2021 Honda Pilot 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 VW'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 in an otherwise simple cockpit.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance style with functionality, offering a rugged appearance since its 2019 refresh. Available in seven trims, including the new Special Edition and the upscale Black Edition, the Pilot's design was an acquired taste. The Black Edition featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents, while the interior boasted quality materials and practical features like a flat dashboard and ample storage. Despite its minivan-like feel from the front seat, the Pilot's design was practical for families, though its exterior might not appeal to everyone.

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 a snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag. However, the Tiguan's larger size and weight, ranging from 3,757 to 3,847 pounds, impacted its agility and required patience during highway passing. Despite this, the Tiguan provided a quiet and comfortable ride, with a well-insulated cabin and a suspension system that ensured a smooth driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, combined with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and refined acceleration. The Pilot's torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system enhanced its handling, while features like Hill Start Assist and Intelligent Traction Management improved traction. The Pilot offered a comfortable ride with its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, though its off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, offering a versatile interior with a sliding second row and an optional 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 up to 73.5 cubic feet available in two-row models. The front seats offered ample hip and shoulder room, and the vehicle's abundant glass and seating position made it feel larger than it was, appealing to those transitioning from larger SUVs.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight people with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs were available, offering comfort and sliding functionality for easier third-row access. The Pilot's cargo space was generous, with up to 83.9 cubic feet available, and numerous storage solutions throughout the cabin made it practical for family use.

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 system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base trim, with an 8-inch upgrade available in higher trims. The Tiguan offered standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured VW’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital instrument panel, and a wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The Pilot's infotainment system was adequate, though the screen size and voice-recognition technology could be improved. The Touring trim also featured a rear-seat entertainment system and a Cabin Talk feature for easier communication with rear passengers.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were reserved for higher trims. The Tiguan included Car-Net telematics, offering remote access and monitoring features. The IIHS rated the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick for models with LED headlights, though most trims had halogen headlights rated poorly.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. While the Pilot's safety systems were effective, they lacked refinement. The NHTSA awarded the Pilot a five-star overall rating, and the IIHS gave it high ratings, with some variations based on trim and headlight quality.