2021 Honda Odyssey 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 2020 model retained the stylish and conservatively German design, with clean and simple lines and a horizontal grille connecting the headlights. However, the interior showed signs of cost-cutting, with dull surfaces and hard black plastic, making it less impressive than previous Volkswagen interiors. The focus seemed to have shifted to electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system standing out.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, with a styling theme dating back a decade, received minor tweaks for the new model year. The grille and front bumper were new, and every trim level got standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. New wheel designs debuted for the top three trim levels, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretched the width of the taillights. These modifications modernized the Odyssey by reducing brightwork, giving it a more contemporary look. The Elite trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels, making it closer than ever to serving as the Acura of minivans.

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 fleet of foot. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its larger size, with a longer wheelbase making it less nimble. The suspension was soft, ensuring a comfortable driving experience, even on rough roads. However, the Tiguan's steering was too light in normal mode, and the sport mode didn't firm it up enough.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The engine included variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. The Odyssey's drivetrain provided smooth, effortless power, and the ride and handling qualities contributed to a pleasurable driving experience. The steering was perfectly weighted, and the ride was firm but not uncomfortable. However, the brakes did not withstand much abuse, heating up and suffering fade during a Southern California heatwave test.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan offered practicality with its second row of seats that could slide up to seven inches fore and aft, making the third row useful. The third row had enough legroom for shorter adults and was cozy for kids. Front-drive Tiguans had the third row as standard, while AWD models had it as an option. 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 Tiguans. The Tiguan felt roomy, with plenty of hip and shoulder room in the front seats and abundant glass in its greenhouse.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and lots of storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, and the Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row seats featured Honda's Magic Slide layout, allowing for various seating modes. The third-row seats accommodated both children and adults with ease. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was not particularly enjoyable.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display 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 USB-A ports and a wireless charging pad. VW's Digital Cockpit was available on top SEL trims, offering a customizable digital instrument panel. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and HondaLink connectivity. Touring trim added a navigation system, WiFi capability, CabinWatch interior camera, and CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription plans offered additional features like automatic collision notification, remote operation of the engine and door locks, and a personal assistant. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

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 IIHS rated the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, while most Tiguans with halogen headlights received a poor rating.

Honda improved the Odyssey’s safety for 2021, making Honda Sensing standard with base LX trim. Honda Sensing added low-speed follow capability to the adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. However, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning required upgrading to EX trim. The Odyssey’s ADAS worked accurately but could apply too much or uneven braking. The IIHS ratings were expected to carry over, with the Odyssey earning top five-star ratings from the NHTSA for every assessment except rollover resistance, which received a four-star score.