2021 Jeep Cherokee 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 Tiguan maintained this contemporary Volkswagen styling with clean and simple lines. The new flat logo adorned a horizontal grille that connected the headlights, presenting a conservative yet stylish German design. However, the interior failed to impress, with dull surfaces and hard black plastic that felt plain and uninspired. The focus seemed to shift towards electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system being the highlights.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had mellowed since its debut, with a more proportioned look despite the short grille and swept-back headlights. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels. Jeep's design prowess was evident in the optional panoramic sunroof that covered the entire top surface. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially from the front.

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 substantial curb weight of 3,757 pounds for FWD and 3,847 pounds for AWD models. The Tiguan offered a quiet and comfortable highway cruising experience, although some road noise could filter through on rough surfaces. Its handling was impacted by its larger size, with a longer wheelbase making it less nimble compared to competitors.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower, a 3.2-liter V-6 with 271 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Cherokee's acceleration was adequate, with the V6 and turbo-four engines achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had proven to be a capable and fuel-saving option. The Cherokee Trailhawk model excelled in off-road capability, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the availability of FWD in some models aimed to keep prices competitive.

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 provided enough legroom for shorter adults and children. Front-drive Tiguans came standard with the third row, while AWD models offered it as an option. The split second-row seats folded flat, providing a cargo capacity of 65.7 cubic feet with the third row collapsed and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The Tiguan's interior felt roomy, with ample hip and shoulder room, and a seating position that made it feel larger than it was.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than its competitors. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in this metric. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with trim levels significantly affecting the cabin's feel. The Latitude trim featured rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk offered suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux trim boasted perforated Nappa leather upholstery for a more upscale appearance.

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 offered an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen with a glass surface, bright colors, and a responsive processor. 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, providing a customizable digital instrument panel. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system was available with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both screens were well-designed and responsive. The Cherokee supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only via wired connections, and offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was also available. The Uconnect system was praised for its user-friendly interface and consistent performance across different Stellantis vehicles.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package, adding forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, features like adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance and LED headlights with automatic high beams 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 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, but most models with halogen headlights were rated poorly.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS but received top "Good" scores in crashworthiness categories and a G+ score for LATCH child seat anchors. The Cherokee's headlights received mixed ratings, with upper trims rated "Acceptable" and others "Marginal." The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning with lane keep assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was only available on higher trims.