2020 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Nissan Armada

Volkswagen completely overhauled the Tiguan for the 2018 model year, introducing an all-new second generation of its compact crossover SUV. The redesign addressed the original Tiguan’s biggest shortcoming—its diminutive size—and aimed to make it more competitively priced against rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The result was a vehicle that maintained a stylish and conservatively German exterior but showed some evidence of cost-cutting upon closer inspection. The Tiguan's clean and simple lines, adorned with Volkswagen's new flat logo, gave it a contemporary look. However, the interior was less impressive, featuring dull surfaces and hard black plastic that made it feel 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.

The Nissan Armada, a close cousin of the Nissan Patrol, underwent a significant facelift for the 2021 model year. It retained its well-known capability while adopting a new exterior design that aligned it with the latest Nissan brand aesthetics. The redesigned exterior featured a new grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED headlights and taillights, giving it a modern look without losing its traditional beefy and athletic styling. The Armada's body-color over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and acoustic windshield and front side windows were standard, along with LED lighting and power-adjustable side mirrors. Depending on the trim level, the Armada rode on 18-, 20-, or 22-inch wheels, all wrapped in all-season tires. The new Nissan logo was prominently displayed on the grille, rear, steering wheel, and wheel caps, adding a touch of modernity to the SUV's robust design.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 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 performance was only moderately fleet of foot. The Tiguan's curb weight ranged from 3,757 pounds for the front-wheel-drive model to 3,847 pounds for the all-wheel-drive version, making it heavier than competitors like the Honda CR-V. Despite its size, the Tiguan provided a comfortable driving experience with a soft suspension and well-insulated cabin, although some road noise could filter through on rough surfaces. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its larger size, making it less nimble than some competitors, but it still offered a comfortable ride.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with a robust Endurance 5.6-liter V8 engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivered an impressive 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque when running on premium fuel. The Armada came standard with rear-wheel drive, with automatic four-wheel drive available. Despite its hefty weight, maxing out over 6,000 pounds, the Armada was a capable off-roader with features like a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and Hitachi twin-tube shock absorbers. However, its fuel economy was on the low end for the segment, with RWD models getting an EPA-estimated 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. The Armada's handling had improved over the years, but it still felt like the large SUV it was, with a turning radius and maneuverability typical of its size. The Armada also boasted a best-in-class 8,500-pound maximum towing capacity when properly equipped.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, starting with its second-row seats that could slide up to seven inches fore and aft, making the third row more usable. While the third row was not spacious, it provided enough legroom for shorter adults and was cozy for kids. Front-drive Tiguans came standard with the third row, while AWD models offered it as a $595 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 plenty of hip and shoulder room in the front seats, and a seating position that made it feel larger than it was. This made the Tiguan appealing to those downsizing from larger SUVs or upgrading from smaller vehicles.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered the practicality and functionality expected of a full-size SUV. Standard running boards and in-cabin handles made it easy to hop in and out of the broad interior. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen was a standout feature, though some controls were a bit of a reach. The first and second-row seats provided ample comfort, with power-adjustable options for the front seats and available captain's chairs in the second row. The third row was less comfortable for average-sized adults but could accommodate them in a pinch. The Armada offered 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. However, the high load floor made loading and unloading a chore for petite adults. Small-item storage was limited, but the center console storage bin was a notable exception.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which was set to be replaced by MIB3 the following year. Despite this, the current system was 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 system was responsive and user-friendly, with bright colors and graphics. The Tiguan S had a single USB-C port, while higher trims had multiple USB-A ports and a wireless charging pad. VW's Digital Cockpit, available on top SEL trims, offered a customizable digital instrument panel that could display a panoramic map. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Nissan Armada saw significant tech upgrades, including a class-leading 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system was responsive and provided clear views from the car's camera system. Standard features included navigation, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB Type-A and Type-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, NissanConnect Services, keyless entry with push-button start, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Available features included a wireless charging pad, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, a rearview camera mirror, and a second-row entertainment system. The Armada Platinum trim came with all these features as standard.

For the 2020 model year, Volkswagen enhanced the Tiguan’s standard safety package, adding forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, advanced features like adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance and LED headlights with automatic high beams were reserved for the top SEL trim. All Tiguan models came with Car-Net, a telematics package offering remote locking and unlocking, status checks, and vehicle location. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, while most Tiguans with halogen headlights received a poor rating.

The 2021 Nissan Armada came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking. Additional standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear door alert. Buyers could also add a rear camera mirror and surround-view camera system. However, the Armada lacked advanced driving assist technologies like Nissan ProPilot Assist or Super Cruise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Armada a three-star rollover rating due to its 23.7-percent rollover risk.