2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen had completely revamped the Tiguan for the 2018 model year, creating a second generation of its compact crossover SUV. This redesign addressed the original Tiguan’s small size and high price, making it more competitive with the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The 2020 Tiguan maintained a stylish and conservatively German exterior, featuring clean lines and a horizontal grille with the new flat VW logo. However, cost-cutting measures were evident upon closer inspection.

Inside, the Tiguan’s interior was plain and lacked the premium feel Volkswagen was once known for. The cabin had dull surfaces and hard black plastic, making it less appealing. The focus seemed to have shifted to electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system standing out as highlights.

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, introduced for the 2020 model year, continued into 2021. Initially launched as the GL-Class in 2006, it was intended to replace the G-Class but instead found its niche among pragmatic, affluent buyers. The GLS offered three rows of seating and a luxurious interior, making it a family-friendly alternative to the Navigator and Escalade. The name change to “GLS” occurred midway through the second generation.

The 2021 GLS had a more refined and svelte appearance compared to its predecessors. Inside, it featured a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dashboard. This screen highlighted the tech-centric controls of the latest GLS. The SUV was available in three trims: GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63, each offering a range of standard and optional features to enhance comfort and convenience.

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 was tuned for torque, providing a snappy throttle response with minimal turbo lag. However, its performance was only moderate, especially when fully loaded, and passing on the highway required patience.

Despite its size, the Tiguan offered a relatively quiet ride, with a well-insulated cabin that minimized wind noise. The suspension was soft, ensuring a comfortable driving experience even on rough roads. However, the Tiguan’s larger size and longer wheelbase impacted its handling, making it less nimble than some competitors. The steering firmed up in sport mode but remained too light in normal mode.

The entry-level 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, delivering 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

The AMG GLS 63 boasted a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, generating 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission, enabled the GLS 63 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph. The GLS 63 featured an adaptive air suspension system, adjustable ground clearance, and multiple drive-mode settings, providing a precise and composed ride.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, starting with its second-row seats that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. While the third row was not spacious, it offered enough legroom 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 of space when the third row was folded and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The front seats provided ample hip and shoulder room, and the abundant glass made the cabin feel spacious. The Tiguan’s wide beam and seating position contributed to its roomy feel, appealing to those downsizing from larger SUVs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. The third row was also suitable for full-size adults, a rarity among three-row SUVs. The GLS had 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The GLS featured numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad. The center console, though not large enough for a purse, provided additional storage space. The power-folding third row and convenient toggles near the tailgate made it easy to maximize cargo space.

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 display in the base S trim and an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen in higher trims. The infotainment system was responsive and user-friendly, with bright colors and graphics.

The Tiguan S had a single USB-C port, while higher trims had two USB-A ports in the front and one in the second row. A wireless charging pad was available in trims above S. The Digital Cockpit, available on top SEL trims, offered a customizable digital instrument panel, enhancing the driving experience. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a simple trackpad. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable for connection. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like “Hey Mercedes,” making it easy to find destinations or control functions.

The GLS’s digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The right pad controlled the infotainment screen, while the left pad controlled the instrument panel. This setup allowed drivers to customize the display and manage the extensive technology in the GLS.

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 with lane-keeping assistance and LED headlights with automatic high beams were reserved for the top SEL trim. The Tiguan also included Car-Net, a telematics package offering remote locking, status checks, and vehicle location.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional standard features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Optional safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and stop-and-go cruise control.