2020 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Lexus NX

Volkswagen completely overhauled the Tiguan for the 2018 model year, introducing an all-new second generation of its compact crossover SUV. The 2020 model retained the stylish and conservatively German design, with clean and simple lines. The new flat logo adorned a horizontal grille that connected the headlights, giving it a contemporary Volkswagen look. However, the interior was less impressive, with dull surfaces and hard black plastic that made it feel plain and somewhat boring. The focus seemed to be on electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system being the highlights.

The 2021 Lexus NX carried its familial design and styling attributes, with sharp design lines that made it look similar to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models featured power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels as standard. The F Sport variant added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models had quilted NuLuxe sport seats and an optional Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material fit and finish were excellent, with a gauge cluster that, while functional, looked dated compared to newer models.

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 either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan's powertrain provided a snappy throttle response with minimal turbo lag, but it was only moderately quick due to its larger size and weight. The cabin was well-insulated from wind noise, making it a quiet highway cruiser, though some road noise could filter through on rough surfaces. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its larger size, with a longer wheelbase that made it less nimble. The suspension was soft, ensuring a comfortable driving experience even on rough roads.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but not as smooth as newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, which was average for the segment. The F Sport models featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically. The NX offered FWD as standard, with AWD available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model getting 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and an electronically limited top speed of 124 mph.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, with a second row of seats that could slide up to seven inches fore and aft, making the third row useful. The third row was standard on FWD models and optional on AWD models. The split second-row seats folded flat, providing 65.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row collapsed and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The Tiguan felt roomy, with plenty of hip and shoulder room in the front seats. The abundant glass and seating position made it feel larger than it was, appealing to those downsizing from larger SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus NX had an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The second row provided good legroom for two adults. The NX offered 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down, making it one of the smallest in its class. The cabin was well-insulated from road and wind noise, typical of a Lexus. The NX featured a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and optional power-folding rear seats.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display in the base S trim and an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen in higher trims. The system was responsive and user-friendly, with bright colors and graphics. 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, offering a customizable digital instrument panel. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Lexus NX had an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included HomeLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lexus system was less user-friendly, with functions buried deep in menus and reliance on a touchpad. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Navigation package added two speakers to the standard eight-speaker system, with a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system available on top trims. The NX was compatible with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app, offering remote locking/unlocking, engine start/stop, and climate control adjustments.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan came with a standard safety package that included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. 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 connected the vehicle to an owner’s smartphone, offering remote locking/unlocking, status checks, and vehicle location. The Tiguan was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for top SEL Premium models with LED headlights.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard, including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional extras included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.