2021 Honda HR-V 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 contemporary appeal, 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 stood out as highlights in an otherwise simple cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda HR-V showcased a softer, friendlier appearance compared to Honda's larger SUVs. Its distinctive styling included converging window lines near the taillights, housing the rear door handles. Most trims featured 17-inch alloy wheels, with the Sport model boasting matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. Inside, the HR-V's design was plain but functional, with good material quality and fit. Higher trims offered features like push-button start, automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats, enhancing the overall solid feel of the vehicle.

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, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered either front-wheel drive or an optional all-wheel drive for an additional $1,300. Despite its size and weight, the Tiguan delivered a snappy throttle response with minimal turbo lag, although highway passing required patience. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its larger size, with a longer wheelbase affecting nimbleness. However, its soft suspension ensured a comfortable ride, even on rough roads.

The 2021 Honda HR-V, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the HR-V's powertrain was underpowered for highway driving, its chassis compensated with rewarding handling on twisty roads. The HR-V's AWD system was suitable for slippery roads but not for rough terrains, and it lacked towing capabilities. Despite these limitations, the HR-V provided a decent ride quality, living up to Honda's reputation for fun-to-drive vehicles.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, offering a versatile interior with a sliding second row and an optional third row. The third row, though not spacious, was suitable for shorter adults or children. Front-drive models included the third row as standard, while AWD models offered it as a $595 option. The Tiguan's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 73.5 cubic feet available in two-row models. The driver's seat provided ample room, and the vehicle's design made it feel larger than its competitors, appealing to those downsizing from larger SUVs.

The 2021 Honda HR-V boasted impressive cargo space for its size, thanks to the "Magic Seat" 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. With the seat down, it offered 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space (57.6 for AWD models), surpassing many competitors. The HR-V also excelled in rear-seat legroom, leading the segment in this category. While interior storage solutions were limited, the HR-V featured sensibly-designed controls and a standard tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which, despite being due for an upgrade, was one of the best on the market. The base S trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen with bright colors and a responsive processor. The Tiguan also included USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and VW's Digital Cockpit on top trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Honda HR-V's base LX trim came with a 5-inch display and a four-speaker audio system, with Bluetooth as standard. Upgrading to the Sport trim provided a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims added SiriusXM satellite radio. While the infotainment system was plain but functional, the optional 7-inch touchscreen was smaller than many competitors, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not standard across all 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. VW's Car-Net telematics package offered remote access and monitoring features, with additional services available through a subscription. The Tiguan received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for SEL Premium models with LED headlights.

The 2021 Honda HR-V earned top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a "Superior" rating for its optional front-crash prevention tech. However, it received "Marginal" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH ease of use. The NHTSA awarded the HR-V a five-star overall safety rating. Honda Sensing safety features were available on EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.