2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen completely revamped the Tiguan for the 2018 model year, addressing its previous size and price issues. The 2020 Tiguan maintained its stylish, conservatively German exterior with clean lines and a horizontal grille featuring VW's new flat logo. However, the interior was less impressive, with plain, hard black plastic surfaces that lacked the sophistication VW was once known for. The focus seemed to have shifted to electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system standing out as highlights.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona, in contrast, offered a funky and playful exterior design aimed at younger buyers. The front featured a busy grille flanked by multiple lighting elements, while the rear was more subdued with a standard crossover shape. Inside, the Kona managed to balance fun and functionality, with neat seat patterns and an intuitive layout. Higher trims offered leather upgrades, and the infotainment system was mounted high on the dash for easy access.

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. Despite its snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag, the Tiguan's performance was only moderate due to its hefty curb weight of 3,757 pounds for FWD and 3,847 pounds for AWD models. The Tiguan offered a quiet cabin and a comfortable ride, but its larger size impacted its nimbleness, making it less fun to drive compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-5.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona offered two powertrain options: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, and an optional turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The base engine came with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the turbo engine was paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Kona's handling was surprisingly confident and agile, providing a fun driving experience. Fuel economy was also commendable, with the base engine and FWD returning an EPA-estimated 27/33/30 mpg city/highway/combined.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, especially with its second-row seats that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. The third row, though not spacious, was adequate for shorter adults and children. Front-drive Tiguans came standard with the third row, while AWD models offered it as an option. The cargo space was impressive, with up to 73.5 cubic feet available in two-row models. The Tiguan's front seats provided ample hip and shoulder room, making it feel as roomy as some midsize SUVs.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona, however, fell short in cargo space compared to its competitors. The front seats offered decent headroom and legroom, with controls and displays within easy reach. The rear seats provided good headroom but limited legroom, making it less comfortable for taller passengers. The Kona's large rear door openings facilitated loading and unloading children, but large rear-facing car seats could pose issues. Small-item storage was generous, with large door pockets and a spacious center console area.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which was set to be replaced by MIB3 the following year. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims boasted an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen with bright colors and a responsive processor. The Tiguan S had a single USB-C port, while higher trims had multiple 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 Hyundai Kona came equipped with an eight-inch infotainment system touchscreen, Bluetooth, six speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB inputs. Available tech included SiriusXM radio, navigation, wireless device charging, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The infotainment software was simple, colorful, and responsive, making it easy to navigate and use.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package by adding forward-collision warning with 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. VW's Car-Net telematics package offered remote locking, status checks, and vehicle location, with additional features available through a subscription plan. The Tiguan earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS for top SEL Premium models with LED headlights, but most models had halogen headlights rated poorly by the IIHS.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a driver attention warning system, and rear occupant alert. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and parking sensors.