2020 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Kia Sorento

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned in 2018, presented a stylish yet conservative German aesthetic. Its clean lines and horizontal grille, adorned with VW's new flat logo, gave it a contemporary look without being overly adventurous. However, the interior was less impressive, with plain design elements and 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.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Sorento marked a significant departure from its predecessor's jelly-bean styling, adopting a more athletic and muscular silhouette. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package added roof rails and a shark fin antenna, enhancing its rugged appeal. The Sorento's tiger-nose grille and squinting headlights contributed to its modern look, while the interior boasted high-value features like heated mirrors, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Despite a tight third row, the Sorento offered comfortable second-row captain's chairs and ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered a snappy throttle response with minimal turbo lag. However, its larger size and weight, ranging from 3,757 to 3,847 pounds, made it less nimble compared to competitors. The Tiguan's suspension provided a comfortable ride, but its handling was not particularly sporty, making it a better choice for those prioritizing size over driving excitement.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, on the other hand, offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine, coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivered impressive performance, especially in Sport mode. The Sorento's AWD system with torque vectoring and a center-locking differential enhanced its traction and handling. Despite its 4,000-pound weight, the Sorento maintained composure in corners, providing a smooth and comfortable ride.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, with a sliding second row that made the third row more usable. While the third row was not spacious, it offered 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 provided ample hip and shoulder room, and the abundant glass contributed to a roomy feel, making it a suitable choice for those downsizing from larger SUVs.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, while offering three rows, was best considered a four-seater in higher trims due to the tight third row. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, and the front and rear seats provided generous legroom. Cargo space was decent, with 75.5 cubic feet available when the third row was folded. The Sorento's interior featured practical storage solutions, including cupholders and a center console bucket, making it a versatile option for families.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which, despite being due for an upgrade, was one of the best in its class. The 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims offered bright colors and responsive performance. The Tiguan also included VW's Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital instrument panel, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, USB-C ports were limited, with only one available in the base trim.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in lower trims, while the 10.25-inch screen in higher trims required a wired connection. The Sorento's infotainment system was user-friendly, though the lack of a dedicated home button was a drawback. The optional Bose stereo was underwhelming, and the navigation system needed improvement. Despite these quirks, the Sorento provided ample USB ports and practical tech features.

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 higher trims. The Tiguan was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for models with LED headlights, but most models had halogen headlights rated poorly.

The 2021 Kia Sorento boasted a comprehensive array of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and auto high beams. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control was smooth and effective, though the lane-keeping assist could be overly sensitive. The NHTSA awarded the Sorento four out of five stars overall, while the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick, with higher trims receiving better ratings for their LED headlights.