2020 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Lexus GX

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
$24,945MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Lexus GX
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
$24,945MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus GX scores 5.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is the better choice for most consumers, offering a more modern and practical package with superior technology and safety features.

Overview

MSRP

$24,945

MSRP

$53,450

Average price

$19,167

Average price

$44,442

Listings

957

Listings

409
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

5.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Poor handling
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Premium interior materials
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Poor handling
  • Outdated technology

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews Summary

The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of only two compact crossover SUV’s that currently offer third-row seating. (And the other is the hopelessly outdated Mitsubishi Outlander.) To fit the extra pair of surprisingly spacious seats, VW made the Tiguan much larger than average for its competitive set—which suits a vehicle that fills big shoes in VW dealerships. With five trim levels and prices that stretch from just under $26,000 to a bit over $40,000, the Tiguan is the German brand’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S.

2021 Lexus GX Reviews Summary

Most modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460.

Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in the United States), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years.

That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in Lexus’ lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery.

For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates, including a new Premium Plus Package, and acoustic front side glass. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. Our test car was the midlevel Premium version.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 184 hp I4

Engine

4.6L 301 hp V8

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

184 hp @ 4400 rpm

Horsepower

301 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

22

MPG City

15

MPG Highway

29

MPG Highway

19
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
$24,945MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus GX
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
$24,945MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus GX scores 5.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is the better choice for most consumers, offering a more modern and practical package with superior technology and safety features.

Overview
MSRP
$24,945
$53,450
Average price
$19,167
$44,442
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.6
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

5.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Poor handling
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Premium interior materials
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Poor handling
  • Outdated technology
Summary
The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of only two compact crossover SUV’s that currently offer third-row seating. (And the other is the hopelessly outdated Mitsubishi Outlander.) To fit the extra pair of surprisingly spacious seats, VW made the Tiguan much larger than average for its competitive set—which suits a vehicle that fills big shoes in VW dealerships. With five trim levels and prices that stretch from just under $26,000 to a bit over $40,000, the Tiguan is the German brand’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S.

Most modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460.

Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in the United States), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years.

That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in Lexus’ lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery.

For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates, including a new Premium Plus Package, and acoustic front side glass. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. Our test car was the midlevel Premium version.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 184 hp I4
4.6L 301 hp V8
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
184 hp @ 4400 rpm
301 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
22
15
MPG Highway
29
19
Look and feel
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
8/10
2021 Lexus GX
7/10

Volkswagen had completely revamped the Tiguan for the 2018 model year, addressing its previous shortcomings, particularly its small size and higher price point compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The 2020 Tiguan maintained its stylish and conservatively German exterior, featuring clean lines and a horizontal grille adorned with VW's new flat logo. However, the interior showed signs of cost-cutting, with dull surfaces and hard black plastic, making it appear plain and somewhat boring. 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 Lexus GX 460 retained the same basic body shell from a decade ago, with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's exterior styling was coherent and distinctive, appealing to SUV shoppers with its tough, aggressive look. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Despite standard leather upholstery, the overall feel was not up to par with contemporary expectations.

Performance
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
7/10
2021 Lexus GX
6/10

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. The Tiguan's powertrain offered a snappy throttle response with minimal turbo lag, but its larger size and weight made it only moderately quick. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its longer wheelbase, making it less nimble than competitors. However, it provided a comfortable driving experience with a well-insulated cabin and a quiet highway ride.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine, generating 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's V8 engine provided ample grunt for acceleration, but its 5,130-pound weight made higher-speed maneuvers challenging. The GX's ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with low grip and significant body roll in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various off-road driver aids. The GX also had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

Form and function
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
9/10
2021 Lexus GX
5/10

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan offered practicality with its second-row seats that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row useful for shorter adults and children. Front-drive Tiguans came with a standard third row, while AWD models had it as an option. The Tiguan's cargo capacity was impressive, with 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 plenty of hip and shoulder room in the front seats and abundant glass providing a spacious feel.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics showed its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position made it feel like driving a bus. The GX's boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best reserved for children due to limited space. Cargo capacity was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, and minimal space with the third row up.

Technology
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
9/10
2021 Lexus GX
4/10

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which was set to be replaced by MIB3 the following year. The current system was already one of the best on the market, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base S trim and an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen in higher trims. The Tiguan also offered a fully digital instrument panel, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims included additional USB ports and a wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a more straightforward interface. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available as an option.

Safety
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
6/10
2021 Lexus GX
6/10

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan came with an improved standard safety package, including 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 was standard, offering remote locking and unlocking, status checks, and vehicle location. The Tiguan received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for models with LED headlights.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle as standard, featuring forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some safety features available in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

Cost Effectiveness
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
7/10
2021 Lexus GX
4/10
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