2021 Honda Passport vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
$24,945MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Honda Passport
2021 Honda Passport
$32,790MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
$24,945MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Passport
$32,790MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Passport scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Honda Passport is the recommended choice, offering a more powerful engine, greater cargo capacity, and a higher safety rating, making it a versatile and reliable option for consumers.

Overview

MSRP

$24,945

MSRP

$32,790

Average price

$19,165

Average price

$28,252

Listings

957

Listings

1221
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Poor handling
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Powerful engine
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Uncomfortable seats

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews Summary

The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of only two compact crossover SUV’s that currently offer third-row seating. (And the other is the hopelessly outdated Mitsubishi Outlander.) To fit the extra pair of surprisingly spacious seats, VW made the Tiguan much larger than average for its competitive set—which suits a vehicle that fills big shoes in VW dealerships. With five trim levels and prices that stretch from just under $26,000 to a bit over $40,000, the Tiguan is the German brand’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S.

2021 Honda Passport Reviews Summary

The 2021 Honda Passport was introduced for the 2019 model year. It carries over to 2021 largely unchanged, but with some additional features. First used by Honda in the early 1990s, the Passport name harkens back to a time when SUVs were more about rugged off-road capability. SUVs are very different beasts these days, and the Passport bridges the gap as an adventurous crossover SUV that is designed with daily life in mind.

The Passport is closely related to the Honda Pilot. The fact that Honda offers multiple midsize SUVs might seem confusing. Automakers always talk about not wanting one model to cannibalize sales of another. Though the Honda Passport and the Honda Pilot are in the same category, the Passport stands out as a more active alternative. It leverages that older more rugged Honda nameplate and backs it up with some features not found on the family-hauling Pilot.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 184 hp I4

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

184 hp @ 4400 rpm

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

22

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

29

MPG Highway

25
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
$24,945MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Passport
2021 Honda Passport
$32,790MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
$24,945MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Passport
$32,790MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Passport scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Honda Passport is the recommended choice, offering a more powerful engine, greater cargo capacity, and a higher safety rating, making it a versatile and reliable option for consumers.

Overview
MSRP
$24,945
$32,790
Average price
$19,165
$28,252
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.3
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Poor handling
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Powerful engine
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Uncomfortable seats
Summary
The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of only two compact crossover SUV’s that currently offer third-row seating. (And the other is the hopelessly outdated Mitsubishi Outlander.) To fit the extra pair of surprisingly spacious seats, VW made the Tiguan much larger than average for its competitive set—which suits a vehicle that fills big shoes in VW dealerships. With five trim levels and prices that stretch from just under $26,000 to a bit over $40,000, the Tiguan is the German brand’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S.

The 2021 Honda Passport was introduced for the 2019 model year. It carries over to 2021 largely unchanged, but with some additional features. First used by Honda in the early 1990s, the Passport name harkens back to a time when SUVs were more about rugged off-road capability. SUVs are very different beasts these days, and the Passport bridges the gap as an adventurous crossover SUV that is designed with daily life in mind.

The Passport is closely related to the Honda Pilot. The fact that Honda offers multiple midsize SUVs might seem confusing. Automakers always talk about not wanting one model to cannibalize sales of another. Though the Honda Passport and the Honda Pilot are in the same category, the Passport stands out as a more active alternative. It leverages that older more rugged Honda nameplate and backs it up with some features not found on the family-hauling Pilot.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 184 hp I4
3.5L 280 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
7
5
Horsepower
184 hp @ 4400 rpm
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
22
20
MPG Highway
29
25
Look and feel
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
8/10
2021 Honda Passport
9/10

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned in 2018, presented a stylish yet conservative German exterior, characterized by clean lines and a horizontal grille adorned with VW's new flat logo. Despite its contemporary look, the Tiguan's interior was less impressive, featuring plain and hard black plastic surfaces that lacked the sophistication VW was once known for. The focus seemed to have shifted towards electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system standing out as highlights.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Passport, essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, shared many styling elements with its sibling, both inside and out. The Passport's interior boasted high-quality materials and a spacious layout, although it retained Honda's awkward button shifter design. The Passport offered a range of trims, from the entry-level Sport to the top-tier Elite, each adding more features like leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and advanced audio systems, making it a well-rounded choice for those seeking comfort and convenience.

Performance
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
7/10
2021 Honda Passport
7/10

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. Despite its size and weight, the Tiguan delivered a snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag, though it was not the quickest in its class. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its larger size, with a longer wheelbase that made it less nimble than some competitors. However, it provided a comfortable ride with a soft suspension and a quiet cabin, making it a pleasant highway cruiser.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the Passport offered strong acceleration and smooth power management. Its ride was a blend of comfort and refined handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and drive modes for various terrains. The Passport's towing capacity was notable, with FWD models capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds and AWD models up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile option for those needing extra capability.

Form and function
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
9/10
2021 Honda Passport
8/10

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, with a second row of seats that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. While the third row was not spacious, it was adequate for shorter adults or children. The Tiguan offered a cargo capacity of 65.7 cubic feet with the third row collapsed, and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models, providing ample space for a compact SUV. The front seats were roomy, with plenty of hip and shoulder room, and the abundant glass made the interior feel even more spacious.

The 2021 Honda Passport provided a generous 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet was available in an under-floor storage tray. The Passport's upright seating position offered excellent visibility, and the interior featured deep storage bins and pockets for added convenience. The rear seats were spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, and could recline and slide for added comfort.

Technology
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
9/10
2021 Honda Passport
7/10

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which, despite being slated for an upgrade, was one of the best on the market. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims boasted an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen with bright colors and responsive controls. The Tiguan included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered a wireless charging pad and VW's Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital instrument panel.

For 2021, the Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard, integrated with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While these features were a welcome addition, the system's dated graphics and confusing menu layout left room for improvement. The inclusion of a volume dial was appreciated, though the overall audio interface could benefit from further refinement.

Safety
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
6/10
2021 Honda Passport
9/10

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan came with a standard safety package that included 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 the top SEL trim. The Tiguan was equipped with Car-Net, a telematics package offering remote access and monitoring features. The IIHS rated the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, while most models with halogen headlights received a poor rating.

The 2021 Honda Passport was well-equipped with safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, though it received "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use.

Cost Effectiveness
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
7/10
2021 Honda Passport
8/10
N/A
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By: CarGurus + AI

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