2020 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned in 2018, presented a stylish yet conservative German aesthetic. Its exterior featured clean lines and a horizontal grille connecting the headlights, maintaining a classic car look without adventurous elements. However, the interior was less impressive, with plain design and hard black plastic surfaces, a departure from Volkswagen's previous reputation for superior interiors. The focus shifted to electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system as highlights.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, especially in Calligraphy trim, stood out with its unique grille pattern, revised lighting, and luxurious interior detailing. The Palisade's unconventional styling drew mixed reactions, but its appearance suggested a higher price point than its actual cost. Inside, the Palisade offered a premium feel with quilted Nappa leather and a suede headliner, making it a standout in the midsize three-row SUV class.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, with the latter as a $1,300 upgrade. Despite its size and weight, the Tiguan delivered a snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag, though highway passing required patience. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its larger size, with a longer wheelbase affecting nimbleness. Its suspension provided a comfortable ride, but the steering remained light even in sport mode.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade featured a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes, including a Snow mode for AWD models. The Palisade's firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without encouraging aggressive behavior. It was undemanding in typical driving scenarios, with ample power and easy maneuverability. The Palisade also boasted a 5,000-pound towing capacity, enhanced by a new seven-pin trailer connector.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, with a sliding second row and an optional third row, making it versatile for passengers and cargo. The third row, though not spacious, was more accommodating than many larger vehicles. The Tiguan offered up to 73.5 cubic feet of cargo space in two-row models, surpassing competitors like the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4. The driver's seat provided a roomy feel, akin to midsize SUVs, with abundant glass enhancing the sense of space.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a nearly perfect interior size and accessibility, especially in Calligraphy trim. It featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, and a more accommodating third row. The Palisade provided ample in-cabin storage and a hands-free Smart Liftgate for convenience. Cargo space was generous, with up to 86.4 cubic feet available when the second and third rows were folded.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's MIB II infotainment system, though soon to be replaced, was among the best in its class. It featured a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, with the latter offering a glass surface and speedy processor. The Tiguan included USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and VW’s Digital Cockpit on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with 8-inch and 10.25-inch touchscreens. The smaller screen supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the larger required a wired connection. The Palisade Calligraphy included SiriusXM, navigation, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and more. Additional features included wireless charging, a Driver Talk intercom, Quiet Mode, and a head-up display.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its safety package with standard 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 top trims. VW's Car-Net telematics offered remote access and monitoring features. The Tiguan earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS for models with LED headlights.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems standard. It featured a rear occupant alert system and active blind-spot monitoring. Highway Drive Assist provided advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with Blue Link services offering additional safety features.