fully digital instrument panel, was available on top SEL trims, offering a customizable and reconfigurable display.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with the Ultimate Package offered a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and access to a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included wireless device charging, a navigation system, a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system, and a Rear Seat Media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreen displays.

The Yukon’s Rear Seat Media system allowed streaming content through an iPhone and the vehicle’s WiFi, though it required some trial and error to set up. The Denali also featured a 15-inch color head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera vantage points, enhancing maneuverability.

For the 2020 model year, Volkswagen improved the Tiguan’s standard safety package, adding forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert to all models. However, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance and LED headlights with automatic high beams were reserved for the top SEL trim. VW equipped all 2020 Tiguan models with Car-Net, a telematics package offering remote locking and unlocking, status checks, and vehicle location.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, but most Tiguans had halogen headlights, which the IIHS rated poor.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included forward collision warning, daytime pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Starting with SLT trim, the SUV included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking were available on the Denali trim.

The Yukon Denali’s adaptive cruise and lane assistance technologies operated smoothly, responding to traffic changes without sudden braking or acceleration. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but the SUV’s substantial curb weight provided a sense of security.